Discovering Two Sides of Edmonton
I moved to Edmonton from a beach side city called Surfer's Paradise, in Australia.
After getting married in Australia, my Canadian husband and I moved to Edmonton (his home town) for what we thought would be a year - we'd spend some time in Canada before "settling down". As of next summer, I'll have been in Edmonton for ten years!
Over the years I have discovered I am a country-girl at heart! I love country music, drive a truck and am the proud owner of some seriously cool cowboy boots! My husband still laughs at my really bad two-step though. Apparently I have two left feet!
Right now, I'm working on putting together the kickoff celebration for River City Round-Up, which is the umbrella that sits over the ten day festival of "all things country" including Canadian Finals Rodeo and Farm Fair.
The kickoff event is a celebration of Edmonton's cultural and agricultural heritage. We have heritage foods and kids’ games and crafts, cowboy poetry and a main stage featuring local country artists and aboriginal singers and drummers.
You can also see covered wagons heading down Jasper Avenue, and there’s usually hayrides for everyone. The Downtown Farmers Market is in City Hall and fireworks wrap up the day so there is a LOT to see and do.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone out there having fun. That's the thing I love about Edmontonians, we're a real "get out there and enjoy" culture!
I’ve discovered if you get involved, there's a lot to keep you busy in Edmonton. When I first got here I volunteered, met some really great people and made some fabulous friends. It's how my social network started.
Whilst we have a rich history in all things country, I've also been fortunate to enjoy Edmonton's other side - the arts, good food, great wines and a more cosmopolitan feeling! I think over the ten years I have been here that Edmonton's culture has matured and developed – it’s exciting!
Edmonton is a city where people really embrace you and want to help you. There are great social programs here, and loads of resources to assist newcomers. The opportunities for success are endless.
I encourage everyone in Edmonton to get involved. Even if you've lived here for years, there are things to discover if you look. It’s amazing what you can find in your own "back yard".
Where Next?
Tiffany Kemp
Tiffany Kemp is an active Edmontonian who is passionate about volunteering. She moved here from Australia and has discovered that she is truly a country-girl at heart!
