The return of Canada Day celebrations to the riverbank was a celebration of the many cultures that help make Prince Albert, Prince Albert.
Dozens of people came out to enjoy the music, kids activities and food trucks. While the blowing wind provided a challenge to some of the booths, the cloudless sky of the early afternoon attracted many families to the festivities.
“Canada Day really is about a celebration of its people,” said Conrad Burns, the emcee for the riverside Canada Day celebration.
“The diversity of our communities coming together and sharing their histories and becoming one. Today is one of those events that celebrate all of us.”
Burns was joined on stage by Prince Albert MP Randy Hoback, who stopped by the celebration before heading off to Melfort, Tisdale and Arborfield for a day of bringing greeting to the region from Ottawa.
He encouraged residents to take a moment to enjoy the festivities.
“Meet someone new, smile, dance with the kids — that’s what Canada Day is all about,” he said. “This is a great country. Let’s celebrate it.”
His words were echoed by Michel Dubé of the French Canadian Society of Prince Albert.
“Prince Albert has always been important for francophones in Saskatchewan, he said, adding that the first French newspaper in western Canada started in P.A. in 1910.
“Eat well, have fun and listen to the music.”
The riverbank event was put on by The Prince Albert Multicultural Council. Acting Executive Director Michelle Hassler said she was a little bit nervous in the days leading up to the event.
By Monday afternoon, those nerves had faded.
‘I’m feeling so excited,” she said.
“It’s my first time organizing it here on the river bank. As I’m looking right now, I’m really happy. It’s going to be an awesome day.”
