Edmonton festival organizers optimistic for record year despite challenges

Edmonton, also known as Canada's "festival city," is gearing up for another fun-filled summer, despite inflation and concerns of possibly more wildfire smoke.

It’s that time of year again when Edmonton — also known as Canada’s “festival city” — is gearing up for another fun-filled summer.

Many organizers are hoping for a record year, but there are concerns about inflation and more wildfire smoke coming to the Capital region.

Thursday it was all hands on deck, as dozens of volunteers set up for the Edmonton Ukrainian Festival.

“We are presenting performances, choirs, musicians, dancers as well as food, food vendors, food trucks,” UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival president Christine Teterenko said.

The free, two-day event runs from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Friday and continues into Saturday going from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Borden Park.

Teterenko said she’s anticipating a big turn out.

“We have seen growth every year and I don’t think that we have finished growing yet, so I do anticipate that this is going to be our biggest year so far,” Teterenko said.

While the stage and tents get set up, organizers are also preparing for a possible return of wildfire smoke.