Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday May 2

TOGETHER WITH

Tuesday, May 2 | ⛅️️ High 23C, Low 8C | 7-day forecast

Good morning, there!

Our new intern started on Monday and I can already tell you’re going to love her. Julie Patton is an MRU student and is the fourth intern we’ve hired from that school through their wonderful internship program. That’s where I went to university and I completed two work terms while I was there that helped launched me into my career about 20 years ago! You’ll meet her on Thursday.

Also FYI: we’re running the newsletter on Tuesdays and Thursdays only right now (with members getting a Saturday weekend edition). Let us know what you think through the survey at the bottom.

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👀 In today's edition:

• Check out these speedy chihuahuas

• Calgary eateries make top brunch list

• Boutique photographer goes old school

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COMMUNITY

Calgary chihuahuas assemble for Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races

Chihuahuas from across the Calgary region will be having quite the fiesta this Friday. Century Downs Racetrack and Casino is once again holding the Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races. Each year, the Chihuahua Races attract between 70 and 100 participants who are divided into different heats based on weight.

Pre-register: Chihuahua owners must pre-register their pets for the race by emailing [email protected]

Popular event: The annual Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races are just as popular with spectators as they are with competitors.

Read more about the races after our chat with Century Downs’ Karen Franco.

Related Story

Need to know

🍴 Four Calgary restaurants are among those featured on a new list of the 100 Most Popular Brunch Restaurants in Canada for 2023. (CTV)

🗳️ The writ has dropped: The 2023 provincial general election has officially been called for Monday, May 29.

🏒 The Calgary Flames have fired head coach Darryl Sutter amid speculation there is friction in the dressing room. (Sportsnet)

💔 A 27-year-old Calgarian has been killed in Ukraine while serving with the country’s International Legion. (CBC)

👮 Two Calgary men are featured on Canada’s most wanted list for two separate killings.

🚨 Calgary is reaching a ‘boiling point’ as the city looks for new solutions to deal with the rise in shootings. (Global)

✈️ WestJet announced it has completed its acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines.

🏠 Home prices in Calgary just hit a new record high at $550,800 for April, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board.

🌞 Environment Canada's long-term forecast for May gives a 90 to 100% chance of above-average temperatures for Calgary. (Herald)

🔫 Calgary police have seized weapons and stolen property at two encampments in the city’s southeast.

🚓 More than 30 Calgary communities are tagged to have photo radar enforcement this month. Here is the full list.

🤓 Bottlescrew Bill's has Trivia and Beer Bingo, alternating Wednesdays at 7pm. It is free to play! Win great prizes and enjoy half-price wings, cauli-bites, and $5 BSB feature beers!*

🛍️ M&M Food Market is undertaking an aggressive coast-to-coast expansion, wanting you to grow alongside them. Learn more about opening a franchise in Calgary.*

*Sponsored Listing

TOGETHER WITH ATCO

Get energized with Rümi’s Good Neighbour contest

Albertans can enter to win the ultimate block party for their neighbourhood, valued at approximately $10,000!

The winning community will receive the ultimate block party, complete with live music, games, and snacks. Rümi wants to empower connections and celebrate the people who energize your community, so nominate your neighbourhood for a chance to win today!

The grand prize winner will be announced at Rümi’s Neighbour Day celebration on June 17, at ATCO Park. Tickets go on sale later in May with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.

Nominations are open until June 11, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring your community together and celebrate with the people who make it great. Learn more at Neighbours.Rumi.ca

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Calgary boutique photographer goes old school

Calgary-based boutique photographer Tamzen Tocher is taking a unique approach to capturing memories for her clients. Rather than just providing digital files that end up lost on a USB, she focuses on providing beautiful, archivally framed portraits that become framed portraits or coffee table books. Her inspiration comes from her own childhood experiences where she saw the impact of having tangible pieces of art. Tocher is now using her skills to give back to the community by helping Ruff Start Rescue Society. She's paired up with the organization to create the Pooch Playoffs fundraiser.

Tell us about you and your business.

I have been doing photography for over 13 years. It started as a hobby when I was young because my mom did photography and she would take me along on her sessions and gave me her old camera when she upgraded. I continued doing a lot of photography of landscapes and my pets. I've been doing professional photography for a couple of years now and love that I get to have a career where I can be creative and help capture amazing memories.

Why is your work important?

My work is important because with everyone having a camera on their phone, the art of photography is becoming lost. People and pets today are the most photographed generation in history, and yet in 50 years, we are going to have very little to show for it. When film was the norm, it was expected that everyone would have these tangible photographs to hang in their home and enjoy. But now that digital images have become the standard, there is a generation that is growing up with no baby albums, no framed portraits with mom and dad.

Tell us about the fundraiser.

How it works is members of the community pay a $99 donation to Ruff Start Rescue Society, and they receive a mini session with me, a goody bag of treats for their dog and a collector's dog tag featuring their dog's competition photo, and entry into the bracket-style competition for their chance to win some amazing prizes from myself and other local businesses in and around Calgary. After all the dogs have been photographed, two dogs will face off online each week. There are still some spots available for May 5. If we fill all 16 spots, we will have raised $1,584 for Ruff Start Rescue Society, which would be so incredible!

Things to do

🎟️ Let's Talk About… The Grid: Design Talks Institute hosts a discussion about energy, power grids, and resources at Central Public Library on May 4.

🎟️ REO Speedwagon: Hear hits such as “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep on Loving You” as the rock band plays Grey Eagle Event Centre on May 4.

🎟️ Jane’s Walk: A global movement inspired by Jane Jacobs encourages people to explore their city by participating in free walking tours. Calgary tours are available on May 5, 6, and 7.

🎟️ Pinko de Mayo: The third annual charity comedy show returns to Cowboys Dance Hall on May 5, benefiting female-focused charities in Calgary.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Where to eat & drink

🍴 Neighbour Coffee: Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing smoothie or a hot cup of coffee, this coffee shop has got you covered. Savour sourdough toasts, tostadas and more.

🍴 Nim’s Fried Chicken: This fried chicken joint offers delicious chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, platters, fries, and more, all of which are available in five levels of spiciness.

🍴 State & Main: For its annual For Mom, For Women campaign, this eatery is donating $10 to Women In Need Society for every Mother’s Day reservation from May 6 to 14 in Calgary.

🍴 Wizard's Brunch & Dinner: Get your tickets for a magical dining experience with immersive entertainment, magic spells, potions, and wizard-themed food for fantasy lovers on Sep. 9.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Local specials

💸 Corner Street Diner: This newly-opened diner features unlimited fish and frites for $20 every Tuesday. Choose from pollock, haddock, or cod.

💸 The Blonde Project: Leave a Google review about your experience at this salon by May 15 for a chance to win a product basket valued at over $250 and a $100 gift certificate for your hair.

💸 Theatre Calgary: Enter the Escape to the Tropics Raffle before May 14 for a chance to win a trip for two to Miami and $2,500 with funds going to subsidizing Theatre Calgary’s student matinees.

💸 CRAFT: It’s Six Buck Tuesday so take advantage of $6 Six Buck Burger, $6 house beers, $6 Bubbles​, and $5 Jack Daniel’s Honey.

Know of any hot specials or deals? Message us and we might share it!

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