Annual Fall Fest event at CFB Edmonton brings together defence community
September 25, 2025 - 2Lt Brady Potter, CFB Edmonton Public Affairs
On September 13, 2025, the Edmonton Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) hosted its annual Fall Fest event at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton. The event was attended by Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, along with the military liaison from the Alberta government, MLA Justin Wright, as well as Brigadier-General L.W. Rutland, commander of 3rd Canadian Division.
“Words alone can never fully express the importance of your service to your fellow Canadians, nor can they adequately convey how much our military has done to safeguard what we have,” Her Honour said. “You have the thanks of a grateful nation.”
Following their remarks, the dignitaries explored the displays and interacted with members present. They were able to learn more about the services provided by the MFRC alongside families posted to CFB Edmonton and engage with the military community.
According to Amber Gagnon, the Communications and Outreach Manager for the Edmonton MFRC, Fall Fest is an annual event that allows military families to see the programs available to them on base.
“Fall Fest is our annual event that welcomes existing families and newly posted in families to the CFB Edmonton base,” she said. “It gives us an opportunity to showcase and highlight our programs and services that we have to offer.”
For some members, such as Second Lieutenant Mary Flood who was attending Fall Fest for the first time and has only been in Edmonton for a few months, the presentation of the event was incredibly helpful. “[Fall Fest] is really exciting,” she said. “Everyone comes up and talks and gives you stories… It’s been so busy.”
2Lt Flood also expressed her appreciation for everything that the MFRC does for the military community.
Caption
Members from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group engage with community members at their equipment display during the Sept. 13 Fall Fest at the Edmonton Garrison Military Family Resource Centre.
Photos by 2Lt Brady Potter, CFB Edmonton Public Affairs
Caption
Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta, addresses members of the military community at the Sept. 13 Fall Fest.
“I really appreciate what they do,” she said. “I think it’s a super important part of the military community that goes unnoticed since they support us and our families.”
Gagnon said that Fall Fest is held annually in September as it’s when newly posted families have settled in at CFB Edmonton, giving the MFRC the best chance to have maximum turnout. This year, Gagnon said that just under 700 guests registered.
“Events like Fall Fest help bring our families together,” Gagnon said. “… This way, they get a chance to meet all of the people in their community and get to know everybody, especially during times of deployments and work-related absences where they may not have family around.”
Caption
The Military Family Resource Centre hosts several programs and resources available to families.
Caption
A Canadian Armed Forces member hugs his child in front of the Royal Canadian Artillery Band at the Sept. 13 Fall Fest.
Caption
Cadets get a feel for military equipment at the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group display at the Sept. 13 Fall Fest at the Edmonton Garrison Military Family Resource Centre.
Caption
A child reaches for their parent after visiting the Military Police display at Fall Fest.
Page details
- Date modified: