Erskine was thronging with youthful life and activity on Saturday, Sept. 17 as families gathered for the 10th annual Floats and Flicks night.
The event, hosted by the Erskine Recreation Board, started a decade ago and has become a popular favourite of the community. Families from the town and surrounding area come to watch the community's parade, chock-full of hand-crafted floats and local favourites, before taking part in many of the activities leading up to the night's movies.
Children watched in glee as candy came flying from trucks and floats, Jedi floated down the bumpy unpaved avenues on hoverboards, and as their friends paraded along in super hero gear.
Children had their faces painted, collected candy and balloons, and enjoyed the Erskine Evangelical Church's annual free Good Neighbour barbecue, which takes place alongside the event.
The church has been hosting the burgers and hotdogs treat for the community for several years now, and arranged it to work with the Floats and Flicks event. The long line-ups for the free barbecued goodies moved swiftly as volunteers manned two lines. The tables set up by the church for barbecue goers were quickly full, with people struggling to find an open seat.
Parents were able to shop the local market as vendors had booths set up, while children bounced in glee in the giant bouncy house. The fun events ran until 7 p.m., when the drive-in movie started.
James Nibourg, one of two County of Stettler councillors to represent the Erskine area, said that he felt it was important for the community to host events like Floats and Flicks, jesting that it's important for kids to have as many opportunities to collect candy as possible.
However, he noted that the opportunity to foster friendships and a sense of community were vital to having a healthy, friendly community.
This year, the rec board played Zootopia, which started at dusk, followed by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.