Canada Day in Lacombe offered residents lots of family-friendly activities to enjoy.
There was also diversity in those events, as the Lacombe Legion held a flag-raising ceremony after members and local dignitaries marched down from the Lacombe Memorial Centre.
"It was 157 years ago that our nation was officially founded, and what a 57 years it has been," said Blaine Calkins, MP for Red Deer-Lacombe.
"I want to thank the Royal Canadian Legion not only for honouring our veterans, taking care of them and advocating for them but also for having this on Canada Day," he said.
"To our honoured veterans that are here today, we humbly say thank you so much for your service.
"This is a great nation. It's one of the greatest nations on earth, and that is something we should be proud of. it's something we also need to remember - that the greatness didn't come because it wasn't fought for and it wasn't defended."
MLA Jennifer Johnson said that Canada Day is about celebrating the birth of the nation and the freedoms Canadians enjoy.
"Today, we gather with our families and our communities to recognize and to celebrate the great country that we live in, where we choose to raise our families and to call home," she said, also recognizing the service of veterans over the years that has contributed to what the nation is today.
"Let's also continue in the pride, courage and loyalty that this maple leaf so proudly represents."
Starting later in the afternoon over on the field near Ecole Lacombe Junior High School, there were several vendors set up, along with some games, karaoke, and later on at Cranna Lake, Red Deer-based blues band Juke was slated to hit the stage.
"Overall, the event was a great success and I would like to thank all those behind-the-scenes that made the event possible," said Austin Weaver, Lacombe Tourism's executive director.
"This year we enjoyed the largest number of attendees in three years to help celebrate Canada's birthday. We would also like to thank the community, vendors, performers and activity providers that helped make the day enjoyable.
"Partnership makes the event possible and we are already looking forward to 2025."
