Raymond hosts parade for 125th anniversary

Posted on July 16, 2026 by admin

By Alexandra Noad
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Raymond celebrated their 125th anniversary in style this past week, concluding the festivities with a parade and firework show yesterday.

Tim Tollestrup, former athletic director for the former Lethbridge College Kodiaks, now Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks, was named this year’s honorary parade marshal.

“I didn’t have a hard time saying yes,” says Tollestrup on being named the honorary parade marshal. “I love this town; it’s been good to me.”

Tollestrup played high school basketball for the Raymond Comets, before attending Utah State University for four years on a full ride basketball scholarship and then returning to play for the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns for one season.

He has been inducted in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Hall of Fame, Lethbridge Sport Hall of Fame and the Kodiaks Hall of Fame.

Hundreds of people from all over southern Alberta lined the streets of the small town to watch the parade and catch some candy.

Over the years, Tollestrup says he has seen the town grow, but it continues to keep the spirit a small town.

“It’s a great little community, (with) great sporting facilities…it’s great to be here.”