Learn swimming skills — and help set a record
LEARN TO SWIM
World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall is inviting kids to a free swimming lesson to help set a new Guinness World Record for the largest swimming lesson. It will demonstrate basic skills, such as holding one’s breath under water and floating. While geared to young children, all ages can participate.
This is the second consecutive year World Waterpark is participating in The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, created by the World Waterpark Association to communicate the importance of teaching children to swim. When: Friday, June 24, 3:30 p.m. Where: World Waterpark, West Edmonton Mall Cost: Free Info: 780-444-5200
DAY OF PLAY
Everyone’s favourite retailer of large agricultural and farm machinery sure knows how to entice future patrons into its stores, but it isn’t by allowing us to stage fights with tractors and excavators, unfortunately. Martin Deerline has set aside a morning and part of the afternoon for family fun, with wagon rides, bouncy castles, a pedal tractor course, an area with farmyard animals and much more. No tickets necessary — just scoop up the kids and head over. Keep in mind, you shouldn’t feel compelled to buy a combine or a grain crate for the backyard. When: Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Martin Deerline West, 17104 118 Ave. Admission: Free Info: martindeerline.com
BIRTHDAY BASH
It seems like only yesterday that the Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse was planting the seeds of revitalization on Alberta Avenue. Now the little coffeehouse-that-could is turning nine, and planning an afternoon celebration to mark the occasion. The volunteer-run café promises games, family-friendly entertainment and a barbecue, and best of all, everyone is invited. When: Saturday, June 25, noon to 3 p.m. Where: Carrot Community Arts Coffee House, 9351 118 Ave. Admission: Free Info: thecarrot.ca
HIGHLAND GATHERING
Unleash your inner Groundskeeper Willie at this year’s Edmonton Scottish Highland Gathering. While it’s not taking place in the actual Highlands area of Edmonton (for shame!), there will still be plenty of romantic representations of the auld country. That includes the caber toss, stone put, highland dancing competitions, re-enactments involving the Knights of the Northern Realm, pipe and drum bands, and plenty of men in kilts.
Oh, and haggis, which is actually pretty good as a side dish at breakfast. Added bonus: there will be a free park-and-ride from Century Park Transit Centre, running every 15 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.
When: Sunday, June 26, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Grant MacEwan Park, 3105 101 St. Admission: $15, adults; $10, students and seniors. Free admission for children 5 years of age and under Info: edmontonscottishsociety.com
VINTAGE DAY
Rows of vintage vehicles to check out may be a hook to get you into the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, but they’re certainly not the only hook. Vintage Days also includes a Kalyna singing contest, horse-drawn wagon rides, exhibits, entertainers and various children’s activities. That’s in addition to the usual fun to be had at the village, including yummy Ukrainian food, historical activities and the always-fascinating village market. When: Sunday, June 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, 50 km east of Edmonton on Highway 16. Admission: $15, adults; $13, seniors; $10, youth. Children 6 and under are admitted for free Info: ukrainianvillage.ca