Hello, Diamond Valley. Well, it was a different summer with July being nice and hot and then a fair amount of rain in August. Let’s hope we have a nice start to fall and also that the forest fires have abated by now.
The kids are back to school, I understand from the Foothills School Division calendar that most started back August 31. They will be off Sept. 7, Labour Day, and the 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Boys and Girls Club of Diamond Valley offers out of school care, please check their website for details. The Club is also holding a 50/50 raffle, one ticket is $10. 4 for $20. 20 for $50, and 100 for $100. You have lots of time to get your tickets for this very good cause, the draw date is December 5. Another area where children and youth aged 4-18 could be interested in are the Oilfields Sports Association, with soccer, baseball, swim club, floor hockey, and pond hockey. Check our town’s website for full details.
I received some more information about the Valley Makerspace in Turner Valley. This is a not for profit organization and part of the Diamond Valley Sustainable Living Centre, located at 218 Kennedy Drive. They offer a community minded centre where members can use their tools and facility 24/7. They have extensive tools, such as CNC machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, a full woodworking area, textile room, leather working area, electronics, welding, etc. People are welcome to drop in for a tour during regular hours: M/W/F noon-5. Tuesday 10-2 and 7-9, and Saturdays 10-2. Drop by a take a look!
Sheep Creek Arts in Turner Valley will be holding their Open House on September 9 from 7-9pm. Come meet their instructors, explore upcoming programs, and register for classes. Enjoy complimentary coffee and dessert, and there will be door prizes for members. Membership is extremely reasonable, only $20 for the year, and the event is open to everyone with free admission. Drop by the Open House, located just up Sunset Boulevard, or visit their website for more information on the variety of clubs and classes they offer.
Fall is a time to start learning something new, and our Sheep River Library has lots to explore this season. Coffee with a Uniform will be held on September 19 from 1-3. This is an opportunity to meet Diamond Valley Fire Rescue members, Municipal Enforcement Officers, and RCMP Officers. Enjoy a refreshment and chat with these very important members of our community who help keep us safe. Admission is free.
The annual Terry Fox Run will be held on September 20 with registration starting at 9am in the Sheep River Park in Okotoks. The Run/ Walk starts at 10 with options of a 1.5km loop or a 10km loop. Participants can run, walk, cycle, or wheel, and there will be a free BBQ afterwards provided by local sponsors. You can sign up or donate ahead of time at terryfox.org.
Another Walk for a fantastic cause is the Kidney March. The start line is at the Millarville Racetrack on September 10. Help fight against kidney disease and for organ donation. You can do the walk, which is a 3 day walk with lots of pampering in between, or you can support the crew. To find out more or to sign up, go to kidneymarch.ca.
Over in our neighbouring town of High RIver, the RIver City Classics Brian Chipchase Sr. Memorial Show and Shine will be held on September 27 from 9-3. This is an amazing Show and Shine with blocks and blocks of cool cars, trucks, and motorcycles, vendors, entertainment, and local restaurants,bars, and shopping. High RIver has a neat little museum by the trains as well. There will be a very cool Burn-Out Show September 26 from 1-3. All events take place in the downtown area. Volunteers are most welcome and needed, for full details, visit rivercityclassics.ca. According to their website, they also meet with their one of a kind vehicles at the Aldersyde A&W on Wednesdays at 5:30 for a Show and Shine.
High River also hosts the Heritage Inn International Hot Air Balloon Fest from September 23-27. This is a free event with the signature Balloon Glow on Friday night. The event originated in 2013 with a local balloonist, and the first one was in the same year when devastating floods hit High River. The event helped serve as a powerful symbol of community resilience and recovery. They host pilots from Canada, the U.S., and Europe. For a full schedule of events and parking information, go to heritageinternationalballoonfestival.com.
Beneath the Arch Concert Series is back for the season with Steve Dawson and Joachim Cooder on September 19. Nashville based, Canadian born Dawson along with the son of Ry Cooder are stopping by as part of their Western Canada Tour. Get set for an awesome evening of blues, folk, country and global roots tradition music from these two wonderful musicians. The show starts at 7:30 at the Flare and Derrick, get either rush or ahead of time tickets, or buy a season’s pass to save even more. Every single show I’ve attended has been so good, to get tickets, or to find out more, visit beneaththearch.ca.
If you are a classical music fan, High River’s Gift of Music Concert Series offers a free show in George Lane Memorial Park at 2pm. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy this open air concert featuring among others the music of Gershwin and Brahms. Go to highrivergiftofmusic.com to find out more.
If you have any events or news for the October issue, please drop me a line before September 15 at elaine.w@telus.net.
Hope your autumn is joyful,
Elaine Wansleeben
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