KDays kicks off Friday with Premier's pancake breakfast as festival opens for 10 days

KDays, Edmonton's largest festival, officially launched Friday after weeks of relentless rain finally broke to clear skies. Premier Danielle Smith, Mayor Andrew Knack, and other elected officials worked the food station to serve Edmontonians fresh pancake breakfast before opening day crowds headed into the grounds.

Smith reflected on the festival's rich history during remarks to attendees. "I learned yesterday that KDays has been going on in one form or another since 1879," she said, "since before we were a province!"

Mayor Knack thanked his fellow councillors and the Premier for bringing back the pancake breakfast, which took a pause in 2019. "This is a great way to kick off KDays. It means so much to have the support here."

MP Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, highlighted the importance of traditions like the breakfast to the fabric of Alberta community. "We're bound together by a deep sense of community, and really that's why we're all here this morning, including the politicians."

Thousands of Edmontonians attended opening day despite the scorching heat. The festival runs through July 26 and features classic carnival rides, unique foods KDays is known for, and live music from local acts to major artists. The Foodie Fairway showcases new and returning food vendors offering everything from salmon tacos to deep-fried cheese curds.