Smoky Lake embraces family and community

By Brandie Majeau
Smoky Lake embraced a spirited celebration of family and community
engagement with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, live musical performances, local
food, vendors, and the essence of community spirit. The 2024 Family Day event drew
140 participants to share in the excitement and vivacity, a demonstration of solidarity for
the Town of Smoky Lake.
In addition to the local vendors and their display of awe-inspiring goods, the
market included a traditional Cabane a sucre (Sugar Shack) and the TELUS Hot Dog
Stand with sales going to support the local food bank. The atmosphere was palpable,
radiating an effervescent mood as live accordion and fiddler performances pierced the
air. The melodies called to guests to mingle and move among the various activities,
flitting between arts & crafts, a scavenger hunt, and a fun family day photo shoot.
Guests could also pull up a chair and watch “Abominable”, cozying up with friends and
family to enjoy the show and share a bag of goodies.
The gaiety spilled outdoors where roaring fires beckoned to cozy up beside, or
calls encouraged skates to be pulled on and laced tight, gliding in contentment, or
playing in friendly competition. Children of all ages were encouraged to participate in
the artistic endeavor of snow painting or challenging themselves to relay races. The
day would not have been complete without the catering of Chris from the Ag complex
canteen, featuring a variety of hot beverages and…a poutine bar.
The Town of Smoky Lake outdid itself with its spectacular display of community
engagement and festivities. The event included a variety of surveys and feedback
papers and included displays on program services, local initiatives, and volunteer sign-
up opportunities. The celebrations of Family Day were overwhelmingly positive, the
activities were enjoyable, there was a great deal of community support through local
fundraising, and overall, it evoked a sense of unity.