While many across the city were celebrating Canada Day, family and friends of Dorothy Reynolds were celebrating the long-time Red Deerian's 100th birthday.
About 100 people attended a party at the Bower Kin Community Hall on Monday to celebrate Reynolds' milestone birthday.
"It's such a wonderful thing. I can't believe how many turned up. ... It's wonderful seeing all these people. It seems to be such a nice day too – it's not raining for once," she said.
When Reynolds moved to Red Deer in 1952, the city had a population of about 10,000 people. More than 70 years later, she said the city has completely changed.
"I don't even know it anymore. I don't get out and I don't drive, so it's all strange to me now," she said with a laugh.
How did it feel to turn 100 years old?
"It's no different. But I can't believe I am 100," Reynolds said with a wry smile.
Reynolds still lives in the same home her six children grew up in. One of her daughters, Stacey Reynolds, said that home, located in the Highland Green neighbourhood, was a very quiet space when the family originally moved there.
"There was nothing up there at the time, other than a field and horses," she said.
Susan Guilbault, another one of Reynolds' daughters, added: "There were no fences at the time. The backyard was this huge garden."
The family wanted to make Monday "all about" Reynolds, Guilbault added.
"We have music from her era, we have a slideshow that's shown her through the ages. ... Everybody's wanting to celebrate her. She's so wise still – she's in charge of her mind," she said.
Stacey added: "Her memory is better than ours."
Ed Guilbault, Susan's husband, said Reynolds has an enjoyment of life "that is evident every day that you see here."
"She has aches and pains because she's 100 years old, but she never gives up. ... When I come over to her home, she likes to have a rum and coke with me," he said.