The Town of Raymond is gearing up to celebrate a major milestone this summer as it marks 125 years since its founding with a multi-day Heritage Days festival. Running from June 27 to July 1, 2026, the celebration will bring residents together for a series of signature events, including the Harlan Taylor Race, a Family Softball Tournament, and a Raymond’s Got Talent competition.
Registration is now open for all three featured events through the town’s online activity portal at raymond.activityreg.com. The Harlan Taylor Race, a long-running community tradition, offers 2K, 5K, and 10K distances and has drawn more than 370 participants in past years. The Family Softball Tournament and Raymond’s Got Talent are also expected to draw strong local interest as residents come together to mark the anniversary.
This year’s Heritage Days celebrations once again coincide with Canada Day and the historic Raymond Stampede, recognized as the country’s first organized rodeo, which started on July 1, 1902, a full decade before the Calgary Stampede.
The anniversary comes at a time of growth for the community. According to the Alberta Regional Dashboard, Raymond’s population reached 4,600 in 2025, reflecting a 14.18 per cent increase over five years. The town’s quick expansion, driven in part by its location just 20 minutes south of Lethbridge, has made it one of Alberta’s fastest-growing communities while it continues to honor its western roots.
More details on Heritage Days, including the full event schedule, are available on the Town of Raymond website.
