Heritage Park welcomes Calgarians for Alberta Day celebration

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On Tuesday, we asked if you were planning to attend Alberta Day celebrations this weekend. More than half of you said you’d be skipping it this time, while one reader mentioned they “may join if there is a location to sign the Forever-Canadian petition.”

A few readers also reminded us that Cirque du Soleil isn’t new to Calgary—true! What’s new is that this weekend marks the city’s first opportunity to see Cirque’s production of ECHO.

👀 In today's edition:

• Calgary sends the province a $10M invoice

• Social conservatives target school board candidates

• Calgary says no to nuclear energy

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Heritage Park welcomes Calgarians for Alberta Day celebration

On Tuesday, we shared how Alberta is marking its 120th anniversary with provincewide celebrations. This weekend, Calgarians can take part in the fun at Heritage Park, which will host a free Alberta Day event on Sunday, Aug. 31. The day begins with access to the Historical Village at 10am and an official program launch at 11am on the Celebration Field.

Guests can enjoy live music, cultural performances, kids’ crafts and local vendors while exploring the park’s heritage buildings and exhibits. Unique experiences like rides on the vintage steam train and the S.S. Moyie paddlewheel boat will also be available, with midway and boat tickets offered online in advance. Indigenous storytelling at the Tipis in the Park rounds out the afternoon programming.

As the sun sets, Canadian country artist Jake Mathews will headline the main stage before a dazzling aerial drone show lights up Calgary’s night sky. With free shuttle buses running from Anderson LRT Station and limited on-site parking, the event is designed to bring neighbours together to celebrate the spirit of Alberta.

Need to know

💰 Calgary's mayor billed the provincial government $10 million to cover the administrative costs of collecting education taxes for Alberta through municipal property tax bills, arguing that Calgary taxpayers face unfairly higher rates than other cities.

🗳️ Social conservative groups expanded training programs for school board candidates to target trustees they consider too progressive on LGBTQ+ policies ahead of October's municipal elections.

🐻 A fisherman was hospitalized but expected to recover after a grizzly bear with cubs attacked him while fishing near Cardston, prompting wildlife officers to set traps in the area.

⚛️ While Alberta moves forward with nuclear energy initiatives and appointed an advisory panel to study feasibility, Calgary's power utility Enmax stated it has no interest in pursuing atomic generation projects at this time.

📦 Police bomb disposal experts destroyed hazardous materials that were mistakenly shipped to a business in Calgary's southwest, prompting emergency response protocols and tactical unit deployment.

👮 Authorities arrested a 20-year veteran Calgary police officer on allegations of systematically stealing merchandise worth over $10,000 from multiple area hardware retailers while on duty.

⚖️ A judge imposed the maximum seven-year youth sentence on a Calgary teenager who fatally stabbed 16-year-old Dean Visser during a confrontation that began with social media feuding and escalated to robbery and murder.

📚 Educators across Alberta entered fresh mediation talks while holding strike authorization from 95 per cent of teachers that could potentially delay school year openings if contract negotiations fail by October.

Dachshund Dash returns this weekend

Calgarians looking for something different this weekend can head to Century Downs Racetrack and Casino in Rocky View County on Saturday, Aug. 30, where the Second Annual Dachshund Dash will cap off the Standardbred Harness racing season. The family-friendly event combines live horse racing with dog-themed festivities, food, music and plenty of community spirit.

The day begins with horse racing at 12:45pm, while the much-anticipated dachshund races take place later in the afternoon at 4:55pm. Guests can also enjoy complimentary samples from Screaming Retriever Brewing Company and Happy Dogs Wine, along with a specialty hot dog menu and a corn barbecue station. Local vendors and a pop-up pet shop from Parachutes for Pets will also be on site.

Adding to the fun is a 50/50 draw in support of Alberta Dachshund Rescue, as well as prize baskets for the top finishers in the dog races, provided by Petland and Airdrie Puppy Pals. With live DJ entertainment, family activities and a mix of two- and four-legged competition, the Dachshund Dash offers a lighthearted way to celebrate the end of the racing season.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Uncommon Cider Taproom: Just off Macleod Trail, this taproom pours rotating craft cider varieties in a welcoming, dog-friendly space with both indoor and outdoor seating.

🍴 Villa Firenze: In the heart of Bridgeland, guests can enjoy a warm, elegant setting featuring traditional Italian dishes, signature pasta and a well-curated wine list.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Fiesta Filipino (Calgary): From August 29 to September 1, Eau Claire Plaza will come alive with food, music, art, and performances in a vibrant showcase of Filipino culture and community pride.

🎟️ Canmore Highland Games: On August 30 and 31, Centennial Park will host piping, drumming, Highland dance, heavy athletics, a Celtic market, and family-friendly fun set against the Rocky Mountain backdrop.

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

That’s it!

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And before you go, we’d love to know…

We’ll see you back here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time, same place!