Thousands of people were expected to enjoy a parade including marching bands, clowns, decorated cars and more on Wednesday morning in downtown Red Deer. 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 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.

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

Westerner Days has something for every age whether it is the rides, the food, the concerts and other entertainment or even the pony chuckwagon races and agriculture shows. 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 Jaydee Bixby, Glass Tiger, Down with Webster and Dean Brody, among others. On the grounds spectators will also be able to see performances including Super Dogs Wild Wild Woof, The Westcoast Lumberjack show, Doo Doo the Clown, Bandaloni and the Copper Cowboy, and many more.

One of the most popular fixtures at Westerner Days is the pony chuckwagons. Crowds of over 4,000 people gather nightly to take in this exciting event while 56 drivers from western Canada and the U.S. compete over the five days all vying for the coveted North American championship buckle and trophy.

In addition as for the rides, this year also looks to be an impressive year with the midway featuring 38 rides, including 16 thrill rides, 13 family rides and nine kiddie rides.

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.