St. Albert Farmers’ Market

Come down to Western Canada’s largest outdoor farmers’ market with over 250 vendors.  Located in the heart of downtown St. Albert on St. Anne and St. Thomas Streets, the market has been an integral part of the community for 27 years. Features include: free park ‘n ride service from St. Albert Centre, live music, an assortment of concession stands and special event days throughout the summer. Come down and experience the fun of Saturday in St. Albert! Shop every Saturday, rain or shine, until Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and enjoy the sunny atmosphere of families and friends supporting local, and regional growers and producers.

Eighth Annual Parade of Ponds

This is a unique opportunity to experience some of the finest private water gardens in western Canada. Enjoy and be inspired by cascading waterfalls, babbling brooks, twisting streams, colorful fish darting around playfully in their clear water homes, beautiful landscapes and much more. This year, Water Works Ponds’ annual Parade of Ponds Tour features over 46 residential and commercial water gardens throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas. The self-guided tour runs through two consecutive days, rain or shine! – Saturday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes such areas as Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain, and Leduc. Tickets cost $10/person. 100% of all ticket purchase proceeds from the tour will be donated to the local charity, Dogs With Wings Society. Tickets for the tour can be purchased at Water Works Ponds.

Hip Hop For Hope 6 "Tributes"

"Tributes" aims to pay homage to the pioneers and entertainers who have impacted and influenced the dance and music industry and continue to inspire artists today. As always, Third Street Beat continues to promote awareness about hip hop culture and its positive impact on youth. Reflecting the street-roots of hip hop, the setting of this year’s event is the circus. Like hip hop artists, circus performers create art and entertainment with limited resources and their wild imaginations. This year the goal is to raise $35 000 for the purchase of pediatric cribs for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. With the help of over 500 performers from dance studios, professional dance crews, singers, musicians, and variety acts, Third Street Beat hopes to push the message: "Youth Giving back to Youth" and inspire communities to get involved in giving back. Hip Hop for Hope 6 "Tributes" hits the Winspear Centre, Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5. Both performances begin at 7 p.m. and are suitable for all ages. For ticket info, call 780-428-1414 or visit www.winspearcentre.com, and for information on specific shows visit www.hiphopeforhope.com.

Healy Ford presents the 11th Annual All Ford Classic Show

This event, which is done in conjunction with Edmonton car clubs, has captured the hearts of many Ford vehicle enthusiasts, and is expected to attract 150+ Model Ts to hot rods and classics! It’s just a fun day out for people who like cars and trucks. This free to watch event, also incorporates a silent auction with proceeds from it and all registrations for the event going to the Cross Cancer Institute. Come downtown on Saturday, July 11 and take a walk down memory lane! Healy Ford is located at 104th Avenue and 106th Street. Vehicle registration begins at 9 a.m. and show display goes from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

St. Albert Botanic Park Rose Show

Everyone is welcome to exhibit. Park volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and assist with your entries. Exhibitors are allowed up to three entries in each class, provided the entries are of different varieties. Any member of the same family may exhibit from the same garden in the same classes, providing all the entries are of different varieties. Exhibitors must complete AHA entry tags (to be provided) and have them securely attached to each entry. Containers for entries must be provided by the exhibitor. For more info on the rose show, call Richard, 780-459-8062; Gudrun, 780-459-7912 or Patricia, 780-458-1386. The show will be held Sunday, July 12. Entries: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Judging: 10:30 a.m. to noon; viewing of exhibits from noon to 4:30 p.m. 265 Sturgeon Road.

Japanese Tea Ceremony

A traditional tea offering will be hosted at the Ozawa Pavilion, our authentic Japanese Tea House set in the tranquil Kurimoto Japanese Garden. Sittings will be held at 10:30 (max. 4 people), 11:15 (max. 4 people), and 1:30 pm (max. 20 people). Japanese sweets and tea will be provided to the guests, as well as an explanation of the tearoom and tea ceremony - experience Japanese culture in a unique setting. Regular admission rates apply. Cost for tea ceremony is $7.50 and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the tea. Sunday, July 12, at the Devonian Botanic Garden, Kurimoto Japanese Garden. For more info, call 780-987-3054.

Budding Artists in the Park: St. Albert Botanic Park

Stroll through the park while enjoying music and visual art by talent artists. Sunday, July 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. St. Albert Botanic Park, 265 Sturgeon Rd. Phone: 780-458-7163; website: www.stalbertbotanicpark.com

Country Cuisine — Taste of Summer

Savour the flavours of the country in the city. Your palate will be delighted to sample plump red strawberries, succulent organic beef, and other regional delicacies.  Sip a glass of wine while you chat with the farmers and chefs that grow and cook with the freshest ingredients to escape from the countryside fields. Tickets: $15 ea., + GST, includes: Entrance to the site, entertainment, six taste tickets, and water. Sunday, July 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Albert Grain Elevator Park, 4 Meadowview Drive.

Chess

Chess Players Wanted

If you’re interested in playing chess on Fridays, from 1 to 4 p.m., call the St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club at 780-459-1433. All levels welcome.

Festivals

The Edmonton International Jazz Festival

From big band to bebop, Latin-jazz to funk, the 2009 Edmonton International Jazz Festival offers a style of jazz to suit every taste — whether you want a mellow groove or to dance the night away. Find your favourite sounds in venues throughout Edmonton from June 26 to July 5. For a schedule of performances, visit: www.edmontonjazz.com/

Feats: Festival of Dance

A multi-disciplinary dance festival that includes dance performances by some of Alberta’s most renowned and talented dancers, special events, workshops and intensives. Runs from June 27 to July 5. For all the details, go to: www.abdancealliance.ab.ca

Freewill Shakespeare Festival

Make a date with the Bard for a magical night of Shakespeare in the Park! Titus Andronicus, celebrated Roman General, returns home after ten years of fighting the Goths. Having lost all but four of his 25 sons in battle, he reunites with his only daughter, Lavinia. He has captured Tamora, Queen of the Goths; her sons Alarbus, Chiron, and Demetrius; and her lover, Aaron the Moor. To appease the gods and exact retribution for the deaths of his sons, Titus executes Tamora’s eldest son, and sets in motion a cycle of revenge that threatens to erode his sanity, his family and the entire Empire. Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus challenges its audience to bear witness to barbarism and vengeance. In a post-modern world created by Director Marianne Copithorne, Titus blurs the line between justice and revenge, asking if humanity is born of pure heart or profound hate. Comedy of Errors leaves the women of Ephesus up to their hatpins in frustration with the bumbling men in their lives! Separated shortly after birth, two sets of twin boys lead separate but mirrored lives in the cities of Syracuse and Ephesus. When Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse search for their long lost brothers, Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus, all four men end up in a heap of trouble. Accusations of infidelity, theft, and insanity occur due to multiple cases of mistaken identity. Giving two sets of twins the same names is likely to generate infuriating opportunities for inaccurate identification, and mischief and mayhem result in Shakespeare’s much-loved work of farce and slapstick. Director Jeff Page takes audiences on a madcap adventure to Edmonton circa 1915, suffragette city, with the brothers Antipholus and Dromio, as they reunite with their families in the most inefficient manner possible. All performances are in Hawrelak Park at the Heritage Amphitheatre. Goes from June 30 to July 26. Tickets available from Tix on the Square, 780420-1757 or at the door. Two words of caution: mosquito repellent! Check out all the details at: www.rivercityshakespeare.com/

International Street Performers Festival

Ladies and gentlemen, step right up! The greatest shoe on earth is about to begin. At 25 years old, it’s still colourful and bright … and it’s definitely for all walks of life. One size fits all … The 25th Annual Edmonton International Street Performers Festival laces up and steps in to Sir Winston Churchill Square with over 150 shows daily! Edmonton’s downtown core is magically transformed into the ultimate play zone with amazing street acts, rovers, interactive comedy characters, kids’ activities, live music and general clowning around. Take in a performance or two, from July 3 to 12. For more details, go to: www.edmontonstreetfest.com

Concerts

Classic Bronze 2009

Advanced handbell ringers from across the country are descending on Edmonton July 2 to 5 for Classic Bronze 2009, Canada’s only advanced handbell festival. The festival culminates in a free performance, Sunday, July 5 at 4 p.m. in the Robert Tegler Student Centre on the campus of Concordia

University College. Edmonton’s own Dr. John Hooper from Concordia’s Department of Music will direct the massed choir through the three days of rehearsal as well as the closing concert. Come enjoy the unique sound of English Handbells played by some of Canada’s most talented ringers! For more

info, contact Dorothy Kelker at 780-278-2436 or visit www.classicbronze.org.

Xavier Rudd with special guest Joshua Radin

A one-man-band/multi-instrumentalist who plays guitars, Yidaki (didgeridoos), Weissenborn slide guitars, stomp box, harmonica, and percussion, Rudd made his U.S. debut in 2004. In the years since, his popularity and reputation have begun to mushroom for a string of conscious, heartfelt songs and an impressive stage show that finds him performing those songs’ guitar, didgeridoo and various percussion parts simultaneously – using a unique set-up that finds him literally surrounded by his various instruments and singing from behind a stand holding three didgeridoos. A bona fide star in Australia, Rudd grew up in Bell’s Beach in Southern Victoria, reared in a music-friendly environment, where his parents spun records by the likes of Neil Young and Paul Simon. Now, in between sold-out tours in Europe, Australia and the U.S., he’s supported the likes of the Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson and Ben Harper, and has been working on the film score for fellow-surfer and Rudd-enthusiast Matthew McConaughey’s Surfer Dude, co-starring Woody Harrelson and Willie Nelson. He’s earned a reputation as a great Australian activist, advocating for indigenous rights and environmental responsibility. Winspear Centre, Monday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. For ticket info, call 780-428-1414.

Sports

St. Albert Rugby Football Club

Hard-hitting men’s and women’s rugby is on tap every week at the Leading Edge Physiotherapy Field at the St. Albert Rugby Football Club. The men’s first division team competes in the Alberta Cup. The women’s teams in the Edmonton Rugby Union are the Reds (development) and Blues (competitive). In the men’s ERU third division are the thirds and Exiles. Visit www.edmontonrugby.com or www.stalbertrugby.com for schedules and updates. Junior matches, including exhibitions against touring teams, are also part of the summer fixtures.

Tigers Baseball Assocation

Legion Memorial Park is home base for the St. Albert senior AAA Tigers and junior AAA Tabbies in the Sunburst Baseball League.

Visit www.ballcharts.com/stalberttigers or www.ballcharts.com/sunburst for the league schedule.

Junior A Lacrosse

The Edmonton Miners play their Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League home games at Servus Credit Union Place. Visit www.edmontonminers.com or rockymountainlacrosse.com for the schedule.

St. Albert Triathlon

The oldest sprint race in Alberta is the 20th annual St. Albert Triathlon, scheduled for July 26 at Fountain Park Recreation Centre. The 750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike and five km run is a great course for newbies and a challenge for tri veterans. For more info, visit: www.starrt.com

Soccer tournaments

The St. Albert Soccer Association hosts its annual Canada Day Classic tier I, II and III boys tournament, July 2 to 5. Most of the games will be played at SASA fields at Riel Park and the new artificial turf at Riel Recreation Park. Visit www.stalbertsoccer.com for schedules. The annual adult tournament, Aug. 21 to 23, is open to men and women of all ages and abilities in a variety of divisions. Games will be played at the SASA fields and the artificial turf.

Literary

Round out Your Reading: Spin to Win! St. Albert Public Library Summer Reading Game for Adults

Round out your reading by spinning the wheel and reading a different genre each week. Great prizes to be won! For adults 18 years of age and over. Game continues to Aug. 16. Come into the library for more information.

Film

My Life in Ruins

The uplifting comedy My Life in Ruins stars Nia Vardalos (writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding) as Georgia, a woman who has lost her kefi (Greek for "mojo"). Discouraged by her lack of direction in life, she works as a travel guide, leading a rag-tag group of tourists as she tries to show them the beauty of her native Greece while waiting to land her dream job. Opening their eyes to an exotic foreign land, she too begins to see things in new ways–finding her kefi and possibly love in the process. Co-starring Richard Dreyfuss and Alexis Georgoulis. Rated: PG. Showing daily at 7 p.m., with Saturday & Sunday matinees at 1 p.m. Princess Theatre, 10337 — 82 Ave.

The Brothers Bloom

In a globe-trotting comedy about the last great adventure of the world's best con men, deception is an art and nothing is as it seems. Brothers Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) and Bloom (Adrien Brody) have perfected the art of swindling fortunes through years of fraternal teamwork. Now they've decided to take on one last spectacular job–luring beautiful and eccentric heiress Penelope (Rachel Weisz) into an elaborate plot that takes them around the world. When a genuine romance begins to blossom between Bloom and Penelope, he is reluctant to exploit her naiveté, but Penelope has already taken the bait: She impulsively joins the brothers and their "associate," a sexy Japanese explosives expert named Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi), on an ocean liner to Greece. Penelope is convinced she's happened upon the adventure of a lifetime and offers to bankroll a million dollar deal. As the quartet makes their way from Athens to Prague to Mexico to St. Petersburg, Penelope quickly becomes addicted to the illicit thrills. But as Stephen's elaborate web of deceit pulls tighter, Bloom begins to wonder if his brother has devised the most dangerous con of his life. Written and directed by Rian Johnson (Brick). Rated: PG. Showing daily at 6:50 and 9:10 p.m., with Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Princess Theatre, 10337 — 82 Ave.

Lectures

Tuesday Tours

What’s the big idea behind an exhibition? How do galleries decide what to include in a show? Kind of like Curating 101, this new program takes you on tours with Gallery curators and staff as they share insights into the development and big ideas behind current AGA exhibitions. Every Tuesday, from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., free with admission. July 7:
Painters, Printmakers and 19th Century France with Ruth Burns, Interpretive Programs Manager. For more information on Tuesday Tours please call 780-422-6223. Art Gallery of Alberta, Enterprise Square, #100, 10230 Jasper Ave. 

Wellness

St. Albert Trekkers

Please join us for a 5- or 10-km walk on residential streets and walking trails in Spruce Grove. Where: Tri Leisure Centre, 221 Campsite Rd., Spruce Grove. From Edmonton, take Hwy. 16 west past Spruce Grove to Campsite Rd. Turn left to Tri Leisure Centre. When: Tuesday, July 7. Registration: 6:30 p.m. Start: 7 p.m. For more info, call David at 780-464-6932 or davidhall@telus.net. For information on other walks: www.trekkerswalks.ca

Kids

Bubbletree Island: St. Albert Public Library Summer Reading Game for Preschoolers

You have travelled to Bubbletree Island to look for buried treasure. You found the treasure chest but now you need to find the key to unlock it! Every time you play a turn, you get a clue that will help you find the hidden key. Bubbletree Island is intended for preschoolers that are old enough to identify pictures and know their colours. A simple reading component is available for more advanced preschool-aged readers. Bubbletree Island runs continues to August 16. For more info, contact 780-459-1532 or visit our staff in Children’s Services.

Shipwrecked!: Summer Reading Game for School-aged Children at St. Albert Public Library

See if you can survive our game and being shipwrecked on a deserted island this summer. Shipwrecked is an interactive reading game for children from Grades one to six which features stories, crafts and prizes. For more info, contact 780-459-1532 or visit our staff in Children’s Services. Shipwrecked continues to August 16.

St. Peter Lutheran Church Soccer Camp

The annual soccer camp goes from July 20 to 24 at Salisbury Field, from 9:45 a.m. to 12 noon. Camp is open to children 6 to 12 years of age. Cost is: $50 for the first child and $40 for a second child. Water and snacks will be provided. Register on line at www.stpeterlutheran.com by July 5, 2009. Space is limited. First come, first served. For more info, call Dave at 780-651-2598 or email: minister04@shaw.ca.

BLESS Summer Nature Program: Birds and Wildlife Around Us

Children of all ages are welcome to come down to the centre in St. Albert and take part!  We offer drop-in programming as well as the summer-long Young Naturalists program. This week we're taking a closer look at the animals in our own back yard. Come look at the antlers we have on display, try to match a footprint to an animal and try to build a bird's nest! This theme runs from July 6 to 10. Come in and visit Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the log cabin on the corner of St. Albert Trail and Sturgeon Road, right by the Sturgeon River. All activities are free, and you are welcome to join in as many times as you like!

Volcano In My Tummy

For ages 7 to 9 years. Does your child have days where nothing seems to go their way? Sometimes just one more thing is too much for them to handle. This program will offer many fun exercises that give children the tools to express their feelings in an appropriate way. Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fees: Members: $31.50; non-members: $63. Parents’ Place is located at #10, 215 Carnegie Dr. Call 780-459-7377 to register or for more info.

Uncanny Superheroes at the St. Albert Public Library

Children from Grades one to six are invited to join us at the library for a Super hour of stories and crafts on Wednesday, July 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. To register, call 780-459-1532 or visit our staff in Children’s Services.

Little Chefs

Ages 2.5 to 5 years. Have you ever wondered what kinds of things you can make with your children in the kitchen? Discover a variety of enjoyable cooking activities in this highly interactive session for parents and their children. The many talents of your little helper may surprise you! Thursdays, July 9, 16, 30 and Aug. 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. Fees: Members $10.50 each class; Non-members $21 each class. Parents’ Place is located at #10, 215 Carnegie Dr. Call 780-459-7377 to register or for more info.

Social Skills 101

For ages 7 to 9 years. Learning to interact comfortably with peers is necessary, but sometimes a difficult task. This program is designed to help children build positive relationships by teaching essential skills such as dealing with peer pressure, showing respect for others, communicating effectively and taking responsibility for one’s own actions. Thursdays, July 9 to 23, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fees: Members $31.50; Non-members $63. Parents’ Place is located at #10, 215 Carnegie Dr. Call 780-459-7377 to register or for more info.

Youth

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!: St. Albert Public Library Summer Reading Game for Teens

Soon classes will be over and you will have time to relax and read what you like. No more novel studies or required reading lists, just entertainment! This year’s Teen Summer Reading Game will once again be online with even more opportunity to share your own writing with other teens across Canada. Summer Reading Game continues to Aug. 16. Watch www.saplteencorner.blogspot.com for more details about teen news and programs.

The ARTernative: Explore Your Options

Are you a teen looking for a creative outlet this summer? The ARTernative is Profiles’ new summer program for young artists aged 13-17 wishing to explore art-making in a professional gallery setting. The goal of this program is to build on participants’ existing skills by expanding their art-making experiences. Inspired by concurrent gallery exhibitions and led by a qualified, enthusiastic instructor, the ARTernative is an excellent program for those preparing portfolios for entrance into post-secondary art programs. Join in The ARTernative fun at Profiles Public Art Gallery’s Underground Studio — call today to reserve a spot! The ARTernative is offered on the following dates: Thursdays (July 9 & 23 and Aug. 13 & 20) from 6 to 8 in the evening and Saturdays (July 11 & 25 and Aug. 8) from 2 to 4 in the afternoon. Come to one class or come to them all! Cost: $10 per class. For more information on class projects, visit our facebook group: The ARTernative. To register for classes, contact the gallery at 780-460-4310 or ahfgallery1@artsheritage.ca

Families

Extreme Birds

Fly into the fascinating world of Australia’s peculiar birds. From one of the world’s largest birds to one of the world’s noisiest birds, what can you do to help preserve our feathered friends. Runs from July 2 to 11 at the Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Rd. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Schedule: 11:30 a.m. Let’s Talk Animals; 12:30 p.m. Birds of Prey Flight Demonstration; 2 p.m. Elephant Talk.

Kids’ World at the International Street Performers Festival

Continuing its 25-year focus on family programming, StreetFest is pleased to present Kids’ World featuring activities for the young and young-at-heart, daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (July 12: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). Come play with a cast of colourful characters including Cap’n Arrr and Harvey & Idaho, and enjoy interactive fun and games. The 25th Annual Edmonton International Street Performers Festival steps in to Sir Winston Churchill Square from July 3 to 12. For more info, go to: www.edmontonstreetfest.com

True Patriot Love — Flags of Canada

Long before the red and white maple leaf Canada had a number of different flags. Come see a few old flags and choose your favorite to copy and take home. Sunday, July 5, from 1 to 5 p.m. John Walter Museum, 10661 — 91A Ave. Regular admission fees apply.

Seeds, Seeds Everywhere!

There are many different types of seeds and they are all different shapes, colours, and sizes. What is more amazing is that they travel the world in a variety of different ways. Join us to discover the variety of seeds the world has to offer. Sunday, July 5, from noon to 5 p.m. Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96A St. Regular admission fees apply.