An annual double feature celebrating Albertan and Canadian aviation history takes off again this weekend in Edson.
Wop May Day and Alberta Day take place this Saturday, Aug. 30, at Galloway Station Museum and you don’t want to miss out.
The event is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Wilfred “Wop” May, a pioneering Canadian aviator with a strong connection to Alberta.
Although he founded an airport in Edmonton, one of his more exciting achievements took place in Edson, Museum Manager Shari McDowell explains.
That “bad guy” was the suspected killer of an Edmonton police officer and had fled to Edson on a train. May was able to get detectives there before the train arrived, facilitating in the suspect’s arrest and making both aviation and police history.
McDowell says May was involved in other notable historical events, like a dog fight with the Red Baron in World War One, the pursuit of the Mad Trapper of Rat River, and more.
“The man has an incredible aviation history and altruistic history,” she comments.
Also taking place at the museum, John Chalmers is said to be a local expert on May’s adventures and will be sharing a presentation with more of his history on Friday at 7 p.m. The evening is free to attend, but organizers do ask that you pre-register.
Then on Saturday, step back into May’s era at the country fair, complete with classic carnival games for the kids, as well as field games, a balloon artist, and bouncy castles. Participants can also win tokens at the carnival games which can then be exchanged for prizes.
There will also be a pie eating contest and an airplane contest, and it all features live music by Remastered, a Hinton band.
If you get hungry, you can get your hands on some Hungry Harry’s Pizza, Jeni’s Ice Creams, or Las Tres Marias.
A full event schedule is available here.
