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This weekend is packed with events celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.
Between June 3-5, free admission will be offered to provincial historic sites, museums, and interpretive centres in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign. This will include places such as the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village in Lamont County and the Royal Alberta Museum.
A garden party, hosted by Lieutenant-Governer Salma Lakhani, is happening at Government House in Edmonton on Saturday (June 4). The grounds will open at 1:30 p.m., and the event runs from 2-4 p.m.
"I am looking forward to celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and to honouring the very special place that Her Majesty holds in our history and in the hearts of Canadians," stated Lakhani.
Queen Elizabeth II came to reign in 1952 and is one of the longest-reigning monarchs in history. She's made several trips to Canada during her seven decades, including a stop in Fort Saskatchewan in 1978.
The Queen was on tour leading up to the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton and arrived in the Fort by train at the CN Station. She was greeted by Hank Powell, the mayor at the time. From there, the Queen took a motorcade to Turner Park and was greeted by thousands of people.
"For seven decades, Her Majesty the Queen has devoted her life to the service of her people in Commonwealth realms around the world. She has been a force for stability, continuity and tradition in an ever-changing world, personifying the Crown that is an integral part of our parliamentary democracy," Premier Jason Kenney said.
"The Platinum Jubilee of her reign is a wonderful opportunity for Albertans to say 'thank you' to our remarkable head of state and to celebrate her spirit of community service. God save the Queen!"
Events will take place across Alberta and throughout the jubilee year, with a particular focus on the upcoming jubilee weekend.