The community of Kelvington kicked off the Canada 150 celebrations a week early on Saturday.

The economic development committee wanted to use the opportunity to showcase the town and bring area residents together which they definitely succeeded in doing according to Recreation Development Manager Lorelle Holowaty.

'Everything from horse wagon rides to the infamous tug-o-war, we had a food fair down Main Street, beverage gardens and a street dance. We had an official program on the main stage at noon and it's just a really great day, hundreds were out for it. Great support here in Kelvington today."

STARS Air ambulance was on hand, the Kelvington 4-H beef club put on a show plus there was many kids' activities.

Holowaty added the day went very well and there will be more to come this summer.

"We wanted an excuse to get together in one place and what better way than to celebrate Canada's birthday? Hundreds and hundreds of people came out today from all over the region, it's just been a really great day. You watch Kelvington, we're going to be doing a lot more big events like this one."

One of their next big events in Wendel Clark Day in October, the banquet is sold out but there are many other activities coinciding with that day for the entire family.