Our short summers in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton area make for a couple of very busy months for most of us, as we cram in all the fun that we can!

Even if you already have a long list of things to do this summer, you’ll want to take part in these three events sponsored by the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Society.

• Flapjacks at the Tracks – Pancake Breakfast:  Saturday, July 19, 8-11 AM.  Come out to the Grain Elevator and be served a delicious breakfast by local dignitaries.
• Farm and Heritage Carnival:  Saturday, August 16, noon – 4 PM.  Bring the kids for corn on the cob, hotdogs and hamburgers, together with a ton of old-fashioned fun in various contests and competitions.
• Harvest Fair:  Saturday, September 20, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM.  Celebrate important aspects of our local agricultural industry at the Grain Elevator site which will be transformed into a farm and old-fashioned playground.

These events not only add to the culture and entertainment in our city, but they raise funds for the Ag Society’s projects.  These projects include maintenance of the Grain Elevator and the restored Water Tower, allowing the Society to keep alive our local history and agricultural heritage.  Future projects include constructing a building which resembles a period train station that will house the Spruce Grove Archives, the Museum, a café, a gift shop and a conference room.

Hosting friends and relatives this summer in our local area?  In 2013 over 4000 visitors from around the world visited the Grain Elevator Museum and Archives.  Show off some of what our city has to offer by bringing your guests to participate in the Ag Society’s events!

If you’d like to learn more about the many things happening all year round in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland County, call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

You’ve been thinking about buying a home in the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region for quite some time. A sign of a good neighbourhood is how community-minded its residents are. It should interest you to know that the 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run is about to take place in Edmonton. Whether or not you’ve looked into Spruce Grove real estate, this event for kidney health is as good a cause as you can find anywhere. Here is all you need to know about the 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run.

What’s Involved in the Event?

Participants in the 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run can expect to donate their time to a good cause as well as engage in some extremely healthy exercise. It’s literally a win-win proposition. People who want to take part in this kidney health fundraiser will be expected to collect their pledges, so that they can participate in either the 5K or 10K run or the 2K walk. It’s entirely up to the participants to choose what they want to do: run or walk, as Edmonton real estate passes by in the background. This is a family-friendly event that is meant for people of all ages and fitness levels. Wheelchair-accessible trails are also present at the site.

 What Do the Funds Raised Go To?

The money raised at the 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run will be put to good use to help fellow Canadians, whether they’re looking at Parkland County real estate or not, who are enduring kidney issues. The money goes to a variety of services that make life easier for kidney patients and their families, who may also work in Edmonton real estate. For example, the funds will go towards the transportation of kidney patients to dialysis as much as three times in a week, screenings that work to identify people who are at a high risk of getting kidney disease, sophisticated research that will work towards discovering more advancements in kidney care, and funding spots for local children who want to attend a kidney summer camp.

When and Where Does the Event Take Place?

The 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run is approaching fast, so it’s best to circle the date on your calendars and buy tickets in advance, even if you’ve made plans to view Parkland County acreages. This event will take place on Sunday, May 4 at 9 am. It will be held at the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. The address is 9999 Grierson Hill Rd NW, Edmonton, Alberta. Tickets for the event are also available online. It’s best to buy tickets sooner rather than later, as they are going fast.

Events like the 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run are important to many Canadians, not just those who own Edmonton acreages. Kidney disease affects so many Canadians every year. For instance, according to the event’s Facebook page, 80% of Canadians on the organ donation waiting list are waiting for a kidney. That comes out to almost 4,000 Canadians. Unfortunately, 250 Canadians die every year because they don’t get a transplant quickly enough.

I’m always available to answer any real estate questions you have! Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca,  or contact me here.

Easter Sunday falls on April 20 this year, which means that with a little luck there will be some warm weather in town to lighten the mood of Easter festivities. If you’re new to the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region, or if you’re a long-time resident, there are always lots of great events happening around town where you and your family can celebrate Easter in the community. These are just a few of the events you can take part in this year.

Hop to It at the Edmonton Valley Zoo

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is holding their popular “Hop to It” event again this year. Visitors will get to participate in science experiments and craft making. You can also get a temporary airbrush tattoo, experience the sensations of an egg-themed touch table, and go hunting on a scavenger hunt. The “Get Closer” feature offers guests some fascinating encounters with the zoo’s animal residents, and you can watch the animals hunt for their own Easter eggs. Depending on who finds them, the eggs might be played with, eaten, or even smashed.

How to Make a Monster at TELUS World of Science

If you’re looking for something a little different on the Easter weekend, it would be a perfect time to visit the How to Make a Monster exhibit at TELUS World of Science. The exhibit will show you the latest tricks and techniques that Hollywood uses to bring big screen creatures to life. You will see the work of Academy Award winning effects artist John Cox, including aliens from Pitch Black, the crocodile from Peter Pan, and the ape from George of the Jungle 2. You can also take control of a creature and try your hand at being an animatronic puppeteer. The exhibit’s last day is April 21, which is Easter Monday.

Chop Suey on the Prairies: A History of Chinese Restaurants in Alberta

You can put some “East” into Easter by visiting the Royal Alberta Museum on Easter Sunday. That’s when they launch “Chop Suey on the Prairies,” an educational look at the history of Chinese restaurants in Alberta. The exhibit will examine the popularity of Chinese food in North America and look at the many different settings in which you can find Asian cuisine. What you learn might surprise you.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Rutherford House

The Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site has established a great tradition of hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza. This family event lets visitors explore the historic home of Alberta’s first premier, Alexander Cameron Rutherford; he first moved into the house in 1911. The event features an Easter egg hunt, a sampling of cookies that are baked traditionally in a wood burning oven, and fun Easter-themed crafts.

As you can see, you won’t have to look very far to find great family fun on Easter weekend in Edmonton, no matter the weather.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about your home or Edmonton real estate. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.