FortSask

It might not have been ideal weather for Canada Day, but that didn't stop Fort Saskatchewan from having a great time! 

Thousands of excited people descended upon Legacy Park on Saturday (July 1) to celebrate Canada's 156th birthday. 

There was a little bit of everything for people to enjoy from a mechanical bull and zipline for the thrill seekers, to performers and a car show for the chill crowd. 

Here is a look at some of the action: 

Thousands of spectators lined the streets of downtown Fort Saskatchewan for the Canada Day parade.

With the forecast expecting thunderstorms, the parade, which began at 11 a.m. near the Jubilee Recreation Centre, just barely missed the rain.

The parade began northbound down 101 Street before circling the downtown core and heading back the way it came.

Around 100 floats were included in the parade, which was lead by kids from the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, who served as this year's parade marshals.

Canadians' hearts may be brimming with pride as Canada Day approaches, but a new poll suggests their minds aren't full of the knowledge needed to pass a citizenship test.

In a survey of 1,512 Canadian adults, Leger found that only 23 per cent would pass the citizenship test, based on their answers to 10 randomly selected questions.

People who wish to become Canadian need to answer 20 questions about citizens' rights and responsibilities, as well as Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols.

A good samaritan from Fort Saskatchewan helped return a mobility scooter to its rightful owner.

Brady Smith, a Fort Saskatchewan resident, was driving through town when he noticed the scooter in the industrial area of the city.

"I didn't really think too much of it," said Smith. "On my way back from Lamont I was surprised that it was still there."

Smith first thought that the scooter had been stolen, contacting the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP about the situation, who told him not to touch the scooter just yet.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Fort Saskatchewan and the surrounding area.

According to Environment Canada, dangerous thunderstorms may hit the area, producing strong wind gusts, hail, and heavy rain. There is also a slight chance of a tornado in the evening.

These hazards have the ability to damage property and cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Environment Canada asks that people continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by them.

Other areas affected by the watch include Sturgeon County and Sherwood Park.

Environment Canada has issued a tornado warning for north-central and south-central Alberta.

Meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm that may produce a tornado alongside damaging winds, large hail, and intense rainfall.

Extra care and attention should be exercised in the following locations:

• O'Chiese
• Sunchild
• Drayton Valley
• Breton
• Alder Flats
• Winfield

Environment Canada asks that residents take cover if threatening weather approaches their area.

The Town of Morinville has made a last-minute location change for its yearly Canada Day celebration.

Due to the forecast reporting a 60 to 70 per cent chance of rain with the risk of thunderstorms, all Canada Day activities have been moved from the Ray McDonald Sports Grounds to the Morinville Community Cultural Centre.

The celebration will still take place between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

However, the new location does not seem to affect the activities, including live local music performances, inflatables, and a supersized coloring wall.

With the Canada Day weekend kicking off this evening, where in the area can you start a fire?

After a dry and hot start to the spring, many places in Alberta placed fire bans in effect to prevent fires from starting.

With the recent rain and cooler temperatures, there are no more fire bans in the area. However, there are a few places with fire restrictions and fire advisories.

It appears that the Canada Day long weekend could be a rainy one. 

Environment Canada is forecasting a bit of rain starting as early as today (June 30).

"We are seeing the possibility of some afternoon showers and thunderstorms for Friday afternoon and evening," said Samantha Mauti, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

"Showery for Saturday...Sunday looks pretty sunny." 

Some clouds are expected to roll through on Sunday night and carry over into Monday, which should have a mix of sun and cloud. 

The report provides an overview of how the organization worked to support the Canadian cereals value chain.

Board chair Jennifer Marchand says in 2022, Cereals Canada celebrated 50 years of providing both technical services to both domestic and international customers.

"Collaboration and connections have been pivotal to our success in the past year, and throughout the history of our organization."

In the 2022 growing season, Canadian farmers planted over 36 million acres of common wheat, durum, barley, and oats, meeting domestic and export demands.