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Special Events

Paula says... "If you know of any events... please let me know! E-mail me at info (at) babyguidetocalgary.com and I can add it to the website."

JANUARY - 2012

What: Stay tuned
When:
Entry Fee:
Where:
Notes:

FEBRUARY - 2012

What: Heritage Park, A Noteworthy Evening

Spice things up with a hot night out at Heritage Park. Enjoy a fantastic three-course dinner in the elegant Wainwright Hotel followed by an intimate, live music experience with some of Canada's finest musicians in the Canmore Opera House.

COOL JAZZ FOR A WINTER NIGHT
Experience musical moods from real cool to red hot with Tim Tamashiro, one of Canada’s foremost jazz vocalists.

When: 6 p.m., Friday February 10, 2012
Entry Fee: Go to www.heritagepark.ca for details
Where: Heritage Park
Notes: Please see web site.

MARCH - 2012

What: Heritage Park, A Noteworthy Evening

A GREAT DAY FOR THE IRISH
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Third Reel Celtic Band and the high energy performance of the Regent Academy of Irish Dance

When: 6 p.m., Friday March 16, 2012
Entry Fee: Go to www.heritagepark.ca for details
Where: Heritage Park
Notes: Please see web site.

APRIL - 2012

What: Heritage Park, A Noteworthy Evening

SPRING IS IN THE AIR
Enjoy classic standards featuring the trumpeter, vocalist, composer and arranger Johnny Summers and his Quartet

When: 6 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2012
Entry Fee: Go to www.heritagepark.ca for details
Where: Heritage Park
Notes: Please see web site.

What: Family Fun Days

Saturday, April 21 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday, April 22 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

FREE ADMISSION:
All attendees will receive free admission; no coupon required this year! This is a wheelchair chair accessible event.

Location:
Stampede Park, BMO Center

Enjoy interactive agriculture activities including cow milking, sheep shearing, farm animals, book corner, corn maze, and much more!

For more information please call 403-261-0162.

What: Stay tuned
When:
Entry Fee:
Where:
Notes:

MAY -2012

What: Celebrate 100 Years' of History at Heritage Park

Discover "How the West was Once" as the Historical Village at Heritage Park opens for another spectacular season including "Vintage to Volt: A Century of Chevrolet". Experience what life was like 100 years ago. The first 500 guests through the gates between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 21, will enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast. See www.heritagepark.ca or call 403-268-8500 for further information.

When: May 19-21 - May Long Weekend, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: Go to www.heritagepark.ca for details
Where: Heritage Park
Notes: Please see web site

JUNE - 2012

JULY -2012

What: City of Calgary Spray Parks and Wading Pools

Wading pool locations

Eau Claire Plaza - 3 St. & Riverfront Ave. S.W.
Prairie Winds Park - 223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.
Riley Park - 800 12 St. N.W.
Stanley Park - 4011 1A St. S.W. - closed for 2011 season

Spray park locations

Bowness Park - 8900 48 Ave. N.W.
Canmore Park - 19 St. & Chicoutimi Dr. N.W.
Eau Claire Plaza - 3 St. & Riverfront Ave. S.W.
Prairie Winds Park - 223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.
Rotary Park - 617 1 St. N.E.
Somerset Square - 999 Somerset Dr. S.W.
South Glenmore Park (Variety Park) - 90 Ave. & 24 St. S.W.
Valleyview Park - 28 St. & 30 Ave. S.E.

Wading pools and spray parks are generally open from mid June (weather dependant) until Labour Day.
www.calgary.ca

What: Summer Concert Series - 2011
Where: Heritage Town Square in Heritage Park
When: July 19, August 10 and August 31. 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Bring a picnic or reserve a table on the patio of the Selkirk Grille Restaurant. Call 403-268-8500 for more information. www.heritagepark.ca

What: Dance Drum and Discover - 2011
Where: Heritage Park
When: July 23 - July 24, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Experience the aboriginal culture through traditional dances, demonstrations, cultural displays and aboriginal artisans. www.heritagepark.ca

AUGUST - 2011

What: Heritage Day - 2011
Where: Heritage Park
When: Monday, August 1

Celebrate Western Canada's Heritage! Old-fashioned fun and games: potato-sack races, egg-on-spoon races plus Afternoon Tea, live music, and a roving street theatre. Afternoon Tea will be served at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. in the Wainwright Hotel Tea Room. Tickets must be pre-purchased are in addition to regular park admission. Also - free pancake breakfast for the first 500 guests through the gates before 10:30 a.m. www.heritagepark.ca

What: Western Wildberry Weekend - 2011
Where: Heritage Park
When: Saturday and Sunday, August 6th and 7th, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Berries made a bountiful harvest for settlers and First Nations people in the summer. Stop by the Aboriginal Encampment, Livingston House, Ranch House and Rectory to see how various berries were used to create fabulous dishes. www.heritagepark.ca

What: Hootenanny - Old-fashioned family fun - 2011
Where: Heritage Park
When: Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Heritage Park, Calgary's Child Magazine and Shine FM have teamed up together for Hootenanny, an event just for families. Entertainment includes Mr. Ray's Toddler Tunes, a petting zoo and corn maze. There will also be old-fashioned games and activities, children's crafts and a scavenger hunt. For more information, call 403-268-8500.
www.heritagepark.ca

SEPTEMBER - 2011

What:
Where:
When:
Cost:

What: Strathcona Mounted Troop - 2011
Where: Heritage Park
When: Labour Day, Monday, September 5th, 2011

Witness the pageantry and excitement as the Strathcona Mounted Troop bring history to life with their legendary Musical Ride.

20 Canadian Forces Soldiers dressed in 1920s period uniforms and mounted on horseback will perform a spectacular 35 minute musical ride and tent pegging demonstration. The Strathcona Mounted Troop is committed to presenting our “living history” and an active display of a unique part of our national heritage which is enjoyed by thousands of Canadians each year. www.heritagepark.ca

What: Calgary Produce Marketing Association's Harvest Sale - 2011
Where: Heritage Park
When: Saturday, September 10 and 11, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Info: Call Heritage Park Historical Village at 403-268-8500

Come early and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables at turn of the century prices. All money raised at this event will support the following local charities: the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, Community Kitchen and the Heritage Park Society. Feel good knowing that while you are stocking up on healthy food at fantastic prices, you are also supporting the local community!

The Harvest Sale is included in Heritage Park's regular admission rates, or with the purchase of an Annual Pass. Come for the sale, then stay and enjoy the rest of the day at Heritage Park Historical Village. www.heritagepark.ca

What: Railway Days - 2011
Where: Heritage Park Historical Village
When: Sat. Sept. 24 and Sun. Sept. 25
Fee: Free with Admission

Canadian Pacific Railway and Heritage Park present the 25th Annual Railway days. Train aficionados big and small will enjoy a full weekend of railway related activities, displays and demonstrations. Marvel at the sheer power of the double-headed steam engine as it circles the Park and takes on water. Catch a rare glimpse of the turntable in action behind the Roundhouse, and enjoy a special cab tour. Stop by the Rail Pavilion to view the spectacular model train layouts and visit with the vendors. Discover the significance the railway had on the development of western Canada as rail history comes to life through behind-the-scenes tours and lively presentations.

On the Sunday at 2 p.m. there is a Train Pull Competition with members of the Canadian Pacific Police Service and the Special Olympics competing to pull Heritage Park's massive 85 tonne steam engine 30 feet. Contact Doug Kinloch at CP today to enter a team and help raise money for these deserving athletes, or show your support by coming out and cheering on teams.

Photography contest: Photographers can enter their railway-themed framed photograph in one of three different categories - a) Model Railway Display, b) Heritage Park Railway, or c) Railway Open Category. Entries must be submitted in advance of the event and can be dropped off at Heritage Park between Sept. 16 and 20. Entry forms are available online at www.HeritagePark.ca.

Pancake breakfast: The first 500 guests through the doors before 10:30 a.m. will enjoy a free pancake breakfast at Gunn's Dairy Barn.

What: Calgary Corn Maze and U-Pick Vegetables - 2011
When: September 6 - October 16.
Mondays: closed except for September 19 and 26 (open 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.) and Thanksgiving Day (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursdays: Closed except for September 29 (open 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Flashlight nights starting Sept. 16 - open until 10 p.m.) Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Note one exception: Thanksgiving Monday, October 12, 11a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Entry Fee: Adult (18-64) $12, Youth (3-17) $10, Seniors (65+) $10. Children under two are free.
Where: Located 8 kms east of Highway 2 (Deerfoot Trail), just south of Hwy22X.
Notes: Come and spend time going through their T-Rex dinosaur maze and you can also pick locally grown farm fresh vegetables (Corn, Potatoes, Beets) until supplies last. The maze itself is 10-acres in size (roughly the size of ten football fields), with the corn growing to a height of 7 to 9 feet. There are over four kilometers of trails, with a number of trivia questions and challenges that will send you in the right (or wrong) direction. The maze typically takes 50 - 75 minutes to complete depending how fast (or slow) you choose to go. The quickest route if you absolutely made no wrong turns will take approximately 30 minutes. You can also pick your own pumpkins at the pumpkin patch in the fall. Snacks are available on site.
More Info: www.calgarycornmaze.com

What: Calgary Public Library, Baby Storytime and Toddler Storytime or search under "Just for Babies" and "Just for Families" programs
When: Every Month
Entry Fee: Free with membership
Where: At your local library
Notes: This is usually a weekly event held at your local library. Check out the link below for more information about what is going on at your local library.
More Info: http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/files/2009KidsFall.pdf

What: Calgary Health Region, “Baby and You for Moms”
When: Every Month
Entry Fee: Free
Where: At your local library
Notes: This is usually a weekly event held at your local library for four weeks. It is a great way to meet other Moms who are at the same life stage as yourself. Check out the link below for more information about what is going on at your local library. This course is best suited for Moms with babies ages 2 to 9 months. Register by calling (403) 781-1450
More Info: http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/files/2009KidsFall.pdf

OCTOBER - 2011

What: Thank You Calgary (Thanksgiving)
When: October 8, 9 and 10
Where: Heritage Park Historical Village
Fee: Cost of admission plus extra for Thanksgiving dinner
Notes: Heritage Park Historical Village would like to Thank You Calgary for all your support this year by offering free rides all weekend, plus the option to purchase a traditional Thanksgiving meal on the dates above.

Ride for FREE all weekend long! With your regular paid admission, you can enjoy all the rides at Heritage Park Historical Village one last time this season, on us. Take a spin on one of our antique midway rides, a trip around the Park on our thundering steam train, a relaxing tour on a horse-drawn wagon ride or a cruise on the Glenmore Reservoir aboard the S.S. Moyie.

In honour of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Wainwright Hotel will be serving a three-course Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the 8, 9 and 10. This holiday meal will be available on a first come, first serve basis and is $21.95 for adults and $13.95 for children under 12, plus GST. Children two and under eat for free. This holiday dinner option is in addition to Heritage Park admission. The Wainwright Hotel will also be offering a limited menu this time.

The first 500 guests through the park gates before 10:30 am on all three days, with regular paid admission, can enjoy Heritage Park's complimentary pancake breakfast, served hot off the grill in Gunn's Dairy Barn.

The Historical Village closes for the season on October 11, and will re-open for the summer season on May 19, 2012. Gasoline Alley Museum remains open daily, year round.

For more information, please call 403-268-8500 or visit www.HeritagePark.ca

What: The Calgary Baby Show
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, 2011, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: Adults $12, Free.
Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park
Notes: The Calgary Baby Show has more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in technology, apparel, furniture, products and toys to assist parents and caregivers every step of the way, from babies to school age and everything in between. Kids are welcome. They have an opportunity for kids to meet some of the Sesame Street characters. They also have a childcare area so that you can shop while your children are being looked after. There are workshops and seminars, from today’s leading authorities (including yours truly!). I’ll be there at a booth with Judy Arnall, so drop by.
More Info: www.calgarybabyshow.ca or call (403) 294-1644

What: Butterfield Acres – Harvest Pumpkin Hunt
Tickets go on sale Sept. 1st 2011!
When: Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 1st through Oct. 31st, 2011
Entry Fee: $12 per Child (able to walk - 17 years), $15 per adult. Pre-purchased tickets only! There are limited tickets available.
Where: 254077 Rocky Ridge road (North West corner of Rocky Ridge Road and Country Hills Boulevard)
Notes: Come on a tractor-pulled hay wagon, rolling through the fall leaves and find some kid-sized pumpkins. You’ll get to bring them back and decorate them. Have a visit with the animals at the farm. Visits are usually 1-2 hours. Dress for the weather as you will be outside for most of the time and wear some sturdy shoes as the ground can be quite muddy. They also suggest you wear ORANGE!
More Info: Tickets available on line at www.butterfieldacres.com. Call 403-239-0638 for tickets or 403-547-3595 (information line).

What: Ghouls Night Out
When: Evenings of October 26-30th, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: Big Ghouls (13+) $10, Little Ghouls (3-12) $6, Children 2 and under are free. (all prices +tax) Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Where: Heritage Park
Notes: Spooktacular fun for little ghouls who aren't afraid of thingsthat go bump in the night. There's a Hallowe'en Dance, crafts, games and more. Geared towards 'Little Ghouls' but other ages welcome.
More Info: Visit www.heritagepark.ca or call (403) 268-8500

NOVEMBER - 2011

What: International Christmas Market – Spruce Meadows
When: TBD Friday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: Children under twelve are free. Adults $8
Where: Spruce Meadows. There is a complimentary shuttle bus to and from Somerset/Bridlewood LRT station.
Notes: Enjoy spreading Christmas Spirit in the indoor comfort of the Spruce Meadows Marketplace, Equi-Plex and Horizons Pavilion. The outdoor courtyard features ice carving demonstrations, entertainment and fire pits to warm your toes. Parking is Free.
More Info: www.sprucemeadows.com/christmas_market.htm

What: ‘Once Upon A Christmas’ – Heritage Park
When: Saturdays and Sundays, November 19 and 20 to December 17 and 18. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: Adults - Gate admission + $8 +GST, children (3-17) $6 +GST, children two and under plus annual pass holders are free.
There are 50% off gate admission coupons available at their sponsors (see website below)
Where: 1900 Heritage Drive S.W.
Notes: Take a step back into true holiday enchantment by going for a wagon ride, taking in live historical theatre, singing carols in the church or visiting jolly old Saint Nick himself. Experience the magic of Christmas past as three of our historical family homes open their doors to share their Yuletide traditions. Parking is Free.
More Info: www.heritagepark.ca or call 403-268-8500

What: Zoolights - Calgary Zoo
When: TBD 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: Adults $8 and Children $5.
Where: 1300 Zoo Road N.E.
Notes: Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo presented by ENMAX is a spectacular Holiday light show. Surround your family with the beauty and splendor of over 1.5 million twinkling lights. Chat live with Santa direct from the North Pole with their exclusive Santa Vision. Creamy hot chocolate hits the spot on a cool night, while the cracking fire pits keep you toasty warm as you listen to the festive choirs singing holiday favorites. The kids play areas are ideal with the likes of Snowball Alley, Snow Bowling, The Reindeer Stables or Snigloo, where you can make your own igloo! Candy Cane Lane and the Tunnel of Love are always part of the show. Don’t miss it! Dress warmly.
More Info: Tickets available on line at www.calgaryzoo.org. Call 403-232-9300 for information.

DECEMBER - 2011

What: ‘Once Upon A Christmas’ – Heritage Park
When: Saturdays and Sundays, begins November 19 and runs until December 18. 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: Adults - Gate admission + $8 +GST, children (3-17) $6 +GST, children two and under plus annual pass holders are free.
There are 50% off gate admission coupons available at their sponsors (see website below)
Where: 1900 Heritage Drive S.W.
Notes: Take a step back into true holiday enchantment by going for a wagon ride, taking in live historical theatre, singing carols in the church or visiting jolly old Saint Nick himself. Experience the magic of Christmas past as three of our historical family homes open their doors to share their Yuletide traditions. Parking is Free.
More Info: www.heritagepark.ca or call 403-268-8500

What: Zoolights - Calgary Zoo
When: TBD 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Except Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve)
Entry Fee: Adults $8 and Children $5.
Where: 1300 Zoo Road N.E.
Notes: Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo presented by ENMAX is a spectacular Holiday light show. Surround your family with the beauty and splendor of over 1.5 million twinkling lights. Chat live with Santa direct from the North Pole with their exclusive Santa Vision. Creamy hot chocolate hits the spot on a cool night, while the cracking fire pits keep you toasty warm as you listen to the festive choirs singing holiday favorites. The kids play areas are ideal with the likes of Snowball Alley, Snow Bowling, The Reindeer Stables or Snigloo, where you can make your own igloo! Candy Cane Lane and the Tunnel of Love are always part of the show. Don’t miss it! Dress warmly.
More Info: Tickets available on line at www.calgaryzoo.org. Call 403-232-9300 for information.

What: Airdrie Festival of Lights - Airdrie
When: TBD, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. nightly
Entry Fee: Visitor Donations (suggest $5 per family)
Where: Airdrie Nose Creek Park
Notes: The Airdrie Festival of Lights was started in 1996. The park is located just a 10-minute drive north of Calgary. There is lots f free parking in the park and in the surrounding area. They have light displays, bonfires and hot chocolate and you can ride on a miniature train. Try out the skating pond as well. Don’t miss it! Dress warmly.
More Info: www.airdriefestivaloflights.com or call (403) 912-9627

What: Zoo Years Eve -Calgary Zoo
When: TBD, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. nightly
Entry Fee: Adults $10 and Children $6. Pre-purchased tickets only - Limited Tickets Available.
Where: The Calgary Zoo, 1300 Zoo Road NE
Notes: Welcome the New Year with your friends at the Calgary Zoo! Enjoy fabulous entertainment and the beautiful lights of Zoolights. At 8:30 p.m. a spectacular fireworks display will cap the evening off with a bang and still leave time for Mom and Dad to enjoy the evening too!
More Info: Tickets available online at www.calgaryzoo.org. Call 403-232-9300 for information

What: Festival of Lights - Heritage Park

When: December 18, 2011, 5:30 p.m.
Entry Fee: $49.95 Adults, $34.95 Children
Where: Heritage Park Historical Village
Notes: Enjoy a celebration of Chanukah during the Festival of Lights this season at Heritage Park. Delight in a full evening of Klezmer music, traditional Jewish folk dance, a delicious meal, and captivating storytelling.

More Info: www.heritagepark.ca or call 403-268-8500

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