By Carson Ellis
For the Stettler Independent
The Big Valley Street Festival returned for its fifth year on July 22. Events throughout the day included a car show, food vendors, a bouncy castle for the kids and live music.
Organizer and volunteer Andrea Webster says that the event is put on through the work of many sponsors and many more volunteers. 2023 marks the event’s fifth year, with a brief pause during COVID.
Those who came for the day were able to wander a farmer’s marker on the lawn of the Canadian National Railway station. The market started shortly before the arrival of the Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions steam train. Train enjoyed a barbecue dinner on the station grounds while live music began to play just a few yards away for the festival.
The musical duo High-Level Bridge performed several covers and some of their own songs. The band hales from Chipman, Alta., and were very excited to have been able to see the train arrive. The band also remarked on Big Valley’s beautiful Main Street and thanked organizers for having them out.
As the sun began to go down, and some of the smaller food vendors packed up for the day, the Cat Country Band took to the stage and entertained the crowd for several more hours. Several people took the opportunity to dance to their favourite songs, and even some of the younger kids danced to the music.
