Alberta Day festivities will be held in Rocky Mountain House for the very first time Aug. 31 at Helen Hunley Park (5404 48 St.).
Organized by the newly-formed Rocky Mountain House Community Events Committee, the event will feature activities such as face painting, a bouncy castle, games and crafts, as well as free admission to certain local amenities.
Tina Hutchinson, chair of the Community Events Committee says the committee was founded earlier in 2024 to have the town of Rocky Mountain House more front-and-centre at community celebrations such as Alberta Day.
“We really felt that there was something missing in the town of Rocky as there are a lot of other really great events that are put on by other organizations,” says Hutchinson. “Council felt that we were really missing something that was binding and really bringing some positivity to the community.”
Hutchinson says she received an email in June about available funding for Alberta Day, which resulted in the seven-member committee receiving a $5,000 provincial grant to put on an event.
It will be a brand new event for the community, says Hutchinson, as Alberta Day has been observed elsewhere in the province over the past two years, but not yet in Rocky.
“There are quite a few communities that are planning some sort of event for Alberta Day,” says Hutchinson. “I think it’s something that’s going to get bigger and stronger as people become more familiar with it.”
During the day, organizers say visitors can explore the history of the province and the local area with historical displays set up at the park. A Metis jigging demonstration is also planned.
The family zone will feature bouncy castles and a fire truck from Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services, says Hutchinson, while partner Confluence Heritage Society will be providing games.
Craft stations will be set up at the library and food trucks will be set up at the Lou Soppit Community Centre.
Helen Hunley Memorial Public Library in Rocky Mountain House. (94.5 Rewind Radio/Jordan Rein)
Hutchinson also says the public will have a chance to put their painted handprint on a police cruiser which will feature the tagline: ‘It takes many hands to build a community.’
The Town of Rocky Mountain House has also announced free access to the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre and the Co-op Credit Union Aquatic Centre on Aug. 31 all day.
The Rocky Museum will also be offering free admission from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., says Hutchinson, but donations are still encouraged.
The day will culminate with an outdoor movie at nearby Curtis Field from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Hutchinson says people are asked to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs, but Rocky Credit Union will be providing free popcorn and Cow Lake Store will be providing ice cream.
Hutchinson adds part of the reason for starting the Community Events Committee was to bring awareness and recognition to all the good things that are happening in the Rocky Mountain House community that many are simply unaware of or haven’t yet checked out.
Alberta Day was first announced in July 2022 by former premier Jason Kenney, with the inaugural celebrations for the occasion happening Sept. 1 of the same year.
On September 1, 1905, the Alberta Act came into effect, which formally established the province of Alberta. The government said that recognizing this day every year will give residents the chance to celebrate all things that are uniquely Albertan.
“Creating a new annual tradition of Alberta Day – the day we entered Confederation – will be one way of showing our pride in this amazing province,” stated former premier Kenney.
While everyone’s invited to come out and simply enjoy the day, Hutchinson adds the committee is hoping to fill a number of volunteer positions. If people are interested they can email events@trmh.ca.
Hutchinson adds the committee will be meeting in the fall to plan other community events throughout the year, such as the possibility of a Town-organized Family Day event in February, or block parties at town parks throughout the summer.
Sylvan Lake, Drayton Valley and Clive are other central Alberta communities that have Alberta Day celebrations planned.
(with files from rdnewsNOW)
(Town of Rocky Mountain House)
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