ºÃÉ«tv

But in the central Alberta community of Ponoka, many were too busy revelling in the street pageantry to let debate or political division spoil the day.

Margarete King hauled a float from nearby Lacombe with a giant model grain elevator and an oil pumpjack draped with Alberta flags.

She says even though Albertans have different opinions, they need a place to talk, to not be upset with each other and to celebrate Alberta.

Moekie McMillan, whose family holds a front-yard barbecue during the procession each year, says she didn't even notice Premier Danielle Smith ride by in a red cowboy hat atop a horse-drawn stagecoach.

This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published June 26, 2026.