This year marks the launch of Summer Palooza, a reimagined and vibrant funfair organized by youth for youth. Don’t miss the action at Nose Creek Park from 1 to 4 pm on August 30.
“Summer Palooza is a multicultural, family-friendly event designed and delivered by youth volunteers through Youth Airdrie,” says Kim Sundset, program coordinator at Youth Airdrie.
“It features hands-on stations for kids and teens, including global games, arts and crafts, and a selfie-station. The goal is to foster youth leadership, celebrate cultural diversity, and create a sense of belonging for children and families in Airdrie. It’s part funfair, part mentorship program—and all heart.”
Teens can participate or volunteer to help younger kids and earn tickets they can spend at the youth-only prize zone. Sundset adds they are expecting between 250 and 300 people to attend the event.
“We have a team of about 35 youth and adult volunteers supporting the event and are currently recruiting youth volunteers interested in learning valuable leadership and community-building skills,” she says.
The event is completely youth-led—from the planning and promotion to designing the activities and running the prize zone.
“Summer Palooza shows what youth can accomplish when given space to lead and be creative,” adds Sundset.
“It’s also a place where families of all backgrounds can come together and feel like they belong.”
The initiative was made possible by a $1,050 grant from ABYA (Airdrie Board of Youth Affairs) and funded by Youth Central.
Youth Airdrie is also running a bottle drive with Hometown Bottle Depot (people can drop off bottles under the Youth Airdrie account) and seeking community sponsorships to raise funds for event supplies and future Youth Airdrie programs.
“All funds raised go directly to youth-led initiatives and materials for events like this one,” says Sundset.
“We encourage people to support our youth because every donation—big or small—makes a direct impact. It helps provide supplies, food, and mentorship opportunities that empower young people to give back to their community.”
Youth Airdrie is a grassroots, youth-driven initiative that supports local teens and children in becoming leaders and changemakers.
“Through hands-on experiences like Summer Palooza, youth gain confidence, build cultural understanding, and contribute meaningfully to the community,” says Sundset.
“We’re committed to inclusion, empowerment, and belonging.”
For more information on Summer Palooza and Youth Airdrie, visit youthairdrie.rockyviewbahai.ca.
