Hello, Diamond Valley. Well can you believe it’s December already? We had our first snow fall on October 21 and I’ve been watching the Canada geese fly south with their powerful wings. The first official day of winter is December 21, and there’s a couple more Christmas markets in our Foothills that you might wish to take in.
Oilfields Hospital is running a Christmas basket raffle until December 12, you can pop in from 8-3:30 to purchase tickets for this raffle. There are so many baskets to choose from, and at only $2 a ticket you could buy one for each basket! Proceeds from the raffle will go towards Patient Family Centered Care Community.
The Saskatoon Berry Farm is a lovely place to spend the day, and they are hosting their Christmas Market Nov. 29- Dec. 1 and again on Dec. 6-8. Hours are 12-8 on Fridays and 9-5 on the weekends. In addition to the Market, they offer firepits and marshmallows, horse-drawn sleigh rides, fresh cut Christmas trees, and lots for the youngsters including a visit from Santa himself. Get your tickets for your time slot at showpass.com/o/saskatoon-farm. The Farm is located off Highway 2 on 338 avenue.
The Sheep Creek Arts Council has been offered exhibition space at the Sheep River Library for the month of December. This would be open to all 2D artists who are currently members of the SCAC. Members are invited to submit up to three art works although not all three may be accepted due to space restrictions. This is an excellent way to showcase your art, a selling opportunity, and a good advertisement for the SCAC. Set up is December 2 and take down is December 30 with a small reception at some point in the month. Inquiries please email kym.wilkie@gmail.com.
It’s Light Up time again! One of my favorite events of the year here in Diamond Valley, it is scheduled for the first Saturday in December, the 7th, and there are events in both towns. In Black Diamond, from 5-9, businesses offer holiday lights, treats, and surprises, and Santa will make his annual visit as well. For full details, go to diamondvalley.town/light-up.
Head over to Turner Valley during the day of December 7th for the one-of-a-kind High Country SPCA Christmas Market. Volunteers do an amazing job of putting this Market together, with tons of raffles to enter, and with over 35 local artists, crafters, and businesses you’ll be sure to find that special something. They will also be serving breakfast, soup, hotdogs and burgers, coffee and hot chocolate, and will have a Pet Food Bank station, so be sure to bring something for our furry friends to add to that, or take some if you are struggling. The Market will be held in the Flare and Derrick Community Center, for vendor tables, please go to spcahighcountry@gmail.com.
Also over in Turner Valley will be our New Year’s Eve Celebration, on December 31 from 5-8. This will be held at the Flare and Derrick and the outdoor ice rink, and wagon rides around Millenium Park. Outdoor events are weather permitting. Lots to do with the family, and the evening ends with fireworks at 8pm.
Our Turner Valley Legion will be hosting their Children’s Christmas Party on December 1st, with two sittings, the first at 11am and the second at 1pm. Be sure to register your child so they have enough goodies for everyone. There will be hotdogs, juice, and a present for those aged 10 and under. Pop by the Legion to register, and be sure to check out their new Sunday Fundays with games and fun for kids and their families, and a jam in the afternoon also.
Assistance is available for residents of Foothills County, or if you are able to help out, please contact the following wonderful organizations: Oilfields Food Bank, The Salvation Army Foothills Community Ministries, for food hampers, Baby It’s Cold Outside, for a Christmas meal, My City Care, Salvation Army or Baby It’s Cold Outside for toys and gifts. If anyone needs contact info please email me at elaine.w@telus.net.
Just a few notices, our green bins will be picked up every two weeks until March, schedule is at diamondvalley.town/waste, and also the Road past Sandy McNabb will be closed December 1 for the season, in order to allow wildlife better access to their food supply.
I sincerely wish everyone a very joyful holiday, however you may celebrate, and all the best for the New Year!
Elaine Wansleeben
