Rainy weather did little to dampen spirits as nearly 300 people gathered at the Stettler Community Hall on June 2 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Alberta Seniors' Week.

Hosted by the County of Stettler Housing Authority board and management, the free community barbecue brought together seniors and residents from across the area for an afternoon of food, fellowship and entertainment.

Buses transported residents from Stettler's three seniors' lodges to the event, ensuring many older adults could take part in the celebration. Guests began arriving around 3:30 p.m. and filled the community hall despite the wet conditions outside.

Volunteers served hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages and ice cream as attendees visited with friends and neighbours. The event was open to the public and welcomed people of all ages.

The gathering was held as part of Alberta Seniors' Week, which runs from June 1 to 7. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the province-wide celebration, first established in 1986 to recognize the contributions seniors make to communities throughout Alberta. The week was inspired by the efforts of Alice Modin of Strathcona County, whose campaign for greater recognition of seniors helped create the annual observance.

Across Alberta, municipalities, organizations and community groups are holding events throughout the week to honour older adults and recognize their roles as volunteers, caregivers, mentors and community leaders.

Seniors' Week has become an annual opportunity to acknowledge the impact older Albertans have on families, organizations and local communities.

In Stettler, the community barbecue provided a chance for residents to celebrate that contribution while bringing together seniors from local housing facilities and the wider community for an afternoon of connection and conversation.

The strong turnout demonstrated the importance of Seniors' Week and the value residents place on opportunities to gather and celebrate the people who have helped build the community over many decades.