The Western Wheel’s Datebook is a listing of upcoming events, activities and meetings taking place throughout the Foothills. If you would like to submit a non-commercial listing to be included in the Datebook, please email [email protected].
Easter Colouring Contest 2024 at the Okotoks Public Library is now underway. Kids up to 12 years of age can drop in to pick up a colouring page or print a copy from the library’s website. All finished creations must be submitted by March 20. okotokslibrary.ca
The Town of Okotoks’ Environmental Education Centre hosts Nature Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where activities focus on a different theme weekly. Upcoming topics include: Forest Friends (March 8), Air Quality Day (March 15), World Water Day (March 22) and Pollinator Day (April 5). okotoks.ca
The Foothills Philharmonic Orchestra and Vocal Jazz Ensemble present Swing into Spring on March 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Okotoks Alliance Church. Experience the timeless melodies of George Gershwin, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and free for children 12 and under. foothillsphilharmonic.com
The Okotoks Legion will hold meat draws (nine) every Saturday at the Elks Hall. Doors open at noon for perogie lunch. Ticket sales run from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $1 each.
Rock-A-Billy Entertainment presents Voices of Legends, Steve Hillis’ one-man tribute show, at the Spitzee Bar & Grill in High River on Saturday, March 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35. facebook.com/rockabillyent
The Foothills Skating Club’s year-end carnival will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 10 at Oilfields Regional Arena. foothillsskatingclub.ca
High River Gift of Music presents its annual Young Musicians Extraordinaire, showcasing the Calgary Girls Choir, Brava Ensemble, directed by Elaine Quilichini. Concert will be held on Sunday, March 10 at 3 p.m. at High River United Church. Tickets and information at highrivergiftofmusic.com.
The Okotoks Arts Council and the Town of Okotoks host Acoustic Nights twice a month at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre from 7 to 9 p.m. The next session is on Tuesday, March 12. It’s a safe place to learn, play, sing and enjoy. Free event is open to all ages and all levels of performers. okotoks.ca
The Okotoks Public Library hosts Movie Night for Adults on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. A free screening of The Social Network will be held on Thursday, March 14. Feel free to bring your own light snacks. okotokslibrary.ca
Okotoks Alliance Church invites seniors to lunch on Thursday, March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Suggested donation is $5. Topic is getting your affairs in order. An RSVP would be appreciated to [email protected]. okalliance.ca
A Teen March Manga Scavenger Hunt will be held at the Okotoks Public Library from March 15 to 31. Find iconic manga characters and solve the riddle for a chance to win a Tanjiro Kamado Funko Pop and other cool prizes. okotokslibrary.ca
The Okotoks Public Library is holding a Lego Contest on Saturday, March 16 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for ages six to 13. Bring your finished project to the library and vote for your favourite entry. Preregistration required at okotokslibrary.ca.
On the Edge concert series presents The Wardens on Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Red Deer Lake United Church. The Rocky Mountain-based band’s stories and songs rise from the very land they’ve protected as Canadian national park wardens. reddeerlakeuc.com/concerts
Have you ever wanted to learn the art of “Pysanky” aka: Ukrainian egg decorating? Dee Larock will lead classes on March 23 and 24 at St. Andrews United Church in DeWinton. Tickets are $30. Email [email protected] for tickets or more information.
A Repair Café will be held at Centennial Arenas in Okotoks on Saturday, March 23 from noon to 4 p.m. Items accepted include electronics, small appliances, small pieces of furniture, toys, clothing, housewares and more. Food bank donations will be accepted. okotoks.ca
Beneath The Arch presents John Reishman and The Jaybirds on Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Flare n’ Derrick in Diamond Valley. Advance tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. beneaththearch.ca
Exploring the World of Native Bees — A Green Living Workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Environmental Education Centre. Alexandria Farmer, a professor at Mount Royal University specializing in pollination ecology, will lead the session. Register to attend online or in-person at okotoks.ca.
The DeWinton Hall hosts East Coast swing dance lessons with Steve and Laurie from Dancealot on Friday, April 5. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the lesson begins at 7 p.m. sharp. Advance tickets are $25 or $27 at the door. Email [email protected] or call 403-938-2525 for tickets or more information. Open dance floor to follow.
The Carolines, whose repertoire leaves no doubt about their love of classic country music, will perform at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre on Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. They’ll sing familiar tunes by Patsy Cline, Buck Owens, Trio, the Dixie Chicks and more. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door. okotoks.ca
A free workshop — Eyes High: Navigating the Transition from High School to Post-Secondary — will be held on Thursday, April 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Point in Okotoks (#1-107 Stockton Point). The interactive workshop is designed to help teens and families create a plan of action. peakacademicconsulting.com
The Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2024 Okotoks Trade & Lifestyle Show on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 at the Okotoks Recreation Centre. Billed as the biggest trade show in the Foothills, it will feature over 150 vendors. okotokschamber.ca
The Highwood Memorial Centre Society’s Giving Gala is on Saturday, April 13 at 5 p.m. An evening featuring dinner, entertainment and a silent auction will support a fundraising goal of purchasing a professional audio and lighting system for the Highwood Centre. highwoodcentre.com
Roots and blues singer Suzie Vinnick, a three-time Juno nominee, will be in concert at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door. okotoks.ca
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 291 (Okotoks) is seeking vendors for a craft fair being held on Saturday, April 20 at the Centennial Centre. Table cost is $75, and all fees go to the Legion building fund. Those interested in being a vendor are asked to contact Mandie Barker at [email protected].
Rich in Resources at the Okotoks Museum and Archives looks at the natural resources that have played a pivotal role in shaping the community's history and development. The exhibit will be on view until April 27. okotoks.ca
Okotoks Upper and Lower Schools, an exhibit at the Okotoks Museum and Archives, features memories from staff and students of the two schools. Among the artifacts on display until Aug. 31 are school rings, report cards and autograph albums. okotoks.ca
Bryan Faubert — MaSh-UP X: Where the Big Rock Is and Debbie.Lee Miszaniec: What You Do To My Body (and Mind) are on display at the Okotoks Art Gallery until March 23. okotoks.ca
The Sheep River parkrun, a free weekly five-kilometre run/walk, is held every Saturday at 9 a.m. The loop begins and ends at the picnic shelter in Sheep River Park, and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. sheepriverparkrun.ca
OM Chanting is held every Saturday at the Okotoks Public Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. It is an ancient, dynamic meditation technique which helps us realign with nature and existence. It is free, open to all. No experience required. Bring water to drink and energize. okotokslibrary.ca
Foothills Writers Group (formerly the Indie Author Group Okotoks) meets every third Thursday at the Okotoks Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m. The group is a community of local authors whose goal is to encourage and support writers during their creative journey. The group includes members new to the writing world and published authors. [email protected]
A Memory Cafe will be held on the fourth Friday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Griffiths Centre in Diamond Valley. It’s an opportunity for people with memory loss and their caregivers to meet for mutual support. Call 403-969-6040 for details.
The Rotary Club of Okotoks meets on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at 6 p.m. at the Crystal Ridge Golf Club. okotoksrotary.ca
An ELL (English Language Learning) class is held every Thursday from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at the Okotoks Public Library. Learn vocabulary that will help you in everyday situations in classes facilitated by YMCA LINC instructor Deb Payne. Classes are free and drop-in. okotokslibrary.ca
The Okotoks Chess Club meets every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Okotoks Public Library. The free club aims to improve chess play and maintains a friendly environment where learning takes priority over winning. Chess sets and clocks are available. All ages welcome, drop in. [email protected]
The LEGO Club meets every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. at the Okotoks Public Library. Kids aged six to 12 can enjoy playing with LEGO and meeting new friends in the free, drop-in activity. okotokslibrary.ca
A Memory Cafe will be held on the first Wednesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Okotoks Seniors Club. It’s an opportunity for people with memory loss and their caregivers to meet for mutual support. Call 403-969-6040 for details.
