RED DEER - It was a night like no other.
The 2019 Canada Winter Games opening ceremonies in Red Deer on Friday night (Feb. 15 ) kicked off an evening filled with music, dance, anticipation and plenty of excitement.
"This is very exciting. We literally have the whole country and places even beyond Canada here," said Michael Dawe, a Red Deer city councillor. "To have such a spectacular event here creates a lot of pride."
That pride was on display, as Albertans welcomed athletes and teams from each province and territory across Canada.
Special guests and dignitaries, including the Governor General of Canada, Julie Payette, Premier Rachel Notley and Mayor Tara Veer, addressed the crowd and national television audience, and welcomed athletes to Alberta.
A total of 500 participants and performers from eight to 78 years of age took to the stage and the floor for a variety of production numbers, and more than 20 community groups, including cultural groups, choirs, scouts, seniors centres, elementary schools and cadets, took part in the historical event.
Dawe said it was great to see the event come together after eight years of planning and hard work.
"Everybody is very happy," said Dawe. "I hope (people) find they had a wonderful experience in a terrific, welcoming community."
