Airdrie had a special guest stop and take in some of the festivities of ARTember on Saturday, October 1.

Alberta Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ricardo Miranda, took a few moments to see the festivities, talk with Airdronians and paint part of a wall.

Despite the hard economic times that has hit the province, Minister Miranda feels Alberta Culture Days helps promote a sense of community.

"When we're talking about the province and everything that makes it such a great place to live, it's vibrant communities, it's people that invest in the quality of life by going out and being part of the community."

He also said Alberta Culture Days help promote tourism within the province.

"It just, overall, creates an environment that people want to live in and people want to visit so it also contributes to tourism in the province."