Airdrie SummerFest 2024

By Jonn Baysa
Pinoy Hour

Established during the late 2000’s, people of the Filipino community in Airdrie gathered and volunteered their time to organize cultural events for the community as a whole. With one goal in mind, sharing traditions, and helping other communities, leading to the formation of the Filipino Airdrie Association with Jun Martin as the current President dedicated to its cause. Fast-forwarding to the year 2024, the association had just concluded its fourth celebration of the Filipino SummerFest in the first weekend of August at the Nose Creek Regional Park. 

There was Zumba dancing to start the day filled with celebration and festivities. Locals participated in various fun activities such as some traditional Filipino street games such as Patintero, relay race, and tug-of-war just to name a few. They also put their hands together to the talents on stage who showcased their artistic skills in singing and to those displaying traditional dances like the Filipino Folk Dance, the “Bulaklakan”, a dance performed during Flores De Mayo (Flowers in May) to give gratitude to the Virgin Mary. 

Community leaders, delegates, volunteers and guests once again met and exhibited appreciation for the celebrations. FAA President, Mr. Jun Martin, was proud to see the results of the event being once again successful and multiplied from the previous event’s attendance count. 

“I would like to thank all officers from FAA, all our guests, sponsors, donors, vendors, all our families and friends, and all the people who travelled from different provinces and communities who spent time joining us,” Martin mentioned. 

Present in the said festivities are the City of Airdrie councillors, the newly appointed Consul General Ms. Emma Sarne,  Alberta Fil-Can Community Leaders’ Association (AFCLA) G10+, President Mr. Jun Cacayuran and it’s officers Mr. Bernard Colipano, Mr. Vic Visitacion along with many more involved in the association. 

The Canalta hotel in Airdrie served as the Major sponsor. Accommodating the delegates and guests with their facility. Special thanks to the warm hospitality of General Manager Mr. Vicmar Velasco, the stay and accommodation made it extra special. Other sponsors being KFC of Airdrie who serve the meals for those who were present. The Real Canadian Superstore offering free snacks and cool beverages under the warm summer heat, and many others that accommodated the event

The event is such a success as the FAA also held a raffle that some lucky attendees have taken home some prizes courtesy from the event sponsors. As the day winds down, a feedback from a roaring crowd mentioned “Thank you and see you all next year!”