A busy fall getting started in the city

Might be that Alberta’s summers are getting hotter — and longer. But for many southern Alberta organizations, the Labour Day weekend signals a start for their busy fall and winter programs.

And September becomes something of a transitional month in Lethbridge with a wide selection of outdoor and indoor events.

Outdoors, there’s the allages Love and Records celebration on Sept. 16. Billed as “Western Canada’s largest free outdoor record fair,” it combines live music with a great selection of new and used vinyl records, tapes and CDs. Attractions also include a Ferris wheel, food, a beer garden and a Canada 150 outdoor art gallery.

It’s scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Lethbridge residents with a limited amount of free time can have a listen online at CKXU.com or at 88.3 FM. *** A little more rustic, the annual Pig and Pumpkin Festival is also set for Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presented by the Lethbridge Host Lions Club, it will be held at Broxburn Vegetables and Cafe, with proceeds going to the breakfast program at Wilson Middle School.

Hay rides, face painting, a fish pond, “glitter tattoos,” carnival games, bouncy tents and entertainment will be on offer — along with a “pumpkin cannon,” baby pigs and an antique car show. ** * On the next day, Sept. 17, southern Albertans will take part in the annual Terry Fox Run at Henderson Park. The Lethbridge run, one of hundreds held across Canada and around the world (wherever there are enough Canadians!) will include 3-km, 5-km and 10km options.

It’s set to start at noon with registration opening an hour earlier at the Kiwanis Picnic Shelter. Those who aren’t able to take part are urged to support the battle against cancer by pledging support for a participant. *** And then on Sept. 23, several downtown streets will be turned over to Word on the Street, celebrating reading and literacy. The book and magazine festival, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. near the library’s main branch, brings an opportunity to meet and hear some of today’s Canadian writers as well as an invitation for local groups to set up displays showing what they’re contributing to the community. ** * Indoors meanwhile, the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association will resume its family-friendly dinners and cultural celebrations. On Sept. 15, just to be different, it’s hosting “A Taste of Southern Alberta” with Alberta roast beef, Taber corn, local potatoes and homemade fruit pie.

Musicians and dancers are also on the bill. A fundraiser for the organization, it’s set for 6:30 p.m. in the Multicultural Centre.

On the next day, Sept. 16, the centre will be the setting for a Fiesta Latina fundraiser, with dinner at 6:30 once again. And then on Sept. 29, it’s “A Taste of Mexico.”

And meanwhile,

the ethnic organization has announced a new “Building Cultural Bridges” initiative, a series of no-charge informational events aimed at newcomers and longtime residents alike. The history of Japanese ancestry will be outlined on Sept. 20, the beliefs of Islam on Sept. 27, with more to follow in October. The sessions, including a question period, will begin at 7 p.m. at the centre. *** Outdoors again, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre will continue its “Ask a Naturalist” program on Sept. 3, 17 and 24 (on the trail, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.) and its children's programs each Saturday at 10 a.m.

A garden workshop, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. will show how local residents can trick their bulb-type flowers to bloom indoors through the winter. *** Speaking of flowers. . . a green “thumbs up” to the Green Haven Garden

Centre, recently honoured for “outstanding retail achievement” by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. Congratulations also to

Kristen DeMone, taking on duties as executive director at the Canadian Home Builders Association – Lethbridge, after many years in the city's home construction industry. And a welcome to Trace

Associates Inc. — an environmental consulting firm advising oil and gas, real estate and development, industrial and agricultural clients across Western Canada — as it opens its newest location in Lethbridge. *** And before I hit the highway for a few weeks, a few last-minute reminders:

It’s the season’s last weekend at Fort WhoopUp, with special end-ofsummer events in Indian Battle Park.

Up top, at the Galt Museum, it’s “The Galts' Party” on Monday, starting at 1 p.m. with the unveiling of a statue honouring Sir Alexander and Elliott Galt.

There’s the city’s second rib festival underway at Galt Gardens, with a mouth-watering selection of sauces and styles.

And the University of Lethbridge continues its 50th anniversary celebrations with events on campus today and a glitzy concert at the Community Stadium.

Enjoy!