Every September, Airdrie comes together in a welcoming space designed to strengthen connection, brain health, and resiliency. This year marks the fifth annual Peace in the Park Music Festival, the signature event organized by The Thumbs Up Foundation.
“Peace in the Park brings music, art, nature, shared interests and community resources together in a welcoming space designed to strengthen connection, brain health and resiliency,” says Kim Titus, chair of The Thumbs Up Foundation.
The festival, which will take place at Nose Creek Park on September 19 from 12 to 9 pm, features two complementary themes that carry its message throughout the day. These themes are “Rockin’ for a Reason” and “Healers, Helpers, and Heroes.” By combining these elements, the festival generates a vibrant atmosphere designed to inspire constructive conversations across the community.
“That shared energy, along with a deliberate shift in language, creates stronger conversations around mental health and addiction, focusing on opportunities, solutions, and the many ways we can support brain health, resiliency and connection, while leaving the typical language of stigma and problems behind,” explains Titus.
“Families and loved ones are at the heart of the day, grounding purpose in lived experience while reinforcing why greater awareness and meaningful change are needed. We invite people to join us, enjoy the day and discover something they may not have known or experienced before.”
Attendees can look forward to a full schedule of activities at Nose Creek Park. A talented lineup of performers will build the musical energy throughout the day, culminating in a headlining performance by Alan Frew of Glass Tiger. The festival grounds will feature 20 vendors, community organizations, independently operated food trucks, and the event’s first car show. Highlights also include the announcement of songwriting contest winners and the recognition of “Healers, Helpers, and Heroes” nominees.
One of the most poignant features of the day is the Tribute Table, where families can share photographs of loved ones lost to suicide.
“During Alan Frew’s performance of Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone), three powerful elements will come together: the photographs on the Tribute Table, candlelight and the song itself,” says Titus.
“Together, they will create a powerful tribute and serve as a poignant reminder of why this work, greater awareness, connection and meaningful change are so important.”
Behind the event is The Thumbs Up Foundation, an Airdrie-grown organization that has turned loss into more than a decade of practical work to improve how people experience mental health and addiction care. Through an investment of more than $1.6 million and over 30,000 volunteer hours, the foundation has shaped Harmonized Health — a new approach to care that connects fragmented pathways and creates trusted starting points.
The Peace at the Park guest speaker, Lana Waddell, is a business owner and mother who will share her personal experience with the Harmonized Health approach to care and its lasting impact on her life.
“Lana will speak candidly about what first brought her to this approach, with a particular focus on what came afterward: how the tools, perspectives, connections and support she gained continue to help her navigate new challenges, build resilience and recognize when and how to reach for support,” says Titus.
“Her story shows the lasting difference care can make when it is connected around the person.”
Learn more about The Thumbs Up Foundation and Peace in the Park at thethumbsupfoundation.com.
