There were over a dozen different countries represented at the Alberta Culture Days celebration in Strathmore on Saturday (Sept. 28).
Hosted by Strathmore Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in Kinsmen Park, the day started with brisk single-digit temperatures before warming up as the day went on.
The event featured live entertainment, plenty of food trucks, and over a dozen local vendors. On the stage as master of ceremonies was Kevin Littlelight, an Indigenous filmmaker and radio DJ.
"I'm pretty proud of what people have done here in the town," said Littlelight. "It's a great move for diversity and a great future for Alberta."
There were also booths set up throughout the park showcasing aspects of different cultures, including Tobago, Francophone, and Jamaica, amongst others. There were also vendors selling a variety of goods, from artisan fudge to 3D-printed knickknacks.
"It's a sign of the times where we have to move Alberta forward in terms of celebrating each other's cultural diversity. The key is that we're building a better future for our children, and what better way to get to know each other," added Littlelight.
Some of the entertainment included a group of young Indigenous drummers who call themselves "Baby Flats", along with Ukrainian dancers, Filipino singers, and a performance from country singer Melissa Matheson.
"Getting to know Southern Alberta is a great thing. It's towns like Strathmore that are critical to our identity," said Littlelight. "We have a great Western heritage and going forward we have to embrace what we have here. It's great we're getting a good conglomerate of great cultural diversity and what's pushing us forward into the future."
You can see a gallery from the 2024 Alberta Culture Days celebration below: