Hello, Diamond Valley. Well we had a fair amount of rain in May, which really greened things up and starting all the buds blooming. It’s our Parade Day coming up June 7, and as usual there’s a ton of fun events to keep you busy all weekend, let’s hope the forecast is sunny and bright.
The Parade starts at 10 am on Saturday, June 7, in Black Diamond. Start off the day with a pancake breakfast fundraiser at Oilfields High School at 8:30 am. Then you can set up for the Parade, bring a lawn chair for prime viewing, and remember some of the streets will be blocked off so you will have to park off route. You can check the Town’s website for the route. Many of the businesses in Black Diamond will offer raffles, sales, music, and unique items. Then head over to Turner Valley from 11-3 for lots of family fun in Millenium Park. There you will find bounce houses, face painting, petting zoo, Ninja Obstacle Course, DJ Tim, the Jr. Firefighter’s Challenge, Forest School Playground, and an inflatable curling rink.
Also, in Turner Valley on June 7 marks the annual Sheep Creek Arts Council’s Bake Sale and Quilt Show, which runs from 11-3. You could drop off baking donations on Friday, June 6 from 5-7pm, or Saturday morning from 7-9am. Volunteers are always appreciated and welcome, whether it’s to chop up rhubarb, bake, package treats, or help at the tables. They are located on Sunset Boulevard west of the 4 way stop.
Head on over to the Sheep River Library for their annual Used Book Sale on June 7, from 11-4. All sales are by donation, please bring your own bag. The books will be sorted by category. And, of course, many businesses in Turner Valley will be open for sales and offers.
The Millarville Farmer’s Market will be open Saturdays from 9-2 starting June 21. This is an awesome outdoor market will lots of vendors and entertainment. Entry fee is by donation. They are taking a break from the annual 1⁄2 Marathon but are planning on running it next year. And the Millarville Horticultural Club’s annual Plant Sale (cash only) will be held on June 5 from 7-7:45 pm, donations of plants can be dropped off June 5 from 3-6pm. Please call Glenda at 403-620-5509 for more info. They will also be raffling off a stunning 31” tall Curly Jade plant.
June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, to celebrate the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis across Canada. The Foothills of Alberta have been home to several Indigenous Peoples, including the Blackfoot Confederacy (Kanai, Piikani, and Siksika), the Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuut’ina. The Blackfoot traditionally lived on the plains and the Foothills, and the Stoney were called “the people of the mountains”, as they inhabited the woodlands and Foothills North and West of the Saskatchewan River. The Tsuut’ina, a branch of the Beaver people, also occupied central and northern parts of the region.
On June 21 come celebrate this special day in Turner Valley for the Arts and Culture Committee of the Sheep River Library. This is a family friendly event featuring Cree singer/songwriter and speaker Walter MacDonald White Bear, from 11-12 at the Library. From 12-12:45 there will food and drinks at the Flare and Derrick. Then from 12:45-2:45 there will be traditional Bannock, made by Indigenous Chief Russ Baker, and a kitchen party with an open jam session, so local musicians, bring your instruments. Russ will also lead youth in traditional Indigenous games like Hoop and Arrow. Registration is recommended but not required, for more info, contact the Sheep River Library.
The Bar U Ranch, located south of Longview, is celebrating Indigenous History on June 20. This event includes visiting with Indigenous neighbours, exploring an interpretive area with a traditional Stoney Tipi and Wall Tent (which represents the transition between pre and post Treaty 7 Indigenous life) and much more. The event coincides with Summer Solstice, the first day of Summer, and the longest day of the year. More info please check out their website, it’s a great day trip.
Rowan House is pleased to announce their 4th annual Swing for Change Golf Tournament on June 17. Rowan House is an organization that aspires to compassionately erase domestic violence and abuse. 2025 marks their 25th anniversary of service to our communities. The Tournament runs from 1-9 at the Highwood Golf Course in High River. You can go online to purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket, to be drawn on June 17. Sponsors are gratefully accepted. To register for the Tournament or to buy a raffle ticket, go to rowanhouse.ca.
Happy Father’s Day June 15 to all the Dads out there! Perhaps a lovely drive along Highway 40 with a stop for lunch in town beforehand might be a good way to celebrate the day. The Highway is open again on June 15. If you’ve never driven this stretch of road, the scenery is stunning as the mountains are right there beside you and there’s a good chance to see some wildlife.
Any events or news for July, please drop me a line before June 15 at elaine.w@telus.net.
Happy Parade Weekend!
Elaine Wansleeben
