COMMUNITY
A Century on the Road: AMA Turns 100
By AMA Insider Staff
For 100 years, AMA has been more than just an organization. It’s part of how Albertans show up for each other: roadside rescues on cold winter nights, young students protecting their friends at the crosswalk, and families heading off on summer road trips with the windows down. As AMA marks its centennial, we’ve planned a year-long series of events and experiences across the province to celebrate and reflect on how far we’ve all come together.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF AMA
The spirit of community is at the heart of AMA’s centennial celebrations, from an interactive exhibit that brings AMA’s history to life, to joining in at “show & shines” and parades, to celebrations held at AMA centres. While the centennial marks an important milestone, these moments are about meeting members where they are, saying thank you and looking back on everything that’s brought us here.
AMA has always been about we. It’s the strength of over one million members — the first-time drivers, the lifelong road trip lovers, the small-town volunteers and the families and neighbours who show up for each other every day. It’s a strength built over generations and shared experiences in both the everyday moments and the ones that matter most. And after 100 years on the road together, the journey is far from over. Because what defines us isn’t just our history. It’s our shared commitment to be there when it matters most, and to keep building what comes next.
While the Alberta Motor Association officially formed on November 30, 1926, our centennial celebrations will kick off this June — to take advantage of our beautiful summer weather — and will continue well into 2027.
CELEBRATING TOGETHER: CENTENNIAL EVENTS ACROSS ALBERTA
AMA’s centennial is a celebration of the people and communities who have shaped AMA’s story across Alberta. Events will bring members together to connect, reflect and celebrate this shared milestone. The signature kickoff will be an exhibit experience that brings our shared history to life in a powerful and memorable way.
AMA’s centennial exhibit, A Road Well Travelled, will offer visitors experiences that feel like stepping back through time. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF AMA
A Road Well Travelled: AMA interactive exhibit
A Road Well Travelled, AMA’s centennial exhibit, invites visitors to step into the association’s history and enjoy exclusive artifacts, interactive displays and experiences that celebrate the past while giving a glimpse of the road ahead.
Each piece in the exhibit tells a story, from the vehicles that answered calls for help to the uniforms worn by young school safety patrollers. Drawn from decades of AMA’s historical collection, A Road Well Travelled will bring some of the greatest moments of AMA’s 100-year history to life. Some highlights will include Betsey, a historically restored AMA tow truck, a vintage motorcycle display and rarely-seen artifacts such as historic ads and early training tools for motorists.
Visitors will also find interactive stations to explore, which will bring back memories and even help relive what it felt like to get behind the wheel for the first time. A storytelling hub, an anniversary video installation and hands-on opportunities for families will create fun moments for Albertans of all ages.
During the centennial year and beyond, this once-in-a- lifetime exhibit will visit Alberta’s two largest cities before being featured at the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin — connecting members to the stories, people and shared experiences that have helped shape AMA’s first 100 years.
CALGARY: Heritage Park
July 1–September 7, 2026
AMA members save 15% onsite (bring your card!), and admission to the exhibit is included with Heritage Park entry.
EDMONTON: The Creative Hive
September 26–November 8, 2026, and January 9-24, 2027
Free entry; AMA Community Foundation donations welcome.
WETASKIWIN: Reynolds Museum
May 22, 2027–October 9, 2028
AMA members save 10% on regular admission at Reynolds-Alberta Museum.
AMA members can save 15% on admission to Heritage Park in Calgary and see AMA’s centennial exhibition onsite. | PHOTO: COLIN WAY/TRAVEL ALBERTA
CENTENNIAL IN ACTION
The centennial celebrations will unfold through events designed to bring our members together — to connect, spark storytelling and create new memories.
Get lost in the Maze
Starting in late July 2026, get lost in an AMA-themed adventure at the Edmonton Corn Maze. As you wind your way through, watch for AMA trivia and games that bring the centennial story to life. AMA members can save 15% on regular admission all season long and are invited to join us for a special kickoff event on August 9, with 50% off entry for members that day only.
Community parades
From Fort McMurray to Lethbridge, AMA will bring the centennial celebrations to you this summer. Watch for us on your community’s parade route with a special centennial-themed entry and moments that might trigger some nostalgia.
Cars and connections
Join AMA at “show & shine” events across Alberta through summer 2026. Stop by our tent for interactive activities, to learn more about AMA services and to test your skills with our Roadside Rescue Challenge — a hands-on game that will get the competition going.
A sweet celebration
What’s a birthday without cake? For AMA’s 100th, we’re making sure no one misses out. On Friday, November 27, 2026, we’re inviting all AMA members to stop by their closest centre for celebrations, cake and a chance to mark this milestone moment.
Member celebration at the park
In May 2027, AMA will keep the party going with member-exclusive outdoor events for the whole family in Edmonton and Calgary. Join us at Fort Edmonton Park and Heritage Park for games, activities and opportunities to connect as we celebrate our 100th year.
Centennial moments
This July, celebrate the AMA Centennial with a fun app-based experience designed for Albertans to explore, play and win! Complete challenges, solve clues and unlock chances to win exciting prizes. Best of all, you can play from home, around your community, or wherever summer takes you. Download the AMA mobile app and play for a chance to win!
AMA Insider's special centennial collector's edition. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF AMA
AMA INSIDER: 100TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR'S EDITION This summer, we’re publishing a special centennial issue of AMA Insider, featuring the stories of 100 members who have made a meaningful impact in communities across Alberta. From athletes, artists and entrepreneurs to innovators, volunteers and community changemakers, these members were chosen from among many to reflect the resilience, innovation and community spirit that make Alberta so extraordinary.
You can pick up your free copy at any AMA centre or at our centennial events over the next year. Available starting mid-June 2026, 100 Years — A Century of Community is a memento and keepsake that highlights member stories, reflecting on where we are today and looking ahead to the future we’re shaping — together.
From athletes, artists and entrepreneurs to innovators, volunteers and community changemakers, these members were chosen from among many to reflect the resilience, innovation and community spirit that make Alberta so extraordinary.
CENTENNIAL KEEPSAKES Carry a piece of AMA’s century-long story with you through our collection of limited-edition keepsakes. We’ll have our specially produced coffee table book, a range of AMA centennial clothing and even an AMA 3-in-1 model Tow Truck & Roadside Assistance Set made with genuine LEGO® parts* — plus other fun collectables! These items were all made to celebrate AMA’s story, our members and the province we all call home. AMA
*LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this publication or product. The AMA Tow Truck & Roadside Assistance Set includes non-LEGO® brand parts and accessories to enhance buildability, functionality, and custom design features.
Collector’s edition hoodie and mug; AMA 3-in-1 model Tow Truck & Roadside Assistance Set made with genuine LEGO® parts*; There's No Plates Like Home puzzle set. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF AMA
For 100 years, AMA has been more than just an organization. It’s part of how Albertans show up for each other: roadside rescues on cold winter nights, young students protecting their friends at the crosswalk, and families heading off on summer road trips with the windows down. As AMA marks its centennial, we’ve planned a year-long series of events and experiences across the province to celebrate and reflect on how far we’ve all come together.