Family Five: It wouldn’t be festival season in Edmonton without the annual gathering of dragon boats
Night party at botanic gardens celebrates Perseid meteor shower
EXCALI BUR The Lady of the Lake waits patiently in the Muttart Conservatory’s new Sword in the Stone feature pyramid, gazing upon each visitor in hopes of seeing a once and future king. Could one guest be offered the magical sword? Families are invited to a pyramid filled with the stuff of Arthurian legend. This land of young King Arthur boasts such enchanting flowers as New Guinea impatiens, celosia, dahlias, coleus, begonias and fuchsias. Visitors will witness Excalibur emerging from the stone, Merlin the wizard and the Knights of the Round Table. It’s all part of the wonder of the Sword in the Stone feature pyramid. When: Until Sept. 22. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Muttart Conservatory Admission: $12, adults; $10.60, seniors and youth; $6.50, children. Info: edmonton.ca
DRAGON BOATS
Dragon-boat racing originated in southern China over 2,000 years ago as part of fertility rites intended to encourage plentiful rains and a good harvest. The 17th annual Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival doesn’t make any such claims, especially given this summer’s precipitation, but it is a fun way to spend a weekend, watching teams vie against each other in semi-competitive races on the North Saskatchewan River. Friday evening showcases the cultural opening ceremonies with the Taiko Drums and the popular Lion Dance, while Saturday and Sunday is where the boating action takes place. Through the weekend the site will host entertainment, food vendors, a beverage garden, merchandisers, promoters of dragon boat equipment, clothing and accessories. When: Friday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 18 Where: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, south of the Shaw Conference Centre Admission: Free Info: edmontondragonboatfestival.com FARM & HERITAGE FESTIVAL
You’ll find games for the kids, pony rides, mini farm animals, face painting, balloon twisting, mechanical bull rides, Canadian Reptile Encounters, historic grain elevator tours, a farmer’s market, entertainment, plus a fabulous corn supper at this year’s Farm & Heritage Carnival in Spruce Grove. Activity tickets are $1 apiece, with proceeds going toward ongoing maintenance of the Grain Elevator Museum and The Spruce Grove Water Tower, as well as for a new building, programming and promotions for the agricultural society. Roasted corn on the cob, hamburgers, sausages, and salad are food options, as well as the plated corn roast dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. When: Saturday, Aug. 17, noon to 4 p.m. Where: Grain Elevator Site, 120 Railway Ave., Spruce Grove Admission: Free; food and activities tickets are extra. Info: www.sprucegroveagsociety.com
EAST ME ETS WE ST
The East Meets West festival is a celebration of culture and entertainment to be found in Edmonton’s Chinatown and Little Italy sections.
The community-oriented event boasts nearly a full day of activities suitable for everyone in the family. In addition to last year’s range of activities a talent show contest for children under 12 has been added. There will be all-day entertainment, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, children’s corner and a caricature artist. When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where: 99 Street and 107th Avenue (Chinatown.) Admission: Free Info: 780-423-2628
PYJAMA PARTY
The Devonian Botanic Garden is having a pyjama party under the stars, and everyone is invited.
Wear your cosy pyjamas, bring your pillows, blankets, flashlights and lawnchairs, and sit back to enjoy one of the busiest times in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower.
While everyone waits for dark to fall, there will be plenty of family activities. When: Friday, Aug. 16, 8 p.m. to midnight Where: Devonian Botanic Garden, Highway 60, 5 km north of Devon Admission: $13, adult; $9.75, senior; $7, student; $5, youth; $3, child. Children aged 6 and under get in free. Info: devonian.ualberta.ca