HELLO DIAMOND VALLEY
Hello, Diamond Valley. Did everyone have a nice Thanksgiving? It’s so nice to be able to get together with family and friends again, and we also enjoyed the drive through the back country to see the coat of many colors that Autumn brings. This month also brings a multitude of Christmas Markets with gift ideas from local crafters, artists, ranchers, bakers, and much more.
The Turner Valley Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary is pleased to present their annual Christmas Market on November 26 from, 10-3. The kitchen will open from 9-2, and they have 21 vendors this year so it’s a full house with returning favorites of: Pickles and Such, 31 Gifts, Pretty Bows, J Krauss Stained Glass Designs, K McGuire Lighted Bottles and many new vendors to choose from. Also the Legion will hold their popular Bucket Raffles and a 50/50 Draw. Always a good time at our Legion so we hope to see you there.
Other Foothills Christmas Markets are as follows:
Millarville Racetrack: Nov. 3-6 and 10-13 from 9-4.
High River: Nov. 5 from 10-2. Okotoks: Nov. 11-13 and Light-Up.
Spruce Meadows: Nov. 18-20 and 25-27.
Granary Road: Nov. 26 – Dec. 18.
Leighton Art Center: Nov. 5 – Dec. 21 from 10-4.
Bragg Creek: Nov. 18-20
Watch for the High Country SPCA’s Christmas Market at the Flare and Derrick as it’s usually held in December. Also check out Crafter’s Corner in Black Diamond, they have really nice little gifts such as home décor and candles, all from local artists. They are located at 116 Government Road and are open from 10-6 every day except Mondays.
Our own Diamond Valley Light-Up is scheduled for December 3, more to follow next issue, but if you can volunteer a couple of hours please let either Town know, as volunteers are the heart of our community.
Remembrance Day is November 11, and there will be a service at the Oilfields High School from 10:30-noon, please be on time so as not to interrupt the service. Afterward, head on over to the Legion in Turner Valley for a small family wreath laying at the cenotaph, with socializing after that. Please wear your poppy this month to honour our Veterans.
Please watch for signs regarding the annual Firefighter’s Food Drive. Items especially needed this year are: condiments and sauces, all kinds, baking supplies, cookie/ muffin/cake mixes, canned meats and fruits, tissues and paper products, kids lunch snack kits, fruit and pudding cups, instant noodles, ready to serve soups, canned meals like stews and chilis, and pet foods of all kinds. Wait for the Firefighter’s Drive or you can drop off goods, monetary donations, or help by volunteering at the United Church in Turner Valley, 125 Royal Avenue. The Oilfields Food Bank there is open on Tuesdays from 1-3, You can also receive a Hamper there if needed. More details can be found by emailing info@oilfieldsfoodbank.com.
Back in the Diamond, the Griffiths Center on Government Road offers floor curling, coffee and cookie chats, poker, quilting and crafts, ukelele, writer’s group, Dementia Support group, and much more. The Griffiths Center has been around since 1967 and it is very easy and affordable to join. You can find out more by dropping by at 122 Government Road or check them out online.
Diamond Valley Transfer Station is switching to winter hours soon. They will be open only on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4, and it is here that you can drop off small branches, grass clippings and leaves, and compost. You can also get tags at the Town Office for any extra household garbage you may have. They are located just northeast of the Black Diamond Bridge. The winter hours run from November 16 – April 14.
Election Day for the Diamond Valley Mayor and Councillors is on Monday, November 28, and you can vote at the schools for your pick. For a list of candidates and more information, visit either Town’s website.
If you have any events or news for December you would like to see in the High Country News, please drop me a line at elaine.w@telus.net, before Nov15.
Best wishes for a nice November!
Elaine Wansleeben
