Rain didn't dampen spirits for the first Ignite the Light event in Okotoks.

On Friday, residents stood outside their homes at 7 p.m. and made noise and shone lights while first responders took part in a vehicle parade to show their appreciation for essential workers in the community.

Zach Adams, Community Events Specialist for the Town of Okotoks, says it was an amazing experience to be a part of.

"I was actually driving in the parade and I told all my coworkers that it actually gave me goose bumps to see all the staff come out in their protective gear and people waving and cheering. It was a special moment to be a part of and it just really showed how we're really all in this together and everybody's going to get through this and the only way we will be is getting through it together."

Adams says Ignite the Light is now a weekly event.

"Each Friday we're going to keep the Ignite the Light theme going on. We're going to have a different either activity or challenge on a Friday, still at 7 p.m., just trying to bring the community together every Friday."

The Municipal Centre will be lit up in blue, green, and white lights each night of the weekend moving forward to recognize healthcare workers with Alberta Health Services.

The Town of Okotoks will post each week's theme or activity on their social media.

This week's activity is for residents to stand outside and join each other in the singing of We Will Rock You.

 

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