For the first time in quite a while, a festival will take over Nose Creek Park.

The Food for Thought Cultural Festival runs Friday through Saturday at the park showcasing the best of the local food and entertainment industry.

Co-organizer Vern Raincock said an event like this is exactly what Airdrie needs.

"There's a lot of pent-up demand for physical contact. We've been physically distant, it's not normal for human beings to not shake hands or give each other a hug. I think it's going to be an exciting time."

Since March, festival organizers have been working on this event, collaborating with Alberta Health Services, the City of Airdrie and Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).

Once restrictions lifted on July 1, the organizers were able to go full steam ahead with setting up the festival.

The event will feature local food trucks, restaurants, breweries and cultural activities, along with local musicians.

"I've reached out to a few artists in my old days of punk rock and all the way to some recent stuff that I've heard locally about two years ago. It's amazing the talent we have in Airdrie. It's big city with a small feel."

The festival runs from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 6:40 p.m. Saturday.

The event is free to attend and more details can be found on the official website.

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