Music, food, arts and crafts, guest speakers and birthday cake were all part of the Canada Day celebrations in Innisfail on Friday.
Hundreds of local residents and visitors took part in Canada's 149th birthday celebrations and enjoyed the holiday festivities at the Innisfail and District Historical Village on July 1.
"It's been a beautiful day. We have over 900 people here so far today," said Jane Duncalfe, events coordinator for the Innisfail and District Historical Village. "The entertainment has been wonderful -- we've had Devin Cooper and Ainsley McCallum."
In addition, the Innisfail and District Historical Village also presented something new for visitors to enjoy during the event.
"Our indoor market is new this year," said Duncalfe. "It's been a huge success. There are a few different artists with different mediums displaying their work."
Celebrating Canada's birthday is a way for Canadians to show their love and appreciation for their home country.
This year it was especially meaningful for the Kahwate family from Syria.
Earlier this year, Innisfail welcomed the Syrian refugee family of four, who are now settled in town. They were thrilled to celebrate their very first Canada Day in their new home country.
"It feels great. We feel proud because we are here and are sharing this (special day) with Canadian people," said Mirna Kahwate. "We are having fun. It is great weather too."
She and her family, husband Sobhe, daughter Etwal and son Antounyo, enjoyed their time at the Innisfail and District Historical Village on Friday, learning about local history.
"It is amazing. We took a lot of pictures," she said, adding that they look forward one day to becoming Canadian citizens.
"I'm proud because I'm Syrian but I'm very proud to become a Canadian (citizen) one day,” said Kahwate. “I want all my people, my family and my friends here. We feel this is our home and our country.”
