Fort Saskatchewan hosted its annual Canada Day celebration on July 1, with the parade hosting thousands of residents lining the streets of Downtown.
The parade hosted floats from various organizations around the Fort Saskatchewan region.
Mayor Gale Katcher and Member of Parliament for Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan Garnett Genuis both spoke at the opening ceremony for the festivities that took place throughout the afternoon in Legacy Park.
The Legacy Park area hosted plenty of fun activities for the whole family, including face painting, food trucks and a ninja warrior-inspired obstacle course.
Canada gained its independence 158 years ago, but this year, Fort Saskatchewan also had something special to celebrate. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Fort Saskatchewan becoming a city, as well as the 150-year anniversary of Fort Saskatchewan being established as a fort, originally called the Sturgeon Creek Post.
Mayor Gale Katcher mentioned during her speech that there will be a 150th anniversary celebration taking place in August of this year. She also took the time to talk about how the city has been improving as a community.
“We…have a new swimming pool that’s up for design right now. We just re-opened the JRC (Jubilee Recreation Center). A second fire hall design is underway. And of course, looking forward to the new disc golf open in west river’s edge in July. [O]ur community is growing and we are blessed.”
Both the Mayor and MP Garnett Genuis mentioned how thankful they are that the weather was at least somewhat co-operative during the day, especially after fears that the parade may have to be cancelled if a rainstorm came in.
“I think back to past years where I’ve spoken to rain-covered benches. It’s a beautiful day; we had an incredible parade. I think it’s the largest crowd I’ve ever seen out here for a parade.”
