Hello, Diamond Valley. Well fall is definitely in the air. The kids are back in school, and organizations are hosting their events again. I’m very excited to announce that the Turner Valley Legion will be holding their Spook House again this year! It is truly one of the best spook houses I’ve ever experienced. The Legion welcomes all if you dare nightly from Friday, October 27 to Tuesday, October 31. Volunteers are absolutely necessary and welcome, and they are meeting at the Legion every Monday at 7:00 to work on the Spook House. Drop by or give them a call at 403- 933-4600 to find out more.
Granary Road is hosting their annual Pumpkin Chunkin event on October 14 and 15. They have partnered with Okotoks’ Optimist Club to raise funds for the Club. Contestants build their own catapult or trebuchet to launch pumpkins as far as they can. Also, they have games, music, pumpkin goodies and décor, and lots more fun for the whole family. Please bring a donation for the Food Bank. For more info, go to granaryroad.com.
Back in town, the Griffiths Centre in Black Diamond invites you to join them on Friday mornings for Coffee Cookie and Chat. For $2 you get coffee with free refills, a cookie, and good conversation with much laughter. You could also check out the many classes, programs, and events the Griffiths has to offer. The Centre was formed by Jack and Grace Griffiths who arrived from Wales in the 1930s and set up a restaurant and boarding house. Today it continues to be a hub of social gatherings. Check out their full schedule of events at griffithscentre.ca. They are located at 122 Government Road.
With fall we have the return of the Foothills many concert series! Beneath the Arch presents Blue Moon Marquee on October 21 at 7:00. From Alberta, the Marquee will have your toes tapping with their fun swing, jazz, blues, and boogie. The show will be held at the Flare and Derrick in Turner Valley, for tickets, visit beneaththearch.ca.
The Gift of Music Series in High River presents Stephane Tetrault October 20 at 7:30. Equally amazing on both cello and piano, this promises to be a very special evening. Get your tickets at giftofmusic.com.
And the Red Deer Lake United Church’s On the Edge Series is pleased to present Connie Kaldor on October 27 at 7:30. Kaldor is a traditional folk artist with 45 years in the music business. The show is held in the beautiful United Church and tickets can be found at rdluchurch.com.
The RPAC Series in Okotoks has lots to offer in October, with Acoustic Night on October 3, the Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 14, and the Dewdney Players: Bullshot Crummond, on October 15-21 and 26-28. For tickets to any of these shows, go to okotoksculture.ca.
Get a headstart on your gift list with the Sheep Creek Weavers annual sale on October 21 and 22 at the Millarville Race Track. They had a booth there during the Fair weekend, and my gosh the beautiful sweaters, toys, blankets, and other fibre items were so soft and unique. If you are interested in joining, they have a monthly meeting the first Thursday of the month at 10:30 (from September to June). For more information, visit sheepcreekweavers.ca. And just a quick note about the Millarville Fair, I haven’t had that much fun in ages, there was so much to see, including a llama obstacle course, tractor pull, pie eating contest, and live eagles and owls. The Racetrack is really a neat place and has been around for many many years.
Foothills Country Hospice is hosting their annual gala, and this year will be their Gratitude and Giving Gala, on October 28 at the Foothills Centennial Centre in Okotoks. Global’s Leslie Horton will act as the MC, there will be a cocktail hour followed by a catered dinner, a silent auction, and live entertainment from High Steppin Daddy. This is their biggest fundraiser of the year, for tickets, please go to countryhospice.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available also.
Lastly, Diamond Valley Youth Foundation presents Fall Fling ‘23 on November 4. Help them achieve their first goal of raising 20K in net proceeds to benefit our two elementary schools. Doors open at 6:30, followed by food and drink, a silent auction, and live music with special guests Celtic Rock band Haggis. The event will be held at the Flare and Derrick, get your tickets at diamondvalleyyouthfoundation.ca.
Any events or news for November that you would like to see in the High Country News, please drop me a line before October 15 at elaine.w@telus.net.
Happy Halloween!
Elaine Wansleeben
