Well we’ve had a fairly nice fall so far, really nice temperatures in October for sure. I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving, my cousin invited us over for dinner and barbequed burgers, which was a nice change from the usual turkey. Now we get into gear for Christmas. There are a ton of fantastic Christmas Markets in our beautiful Foothills, and with so many talented and creative artists in the area, you are sure to find the right gift for those on your list, and maybe some treasures for yourself as well.
The Ladies Auxiliary Annual Xmas Market from the Turner Valley Legion is hosting theirs on November 30 from 10-3, at the Legion. Try your luck with their ever- popular bucket raffles, shop local vendors, bake sale, 50/50 draw, and annual Xmas raffle. This is their main fundraiser of the year, and all funds raised go toward local charities such as Rowan House, Sheep River Health Trust, Foothills Country Hospice, Oilfields Food Bank, and the Legion. Helping them this year with funds towards theLegion’s kitchen reno as well as a donation towards an urgent foundation/outside wall repair. So come on down, the kitchen and the bar will be open and enjoy the day!
Down the road from the Legion is the Sheep Creek Arts Council, and they would like to have a market in November for kids to showcase and sell their creations to our community for Christmas gifts. If you’re interested in being included in this, and for details on the date and time, please email Kym Wilkie at kym.wilkie@gmail.com. And be sure to check out the fall classes at the SCAC, there’s sure to be something that will pique your interest.
Other Christmas Markets in our Foothills include:
Turner Valley United Church Nov. 23 10-3 with vendors, baking, crafts, and new-to-you items, 125 Royal Avenue, Turner Valley
Millarville Nov. 7-10 and Nov. 14-17, tickets must be pre-purchased in advance
Springbank Nov. 2, 9-5, Nov. 3, 10-3 at the Community High School
Red Deer Lake United Church starts Nov. 16 10-3
Spruce Meadows Nov 15-17, Nov. 22-24
Granary Road Weekends Nov. 30 – Dec. 15
DeWinton Nov. 16 10-3
Leighton Art Centre Nov. 8 – Dec. 21 10-4
High River Staff and Auxiliary Nov. 23 10-2 at High River Masonic Hall
Bragg Creek Nov. 16-17 10-5
St. George’s Anglican Church in Turner Valley is home to the Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Collection Nov. 18-24
And as always, a great Christmas gift is a donation to charity in your giftee’s name.
A few reminders, the Firefighter’s Food Drive is coming up this November, watch for signage as to when they will come around with the fire trucks to collect for the Food Bank. And Diamond Valley Light-Up is scheduled for Dec. 7, volunteers and sponsors needed and appreciated.
Remembrance Day is November 11, there is a Ceremony at the Oilfields High School, it usually starts at 10 am, please be on time so as not to interrupt the Ceremony. The Turner Valley Legion open afterwards for refreshments and fellowship. And please wear your poppy this month as the Poppy Campaign raises funds in support of Veterans and their families. The deep red flower is worn because poppies were among the first flowers to bloom on the battlefields of northern France and Belgium in World War 1.
Welcome new businesses in Diamond Valley, and love the murals popping up around town. Any events for December, please email me at elaine.w@telus.net before Nov. 15.
Enjoy the Markets!
Elaine Wansleeben
