Smoky Lake celebrates being Canadian

By Brandie Majeau

The Canada Day festivities in Smoky Lake were a result of the collaborative

efforts of the Family and Community Support Services team and a dedicated group of

volunteers. Their hard work and commitment turned the town into a hub of celebration,

creating a magical and memorable experience for all ages. The Smoky Lake Fire &

Rescue, in a unique twist, traded their rescue tools for kitchen ones and flipped

pancakes for the occasion. The Agricultural Complex was transformed into a lively

space, with clusters of tables filled with families who were determined to not let the cool

morning air dampen their Canada Day celebrations.

The event was a lively and colorful affair, filled with bouncy castles, balloon

animals, face painting, and games. A group of talented flow arts performers

mesmerized the guests with their skillful performances, as people roamed between the

agricultural complex and the park. Despite the cool start to the day, the spray park was

turned on, and a foam pit was set up, much to everyone’s delight. The sight of kids

dancing and diving into the mountains of bubbles brought joy to all who attended.

The gazebo became a makeshift workshop as children arrived with bicycles in

tow and transformed their bikes into Canadian creations for the annual children’s bike

parade. Crepe paper, flags, stickers, and beads were carefully placed, and then thirty

participants waited patiently for the RCMP safety bear to lead the way. The procession

boasted their very own police escort leading the way and a fire truck following behind.

The flash of lights and a blast of siren announced the procession as they made their

way through the streets and then raced back to the “bike parking lot” to receive various

prizes and Canadian Swag.

Tara Harder led the gathering in a beautiful group rendition of O’ Canada. Deputy

Mayor Marianne Prockiw-Zarusky presented greetings and Happy Canada Day on

behalf of the council, quoting Sir John A MacDonald, “Let us be Canadian”. Marianne

continued to expand on Smoky Lake and its mosaic of cultures, a connection and

belonging of a community, and a town proudly symbolizing all that it means to be

Canadian.

As the live entertainment began and music flowed through the air, complimentary

hotdogs were grilled up, and cupcakes were passed around. The mood was light. The

performing artists flowed through the crowd, encouraging interactive participation and

juggling. Guests clapped and tapped their feet waiting in lines. Children danced

between the tables filled with families and neighbors, and the joy and happiness of

Canada Day shone through the smiles. Families kept coming, and the sun broke

through the gloom to shine on the day.

The Town of Smoky Lake in addition to Smoky Lake FCSS gives a huge shout

out to all their volunteers and the local police and fire department for their support. The

Smoky Lake Canada Day celebration was funded in part by the Government of Canada,

additionally, the Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA) partnered with the Town of Smoky Lake

and sponsored the balloon twister and roving entertainers for the event.