What to See and Do at AirdrieFEST’s 10th Anniversary

On September 10, Airdrie will have its 10th annual airdrieFEST, celebrating the city’s 110th birthday. “airdrieFEST has so many great opportunities for people,” said Rebecca Nielsen, community developer with the City of Airdrie. “So, depending on who you are, what you’re focused on, and what your interests are, there is something for everybody at airdrieFEST.” The festival will host over 270 vendors who will set up near city hall between 11am and 4pm. Along with these vendors, there will be music, entertainers and food to help commemorate the day. The city will also be giving away a secret gift to the first 800 families that arrive at the festival. Here is a quick rundown of what you can expect to see and do at the 10th annual airdrieFEST:

• The Family Fun Zone, hosted by Community Links and the Airdrie Public Library, will be full of oversized family friendly games.
• The Airdrie Boys and Girls Club will be hosting a petting zoo.
• Train rides will be hosted by the Airdrie Festival of Lights.
• Local artist Eric Proulx will be presenting wood carving demonstrations all day.

At noon, Mayor Peter Brown will take the stage with city council to share a special birthday message for the city. There will also be a demonstration stage where businesses can entertain. You can expect to see demonstrations from:

• Goodlife Fitness
• Ladies Out Loud
• Element Dance Studio
• F45 Training
• Push Cycle
• Airdrie Sky High
• Aurora Dance
• Master Rim Taekwondo

It truly is amazing to see how much this festival has changed over the years. Ten years ago, airdrieFEST was a chance for residents to sign up for sporting organizations or recreational activities and it has now grown into a full-fledged celebration that gives people and businesses both in and around Airdrie a reason to come out and see what is available locally in their city.

The city would like to remind everyone that these festivities require Main Street to be closed between Mainstreet Square and ATB Financial from 7am to 5:30pm; of course, access to the Alberta Health Services Urgent Care Centre will not be impacted. Due to the road closure and the sheer number of people attending this festival, the city also urges citizens to walk, bike or carpool down to Main Street.

As most festivals are, airdrieFEST relies heavily on volunteers to make it all happen. If you would like to volunteer this year, follow this link and sign up. If you’d rather just swing by and enjoy the festival, make sure to thank the volunteers when you see them because without them, airdrieFEST wouldn’t be what it is today.

Now that you’re thoroughly prepared for this year’s festival, there’s nothing left to do but head on down to City Hall this September 10 and celebrate Airdrie’s history with all your family and friends.