Family Five
APPLES AND ORANGES
There’s a touch of Dr. Seuss to Chris Bullough’s children’s play Apples and Oranges in that it’s written in rhyme and has musical elements to it. The play is set on an island where a young Papple boy named Connor sets off on an exciting journey where he meets Ceili, a little girl from the other side of the forest, where the frightening Orange-Folk live. Connor discovers that while Ceili is different from him, that doesn’t stop them from being friends. When: Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Where: Westbury Theatre, ATB Arts Barns, 10330 82nd Ave. Admission: $18, adults; $15, seniors and students; $12.50, children 12 and under. Available at Fringe Theatre Adventures Box Office, 780-409-1910 Info: fringetheatre.ca/arts_at_the_barns.php
BIRKEBEINER
There are a number of different races for skiers of all ages and experience at this year’s Canadian Birkebeiner, including one for kids and first-timers to participate in called Ole’s Tour. An untimed fun event, you can choose either a 2.5- or 4-kilometre tour, with Gatorade, water and fruit at stations along the way. Children under six must be accompanied by an adult also registered in the same event, and note that same day registration will no longer be accepted. Check the website for info on shuttle buses to the staging area at the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Recreation and other necessary race details. When: Friday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. Where: Start at Waskahegan staging area, Cooking Lake-Black foot Recreation Area, 40 minutes east of Edmonton Admission: Spectators free, $7 for Ole’s Tour Info: canadianbirkie.com/olestour
FLYING CANOE ADVENTURE
While everyone else debates the idea of lighting up the High Level Bridge you can bring the family down to a lit up Mill Creek Ravine for the Flying Canoe Adventure, an outdoor, nighttime event based on the FrenchCanadian and First Nations legend of La Chassegalerie (The Flying Canoe.) A sleigh ride from La Cite Francophone takes you to the trail, where you’ll encounter lost canoeists, bake bannock over a fire, listen to jigs and reels at the Métis Base Camp, and then return to La Cite Francophone for winter rodeo activities, live music performances, hot chocolate, a snow slide and children’s activities. When: Friday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. Where: Mill Creek Ravine and La Cite Francophone, 8627 91st St. Admission: Free Info: thecityoflight.ca
MONSTER JAM
It’s hard-wired into all us, a desire to see monster trucks do battle in giant arenas. OK, that might be an exaggeration, but you have to admit that it’s satisfying to see all of that metal collide at high speeds like damaged Transformers trapped in vehicle form, attempting to win free of their cruel human masters. The Maple Leaf Monster Jam Tour promises seven massive trucks ripping up the dirt floor of Rexall Place, with names like (current champion) Northern Nightmare, Grave Digger, Monster Mutt, Just Get Er Done, Robo Machine, Bounty Hunter and Team Survivor. When: Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. Where: Rexall Place Admission: $20 to $55 before taxes, available from Ticketmaster, 780-451-8000 Info: monsterjamcanada.ca
SNOW SHACKS
The City of Edmonton is doing its best to make sure there are plenty of outdoor activities to partake in this winter, including the Snow Shack program. There’ll be snow fort making, outdoor games, snowshoeing and sledding, bannock making, and plenty of other activities. There is an indoor pavilion for warming up when the cold gets to be too much. Children under six years old must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. The event will be cancelled if the temperatures run below -20 C with wind chill. When: Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9, noon until 6 p.m. Every weekend after until Feb. 23. Where: Jackie Parker Park, 45th Avenue and 50th Street. Admission: Free Info: Call 311 or email 311@ edmonton.ca