AUPE members and staff from Peace River in Northwest Alberta took part in the annual Peacefest community celebration on Saturday, July 12.

Peacefest began in 1997 as a way to raise funds for victims of flooding that took place that year in the town. Since then, the event has been held to raise funds for a worthy cause in the community – this year, the Shamrock Boxing Club.

AUPE’s Peace River Area Council plays an active role in the event, organizing and staffing the annual pancake breakfast in partnership with the Peace Country Co-op. The AUPE/Co-op breakfast also serves as the official opening of Peacefest.

Each year celebrity guests take part in the festivities – this year the three celebs were Peace River MLA Gary Friedel, Peace River Mayor Lorne Mann and AUPE Vice-President Earl Thompson.

More than 300 people attended this year’s breakfast, served up by 15 volunteers from the Area Council and AUPE’s Northwest Regional office, which is located in the community. About $500 for the boxing club was raised at the breakfast.