They've been missing for three weeks, but the family and friends of Lyle and Marie McCann are still keeping hope alive.  A large crowd gathered in St. Albert Saturday night for a candlelight vigil in support of the search.

About two hundred people gathered for the vigil which was held at St. Alberta Plaza. Bret McCann says despite how difficult the last three weeks have been, he's been comforted by the support of the community.

"It's just massive," said McCann. "It's just huge, the support that we feel from people everywhere."

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Hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight vigil at St. Albert Plaza Saturday evening in support of the search for Lyle and Marie McCann.

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The large crowd stood in solidarity holding candles while members of the McCann family shared their appreciation for the community support. 

The couple has not been seen or heard from in nearly three weeks. The McCanns left for Chilliwack, B.C. on July 3 towing their green Hyundai SUV behind their motorhome.

The McCann's burned-out motor home was found on July 5th near the Minnow Lake campground approximately 35 kilometres southeast of Edson. On July 16th, their green Hyundai SUV was located deep in the bush about 30 kilometres east of Edson near Carrot Creek.

"If they're hurt…I know my dad's taking care of my mom and so I'm sure they're okay," said McCann.

While family realize the couple may be in trouble, they aren't giving up hope they could still be alive.

"I really truly feel that we will see them, I just have no doubt," said Nicole Walshe. "I just keep making this list of ideas and things I have to talk to them about when they come home."

Many others share in the family's hope, a Facebook group in support of the search has ballooned to 35,000 members.

"There are a lot of people that won't be able to be there tonight, but will be still showing their support from where they are," said McCann.

Police have named Travis Vader a person of interest in the investigation, but no charges have been laid against him. He is currently being held in custody at the Edmonton Remand Centre.

Residents in the town of Peers, Alberta report seeing Vader in a Hyundai after the McCanns went missing.

Police still would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the McCann's 2006 Hyundai Tucson, licence plate ZPK 289, during the period of July 5th to the 16th.

Vader is scheduled to appear in an Edmonton courtroom on July 27 to answer to warrants unrelated to the McCann investigation.

With files from Bill Fortier