With Halloween just around the corner, there are a few scary, sinister, and supernatural-themed events taking place throughout the city this weekend, as well as some fun activities that are of this world.
1. Little Shop of Horrors at the Enjoy Centre
Magicians, villains, stilt-walkers and more will be taking over the Salisbury Greenhouse at the Enjoy Centre on Sunday, Oct. 22 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a part-Halloween celebration, part-St. Albert Food Bank fundraiser, and part-educational afternoon.
The event, which is free to attend, will feature a performance from Edmonton magician Jay Flair, stilt-walkers, face painting, Halloween-themed balloon twisting, and some early trick-or-treating.
Event attendees who arrive in costume will receive 10 per cent off greenhouse purchases, and although not mandatory, event organizers ask that attendees bring a donation for the local food bank.
2. Amplify's 8th annual Battle of the Bands
Amplify, an arts-focused youth group facilitated by the City of St. Albert, is hosting it's 8th annual Battle of the Bands concert on Friday, Oct. 20 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Arts Space on Carleton Drive.
Tickets to the show, which is open for students in grade 7 and above and all residents under 21 to attend, start at $10 if purchasing a single ticket, or if purchasing four or more, $7.00.
“The Show 8.0 is for slightly more experienced musicians who want to step up their game and have the chance to with lights, a fancy soundcheck—the whole rock star deal!,” the city's website says. “And to make this party even artsier, we've added an assortment of dance and movement art performances to keep you entertained all night.”
Last month the Gazette reported that some local bands that will be taking the stage include 5 Down, Paperfrogs, Keira Maschmeyer, and Mothra.
3. STARFest: Michael Christie
Victoria-based novelist Michael Christie will talk to St. Albert booklovers about his latest novel Greenwood on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Forsyth Hall at the St. Albert Public Library from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
As the Gazette previously reported, Greenwood starts in 2038 where scientist Jake Greenwood works as a tour guide to ultra-rich ecotourists on Greenwood Island. It is a time of the Great Withering, when an ecological disaster has destroyed most of the world’s remaining forests and the planet suffers through a huge dust storm.
As the environmental collapse heightens, Jake finds refuge in Greenwood’s forests, until someone brings her a journal about her family history. As the plot moves backwards and forwards in time, Jake is introduced to a dying carpenter, an eco-warrior, a blind tycoon and a Depression-era drifter.
Christie's event will be hosted by Edmonton novelist Thomas Trofimuk.
4. St. Albert Merchants playing Friday and Sunday
The St. Albert Merchants hockey team, who play in the Capital Junior Hockey League, have two games this weekend.
On Friday the Merchants head to Sherwood Park to take on the Knights at Randy Rosen Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 8:00 p.m., and then on Sunday the Merchants will host the Leduc Co-Op Riggers at Jarome Iginla Arena in St. Albert starting at 8:00 p.m.
The Merchants are currently undefeated after 10 games, and have outscored their opponents 79-23.
Team captain Dylan McFatridge is currently tied for second in league scoring with 12 goals on the campaign.
