18-07-2025
Premier Smith flipping flapjacks at KDays pancake breakfast
The sun was shining, the griddles were hot, and uplifted tunes played over the loudspeakers as hundreds gathered at Klondike Park for the Premier's Pancake Breakfast, the official kick-off to KDays 2025. With the smell of fresh pancakes in the air and hot food lines serving up pancakes, eggs, sausages, juice, and drinks, the festive mood was unmistakable.
Premier Danielle Smith worked the flapjack line alongside Explore Edmonton staff and volunteers, flipping pancakes, pouring syrup and greeting families.
Smith's appearance drew cheers and selfie requests as she declared the 10-day fair officially underway.
'Happy KDays Edmonton! Whether you are a long-time resident, newly arrived or just visiting, KDays offers something for everyone and is one of the best ways to experience Edmonton's unique character,' she told the crowd Friday morning.
'KDays is part of Edmonton heritage, it continues to deliver tremendous excitement, welcoming nearly three quarters of a million people last year, and I'm sure you're gonna break records again this year.'
The breakfast event, open to the public from 9-11 a.m., drew thousands of attendees, including elected officials, community partners, families and performers. Thanks to presenting sponsor North Central Co-Op, the first 5,000 guests received free gate admission.
Outside the gates, crowds began lining up early, eager to be among the first inside.
'We're so incredibly grateful to so many government leaders who are here today flipping pancakes,' said Traci Bednard, president and CEO of Explore Edmonton. 'The premier, I can see, has some mad skills in that.'
KDays remains one of Alberta's largest annual events, drawing hundreds of thousands each year. Bednard noted the festival has run since 1879 and highlighted what's new this year, including a second music stage powered by CKUA, international competitions and expanded youth programming.
'The feature product program is where innovators, foodies, techies, designers and dreamers get their moment in the spotlight, from wild snack creations to one-of-a-kind, handmade goods,' Bednard said. 'We've deepened our partnership with Indigenous communities and are welcoming more local artists and performers. There really is something for everyone here.'
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi also addressed the crowd, calling Edmonton 'the best city in Alberta.'
Sohi, who has appeared alongside Smith at several events this week, praised the collaborative effort behind KDays, from government support to the dedication of staff and volunteers.
'It's only possible because we have a dedicated group of people who are willing to put their time and effort and bring everyone together to make these events a reality,' he said.
Smith, attending her third event in the city within the last two days, reflected on the festival's long history.
'For over 130 years, this event has been a cornerstone of summer, evolving from the Edmonton Exhibition into the celebration that we know today,' she said. 'So get ready for 10 days of non-stop fun and community celebration held right in the height of an Alberta summer. I'm so proud to be here celebrating in the capital city.'
From midway thrills and fireworks to local eats and live music, she encouraged everyone to explore the many corners of KDays.
'Have a great summer, embrace the vibrant days of KDays, and just have a blast out there!'
Taras Nohas, board chair and president of North Central Co-Op, the breakfast's presenting sponsor, brought his signature blend of humour and sincerity to the stage, reflecting on the honour of returning for a second year to help launch one of Edmonton's most iconic summer festivals.
'When I said 'Hi' to the premier, she was a little surprised I was back — I guess I didn't offend enough people last year. So we'll see if I can do that this time,' he joked.
Nohas acknowledged the importance of community partnerships behind events like KDays.
'Why do we keep showing up? Because the North Central Co-Op community isn't just something we write in our annual report, and forget it's the reason we exist,' he said. 'And besides that, who's going to bring the coffee?'
cnguyen@
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