EDMONTON, AB – The 10 best days of summer have come and gone as Edmonton’s largest annual celebration wraps up for another year.
The 2018 rendition of K-Days was a celebration of the talent and innovation that exists in Alberta. As the event evolves to be an even greater celebration of Alberta, the focus in pride of place was evident throughout as 80% of all indoor hall programming was dedicated to celebrating what makes our province great. From local food, beverage and music to agricultural education and the showcase of Indigenous culture at annual Pow Wow, K-Days was a significant platform of the best in Alberta.
The best Alberta has to offer was evident in number of competitive entrants at various competitions throughout the event. Almost 1,000 different athletes, performers and creators were featured. The K-Days Rodeo, the richest one-header in the world, boasted 45% of the entrants hailing from within Alberta.
“Northlands aims to create a memorable experience for Edmonton and Northern Alberta that showcases the things that make us proud to be Albertans,” said Kevin Gunderman, Interim CEO of Northlands. “K-Days is one of the premier opportunities to bring communities together to celebrate each summer. This year, we were delighted that our region embraced this focus on the diversity and talent that defines our province.”
Edmonton’s largest summer celebration welcomed 808,009 people to the grounds over the course of the 10 days to enjoy the excitement and fun of the midway.
“The economic impact of key tourism properties like Edmonton’s K-Days is significant to small and medium-sized producers,” said the Honourable Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade. “The focus on showcasing Albertan musicians, food vendors, artists, crafters and brewers at K-Days creates new opportunities to celebrate the best of our province on one of the most prominent stages available.”
For Gunderman, the root of prosperity comes from the hard work of the Northlands staff.
“We would like to recognize and thank all our staff and volunteers for another amazing year on the midway,” added Gunderman. “K-Days remains the biggest summer celebration in Edmonton largely due to the people who work tirelessly to make this event so special.”
A media availability with Kevin Gunderman will be held at the east doors of the Edmonton EXPO Centre on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 10 a.m.