The streets downtown were anticipated to be lined with Red Deerians this morning as they enjoyed the kick off to the Westerner Days Fair and Exposition.

The event is in its 126th year and that in itself is a true testament as to how much this annual tradition is enjoyed in the Central Alberta area.

More than 30,000 people were expected to enjoy a parade including marching bands, clowns, decorated cars and more.

It’s a great way to kick off the annual event every year.

And Red Deerians of all ages can be seen enjoying the many floats and entertainment that goes along with the parade.

Now, the midway at Westerner Park is in full swing and the sights and sounds of the fair can be heard from miles away.

It is always a great time of year and one that many locals look forward to.

Westerner Days, which runs through to July 23rd, is not only a chance to kick back and enjoy time with family and friends, but it’s also a chance for the community to celebrate and come together with a number of pancake breakfasts and chili cook-offs being held.

Many businesses also partake in the festivities and decorate their offices with western-themed décor to help get in the spirit of the annual events.

The City really does transform back into the western era for the week of the fair and it’s certainly Central Alberta’s biggest summer celebration.

The Westerner Days Fair and Exposition has something to offer for every age whether it is the rides, the food, the concerts and other entertainment or even the pony chuckwagon races and agriculture shows.

We can be sure there will be plenty of action, fun and thrills to dive into during this year’s events.

Westerner Days has an entertainment line up for all ages this year and some of the acts include Jess Moskaluke, Nice Horse, Red Deer’s Jamie Woodfin, Tom Cochrane, Coleman Hell, Chilliwack and Hey Romeo, among others. On the grounds spectators will also be able to see performances by Bandaloni and Safari Jeff and West Coast LumberJills, to name just a few.

Again this year is a Morning of Faith celebration, which will take place on July 23rd, with guest speaker Jason Caldwell whose twins lost their lives in the tragic tobogganing accident at Canada Olympic Park in February 2016.

It is a great addition to the five-day event and we are sure that it will be very well attended by various people and groups throughout the Central Alberta area.

As well, one of the most popular fixtures at Westerner Days is the pony chuckwagon races. Crowds of more than 4,000 people gather nightly to take in this exciting event while drivers from western Canada and the United States compete over the five days all vying for the coveted North American championship buckle and trophy.

So we encourage everyone to get out, have fun and enjoy all of what Westerner Days has to offer this year.

The fair gets bigger and better each year and we have no doubt that this will be one of the best yet.