What can you expect when you attend an afternoon of thoroughbred racing at Northlands Park? A little bit of excitement and a lot of atmosphere.
The Races
An afternoon of racing at Northlands Park usually consists of 10 races. You can watch the races from the outdoor grandstand, indoor seating or down by the rails at track level. “Down by the rail you can really appreciate the power and speed of the horses,” says my friend Terry, who enjoys attending the races at Northlands. “You can feel the vibration of the hooves pounding as the horses go past and it adds to the excitement.”
Betting
Betting on the races is an integral part of the action. For people serious about betting, racing forms give background on each horse such as performance record and jockey. Tip sheets prepared by professional handicappers are also available and list their top picks. Alberta’s racing website provides tips on types of bets and how to handicap (pick your horse).
Off Track Action
In between races there’s a lot going on. Spectators can visit the paddock to scope out the horses for the next race, get something to eat from the many restaurants, or watch races broadcast from other racing venues.
Atmosphere
Terry and his wife Megan love the atmosphere. “On a nice day there’s nothing like sitting in the stands, having a beer and hotdog, and enjoying a little excitement,” says Terry.
Whether you like the action or the atmosphere, I bet you’ll have fun checking out the horse races at Edmonton’s Northlands Park.
This weekend was the start of the thoroughbred racing season at Northlands Park in Edmonton. The Rocky Mountain Turf Club in Lethbridge, Evergreen Park in Grand Prairie and Alberta Downs in Lacombe also host thoroughbred events.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mix it Up in Calgary's Inglewood Shopping District
Just like fusion cuisine pairs ingredients from distinct cultures to create new dishes, Calgary’s Inglewood neighborhood blends very different restaurants, shops and art galleries into an experience with a unique flavour.
In Inglewood, trendy clothing and furniture stores like Adorn Accessory Boutique and Circa mix with Crown Army Surplus and Olivier’s Candies. Restaurants like the Inglewood Drive In and the Harley Diner are at home beside upscale dining establishments like Capo and Rouge.
Even the stores themselves blend functions. DaDe is part art gallery and part furniture store. Jacqueline Suzanne’s Bistro and Antiquities and Serendipity Café and Home Decor bill themselves as dining/decor combos where you can have a bite to eat and scope out house wares to buy.
Located just south of the Calgary Zoo and mere minutes east of downtown, Inglewood also has bookstores, music venues and tattoo parlours among many other businesses.
So next time you want to mix it up, head to Inglewood.
My Inglewood Top Picks
Savour Fine Foods and Kitchenware
Arts on Atlantic Art Gallery
Choklat
Junktiques
In Inglewood, trendy clothing and furniture stores like Adorn Accessory Boutique and Circa mix with Crown Army Surplus and Olivier’s Candies. Restaurants like the Inglewood Drive In and the Harley Diner are at home beside upscale dining establishments like Capo and Rouge.
Even the stores themselves blend functions. DaDe is part art gallery and part furniture store. Jacqueline Suzanne’s Bistro and Antiquities and Serendipity Café and Home Decor bill themselves as dining/decor combos where you can have a bite to eat and scope out house wares to buy.
Located just south of the Calgary Zoo and mere minutes east of downtown, Inglewood also has bookstores, music venues and tattoo parlours among many other businesses.
So next time you want to mix it up, head to Inglewood.
My Inglewood Top Picks
Savour Fine Foods and Kitchenware
Arts on Atlantic Art Gallery
Choklat
Junktiques
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Oil City Derby Girls Rock...and Roll
Chicks wearing fishnet stockings, roller skates and elbow pads can mean only one thing… roller derby.
Edmonton’s Oil City Derby Girls deliver mix-em-up action with bad-ass attitude. From the minute you hear the pounding music as you walk through the front door you know you’re in for a raucous good time. And when you see the skaters bumping and grinding their way around the track, you can’t help but get drawn in to the action.
Even if you don’t fully understand roller derby rules you’ll still have a good time watching the teams battle it out. And you have to like a sport where competitors are required to show off their “don’t mess with me attitude” through names like Dizz Aster, Bamm Bamm, and Lethal Lyn Jection.
The following video was taken from the “suicide seating” section of the venue. Enjoy!
Edmonton’s Oil City Derby Girls deliver mix-em-up action with bad-ass attitude. From the minute you hear the pounding music as you walk through the front door you know you’re in for a raucous good time. And when you see the skaters bumping and grinding their way around the track, you can’t help but get drawn in to the action.
Even if you don’t fully understand roller derby rules you’ll still have a good time watching the teams battle it out. And you have to like a sport where competitors are required to show off their “don’t mess with me attitude” through names like Dizz Aster, Bamm Bamm, and Lethal Lyn Jection.
The following video was taken from the “suicide seating” section of the venue. Enjoy!
Upcoming Oil City Derby Girls home games are June 12, August 14, September 18, October 16, and November 20.
Other Alberta teams that belong to the Canadian Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association:
- Edmonton's E-Ville Roller Derby
- Calgary Roller Derby Association
- Red Deer Belladonnas
- Medicine Hat's Gas City Rollers
- Wetaskiwin Rez City Rollerz are just getting established.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Behind the Scenes of Lethbridge's History
History is more than buildings and antiques. It’s also about the people who came before us and the experiences they had. From May 1 to 9, we have the opportunity to learn about our collective past by attending Historic Lethbridge Week.
Hear from a Japanese Canadian who was placed in an internment camp during World War II and learn about Canadian war brides. A screening of a 1945 Oscar-winning movie and a 1940s dance hall party will help you re-live the fun side of the war years.
Demonstrations of Sumi-e (traditional Japanese painting style), Bonseki (art of creating landscapes on black lacquer trays using white sand, pebbles, and small rocks) and Ikebana (flower arrangement) get you in touch with your artistic side.
Other events such as cemetery tours and a peek at the Galt Museum’s collections vault allow a glimpse of often unseen parts of history.
Experience the stories behind the places and things that represent Alberta’s history during Historic Lethbridge Week.
Hear from a Japanese Canadian who was placed in an internment camp during World War II and learn about Canadian war brides. A screening of a 1945 Oscar-winning movie and a 1940s dance hall party will help you re-live the fun side of the war years.
Demonstrations of Sumi-e (traditional Japanese painting style), Bonseki (art of creating landscapes on black lacquer trays using white sand, pebbles, and small rocks) and Ikebana (flower arrangement) get you in touch with your artistic side.
Other events such as cemetery tours and a peek at the Galt Museum’s collections vault allow a glimpse of often unseen parts of history.
Experience the stories behind the places and things that represent Alberta’s history during Historic Lethbridge Week.
Other locations in the province also offer similar historic festivals:
- Edmonton and Northern Alberta Historic Festival, July 9 - 18, 2010
- Doors Open Edmonton, July 9 - 11, 2010
- Historic Calgary Week, July 23-August 2, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Art vs Architecture at the Art Gallery of Alberta
I admit it. I went to the Art Gallery of Alberta to see the architecture not the art. That might seem like sacrilege to art lovers, but I was very excited to see the building that has transformed downtown Edmonton into a more hip and avant-garde destination.
The building, created by Randall Stout Architects, Inc., incorporates stainless steel, zinc, wood, cement and glass into a very fluid, modern and stylish design. The interior of the art gallery features a 190-metre undulating strip of steel that winds through the building’s three floors of exhibition space. The free flowing nature of the feature pays homage to the North Saskatchewan River and Aurora Borealis. The building itself is a modern art sculpture of metal and glass that blurs the line between art and architecture.
Although the initial attraction was the architecture, the art also got my attention. I spent a while admiring the intricacy of Goya’s prints and I was pleasantly surprised by the Degas exhibit. I’m not a fan of Degas’ paintings and drawings but I fell in love with his sculptures.
The Karsh exhibit documented the illustrious career of one of Canada’s most famous portrait photographers. Karsh captured the essence of many of the world’s most influential scientists, artists and political leaders. I learned the famous photos of Churchill and Einstein that I’ve seen many times over the years are Karsh’s work. My love of photography made this exhibit the highlight of my visit.
I even ventured out of my comfort zone and experienced the gallery’s sound exhibits. The Murder of Crows and the Storm Room showcase the art in sound.
The Art Gallery of Alberta does what a good art gallery should – encourages visitors to find a new appreciation for art, learn something new and broaden their horizons. So, although I initially went for the architecture, in the end I stayed for the art.
The building, created by Randall Stout Architects, Inc., incorporates stainless steel, zinc, wood, cement and glass into a very fluid, modern and stylish design. The interior of the art gallery features a 190-metre undulating strip of steel that winds through the building’s three floors of exhibition space. The free flowing nature of the feature pays homage to the North Saskatchewan River and Aurora Borealis. The building itself is a modern art sculpture of metal and glass that blurs the line between art and architecture.
Although the initial attraction was the architecture, the art also got my attention. I spent a while admiring the intricacy of Goya’s prints and I was pleasantly surprised by the Degas exhibit. I’m not a fan of Degas’ paintings and drawings but I fell in love with his sculptures.The Karsh exhibit documented the illustrious career of one of Canada’s most famous portrait photographers. Karsh captured the essence of many of the world’s most influential scientists, artists and political leaders. I learned the famous photos of Churchill and Einstein that I’ve seen many times over the years are Karsh’s work. My love of photography made this exhibit the highlight of my visit.
I even ventured out of my comfort zone and experienced the gallery’s sound exhibits. The Murder of Crows and the Storm Room showcase the art in sound.
The Art Gallery of Alberta does what a good art gallery should – encourages visitors to find a new appreciation for art, learn something new and broaden their horizons. So, although I initially went for the architecture, in the end I stayed for the art.
See more photos of the Art Gallery of Alberta in the sidebar on the right side of the page.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Out of this World, But Close to Home
While most people are yearning for the days to get longer in the spring, I want the long dark nights to hang on for just a little longer. That way I can enjoy the night sky at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO).
If you thought world-class observatories were only found in Hawaii or California, think again. The RAO is in our back yard. The observatory, operated by the University of Calgary, is less than 10 minutes from the city limits.
Stimulate Your Mind
The RAO hosts monthly open houses featuring university researchers speaking about astronomy-related topics. Recent topics have highlighted the northern lights, radio astronomy and the southern skies. The agenda for 2010 includes the Hubble telescope and First Nations astronomy.
Interactive displays in the interpretive centre are designed to interest children, but even grown-ups will be fascinated by the transparent globe that shows the movement of the Earth and constellations.
See With Your Own Eyes
At the open houses, volunteers set up portable telescopes on the observation terrace so that visitors can see Saturn’s rings, a nebula or even the International Space Station with their own eyes. The volunteers are very patient with newbies (like me) who don’t even know which end of the telescope to look into!
Experience the Research Telescopes
The interpretive centre and the portable telescopes are interesting, but the absolute highlight for me is the research telescopes. Like most people, my experience with telescopes is limited to portable varieties. Not many people get the chance to see big research-quality telescopes.
The coolest part of the experience is that visitors are allowed to get close to the telescopes. At the Clark-Milone telescope you can stand inside the dome and see the telescope mount swivel as the telescope focuses on new coordinates.
At the Baker-Nunn telescope you can climb up into the dome to see the telescope if you like. The Baker-Nunn telescope was originally used to track spy satellites during the Cold War. Now it the only telescope in Canada and one of only a few telescopes in the world to track asteroids on a collision course with Earth.
The ARCT telescope is Canada’s largest infrared telescope. With a primary mirror diameter of 1.8 metres, it is also one of the two largest optical telescopes in all of Canada. In the darkness of the dome it’s difficult to get an idea of what the ARCT looks like, but if you stand below it as the mounting structure moves, it sure sounds big.
If you can, try to attend an open house when the telescopes are available for public viewing. The next open house is April 24. Alternatively, you can book a private tour during the day to really see what the telescopes look like.
You don’t have to travel far to have an out of this world experience.
If you thought world-class observatories were only found in Hawaii or California, think again. The RAO is in our back yard. The observatory, operated by the University of Calgary, is less than 10 minutes from the city limits.
Stimulate Your Mind
The RAO hosts monthly open houses featuring university researchers speaking about astronomy-related topics. Recent topics have highlighted the northern lights, radio astronomy and the southern skies. The agenda for 2010 includes the Hubble telescope and First Nations astronomy.
Interactive displays in the interpretive centre are designed to interest children, but even grown-ups will be fascinated by the transparent globe that shows the movement of the Earth and constellations.
See With Your Own Eyes
At the open houses, volunteers set up portable telescopes on the observation terrace so that visitors can see Saturn’s rings, a nebula or even the International Space Station with their own eyes. The volunteers are very patient with newbies (like me) who don’t even know which end of the telescope to look into!
Experience the Research Telescopes
The interpretive centre and the portable telescopes are interesting, but the absolute highlight for me is the research telescopes. Like most people, my experience with telescopes is limited to portable varieties. Not many people get the chance to see big research-quality telescopes.
The coolest part of the experience is that visitors are allowed to get close to the telescopes. At the Clark-Milone telescope you can stand inside the dome and see the telescope mount swivel as the telescope focuses on new coordinates.
At the Baker-Nunn telescope you can climb up into the dome to see the telescope if you like. The Baker-Nunn telescope was originally used to track spy satellites during the Cold War. Now it the only telescope in Canada and one of only a few telescopes in the world to track asteroids on a collision course with Earth.
The ARCT telescope is Canada’s largest infrared telescope. With a primary mirror diameter of 1.8 metres, it is also one of the two largest optical telescopes in all of Canada. In the darkness of the dome it’s difficult to get an idea of what the ARCT looks like, but if you stand below it as the mounting structure moves, it sure sounds big.
If you can, try to attend an open house when the telescopes are available for public viewing. The next open house is April 24. Alternatively, you can book a private tour during the day to really see what the telescopes look like.
You don’t have to travel far to have an out of this world experience.
Monday, April 5, 2010
An Afternoon at the Calgary Farmers' Market
What a nice way to spend an afternoon. Tasting food samples, talking with enthusiastic vendors and browsing through stalls filled with interesting craft items. I like the idea of supporting local farmers, producers and artists and what better way to do that than visiting a farmers’ market.
The Calgary Farmers’ Market has the most diverse range of ethnic specialties I’ve seen at a market. Greek, Indian, Cuban, Ukrainian, Mexican, Italian, Chinese just to name a few. I walked away with a variety of dishes from around the world.
I was also surprised at the lineup in front of Simple Simon Pies. Customers were waiting 2 people deep and about 10 across just to place orders for Simple Simon’s meat and fruit pies. After tasting a sample I could see why. Another highlight was the kettle corn from the Sugar Creek Kettle Corn Co. The light, fluffy popcorn with subtle hints of sweet and salty made it the best kettle corn I’ve ever tasted.
The market is also filled with passionate and knowledgeable vendors. I was so impressed with the Old Country Sausage Shop’s commitment to keep fillers, binders and MSG out of their products that I purchased some of their Moroccan sausage. After talking with the folks at Patsy Clark Farms I decided to be adventurous and try Ostrich burgers.
In addition to food products, the market also offers a selection of craft items like painted glassware, jewelry and art.
By the time I left the market my bags were filled with goodies. The only thing I would have done differently is leaving time at the end of the afternoon to stop for a beer at the nearby Wild Rose Brewery.
The Calgary Farmers’ Market has the most diverse range of ethnic specialties I’ve seen at a market. Greek, Indian, Cuban, Ukrainian, Mexican, Italian, Chinese just to name a few. I walked away with a variety of dishes from around the world.
I was also surprised at the lineup in front of Simple Simon Pies. Customers were waiting 2 people deep and about 10 across just to place orders for Simple Simon’s meat and fruit pies. After tasting a sample I could see why. Another highlight was the kettle corn from the Sugar Creek Kettle Corn Co. The light, fluffy popcorn with subtle hints of sweet and salty made it the best kettle corn I’ve ever tasted.
The market is also filled with passionate and knowledgeable vendors. I was so impressed with the Old Country Sausage Shop’s commitment to keep fillers, binders and MSG out of their products that I purchased some of their Moroccan sausage. After talking with the folks at Patsy Clark Farms I decided to be adventurous and try Ostrich burgers.
In addition to food products, the market also offers a selection of craft items like painted glassware, jewelry and art.
By the time I left the market my bags were filled with goodies. The only thing I would have done differently is leaving time at the end of the afternoon to stop for a beer at the nearby Wild Rose Brewery.
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