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contents SUMMER 2019 | VOLUME 10 ISSUE 41
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Better beer-lieve it! Okotoks welcomes its first microbrewery
entertainment
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Making a mark Local market making a splash with live music
community
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Art passion Countryside Picture Framing
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20 homes
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Loving Okotoks living ARRIVE at D’ARCY Blvd opens in Okotoks
you said it…
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Integrity, knowledge and service Local IT company celebrating 15 years in business
What are you looking forward to this summer?
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Rev your engines 10th year for the Show & Shine
06 Editor’s Message 24 Events
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editor’s note
PUBLISHER |
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca
Walkin’ on sunshine F I NA L LY, A F T E R A LONG , cold winter with surprise snowstorms in April, I hope it is safe to say that summer is here! Summertime in Okotoks is always jam-packed with tons of community events, festivals and we can’t forget — baseball games! The sun and warmer weather brings out another side to the town, so we better get out there and enjoy it! This year marks the 11th annual Olde Towne Okotoks Show and Shine and with a weekend full of family-friendly events and cool cars, you certainly don’t want to miss it. Make sure to check out the events listings and mark your calendars. For this summer issue of Okotoks Living, I was fortunate enough to personally connect with all of the people within these pages. I was able to attend two live music shows at Tribal Connection Market — which blew my mind, and I will most certainly be back for more. Find out more about the market in the following pages. I was also able to chat with the Wahlund’s about their picture framing business that they have kept going for 40 years! Carmen Solana-Martin dives into their passion for art. Okotoks Computers is a home-based business with a big milestone on the horizon; learn more about Peter and Kristel and how they do IT differently. Lastly, our cover feature this issue is none other than Hubtown Brewing Company. Alyssa Burnham examines the long road, now behind Lisa and Mark Watts, on the way to starting their dream business and the opening of their brewery in downtown Okotoks. Here at Okotoks Living we always look forward to the community summer events because that means we get to come out and see all of you — our readers! Make sure to look for us around town.
EDITOR |
Brandi Holmes
brandi.holmes@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR |
Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GR APHIC DESIGNER |
Vivian Zhang
vivian.zhang@sourcemediagroup.ca P RODUC T ION CO - OR DI NAT OR |
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S | Andrew Best
andrew.best@sourcemediagroup.ca A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S | Brandi Holmes
brandi.holmes@sourcemediagroup.ca A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S | Jennifer Mills
jennifer.mills@sourcemediagroup.ca A C C O U N T I N G | Norma Robertson
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
Andrew Best, Alyssa Burnham, Brandi Holmes, Carmen Solana-Martin, Pepper Rodriguez PHOTOGRAPHY
Andrew Best, Brandi Holmes, Don Molyneaux, Jean Faye Rodriguez DISTRIBUTED BY
Media Classified, Town of Okotoks, Okotoks Welcome Wagon, Source Media Group, Yellow Pages Group PRINTED IN CANADA
© 2019 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. Okotoks Living™ is published four times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and Okotoks. Source Media Group agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Okotoks Living™ accepts editorial submissions and letters to the editor by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions, including your full name, phone number and return email address, to okotoks.editor@sourcemediagroup.ca C O N TA C T:
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OkotoksLiving
people
Better beer-lieve it! Okotoks welcomes its first microbrewery Story by ALYSSA BURNHAM Photos by DON MOLYNEAUX
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omething new is brewing in Olde Towne Okotoks. Hubtown Brewing, the town’s first microbrewery, is set to open early this summer. Hubtown Brewing is a dream come true for Mark and Lisa Watts, who have poured their hearts, souls and every moment of their spare time into this business. The passion Mark and Lisa have for craft beer and brewing is on full display when we met at Tom’s House of Pizza, the first and only restaurant to have Hubtown’s first commercial beer—the 1882 Okotoks Golden Ale—on tap. It seems like everyone in the lounge knows these two. Several people stop by to say hello and congratulate them on their inaugural brew. Most retreat to their own tables and order pints of 1882, which are promptly served in brand new Hubtown glasses that Mark and Lisa just finished etching at their house earlier this afternoon. “Watching people drink your beer is the best thing ever,” Lisa says. Mark agrees and points out a guy across the lounge who just ordered a second round of their ale. They don’t personally know this customer, which makes his choice all the sweeter. “He must like it!” Mark says, shooting a wide grin at his wife of 10 years. At the beginning of their relationship, neither could have imagined that this is where life would take them. Lisa, for one, didn’t even like beer. The two were on vacation in Montana when they decided to stop in at a local microbrewery. It was supposed to be “something for Mark,” Lisa recalls. Being a good sport, Lisa ordered a beer flight of her own, and it changed everything she thought she knew about beer. She realized what beer could be: dark, light, bitter, smooth, fruity, spicy. The complexity surprised and fascinated her. She was instantly hooked on craft beer, and Mark, who had always loved all things beer, was thrilled. “I couldn’t help but think it was cool,” Lisa says. “On the drive home, we were already dreaming up how we could start our own brewing.
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“I’m the dreamer; he’s the doer.” Together, they hatched a plan and put it into action. Despite both having full-time jobs in the oil and gas sector, they threw themselves into what would eventually become Hubtown Brewing. “We thought it would be easy, but it was wildly more complicated than we ever thought it would be,” Mark admits. “We thought maybe six months.” It’s been almost five years since that fateful vacation, but neither one regrets the path they’ve chosen. They laugh easily about the challenges, delays, three location changes, and unexpected tedium of the 150 hours of DVD lectures they had to watch as part of their Intensive Brewing Science and Engineering program.
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Lisa and Mark Watts
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people
“It’s been the biggest rollercoaster ride ever,” Lisa says. Over the years, they’ve created countless recipes, 20 of which have been made available for the public to purchase and brew at home. The recipes include some truly unique options like their Coconut IPA and “I Don’t Drink Dark Beer” Milk Stout, as well as the locally-inspired McRae Street Pale Ale. Mark and Lisa say they have learned a lot about the market and what types of beer the community enjoys. They hope to have at least five varieties available in sufficient quantities for their grand opening.
It will be a very good day when they can finally move all of their equipment, beer and brand merchandise out of their personal residence and in to their new location in downtown Okotoks, they say. Hubtown Brewing will occupy approximately 4,500 square-feet in the Boot Hill Gallery building on Elizabeth Street where there will be ample space for brewing, canning and teaching, as well as a tap room and rooftop patio. It will be a place where people can come to taste, enjoy and learn about craft beer, a place where friends will gather and a sense of community will flourish. Community is at the heart of Mark and Lisa’s business plan. They insist that Hubtown would never have gotten this far were it not for the support of the local community, who offered valuable advice, network opportunities, encouragement and even financial support. Earlier in the year, Hubtown raised almost $30,000 through the sale of swag, unique experiences and sponsorship of the brewery’s tables. “We have an amazing community that really supports one another,” Lisa says. Hubtown Brewing Co. intends to return the favour by doing their best to support local businesses, as well. When the brewery opens, they won’t have a kitchen of their own, but they will allow customers to order food from any local restaurant. They will even have a “Best of Okotoks” menu with food suggestions voted on by the public. The strength of the community is one of the reasons that Mark and Lisa have remained so determined to open their business in Okotoks, even if it did sometimes feel like an uphill battle. “We live here; we wanted our business to be here,” Mark says. Their dream has always been to own their own business, to bike to work, to be surrounded by friendly faces and in the town they are proud to call home. Now, thanks to their hard work and the support of the community, their dream is about to come true. OL
The strength of the community is one of the reasons that Mark and Lisa have remained so determined to open their business in Okotoks, even if it did sometimes feel like an uphill battle. 10 OKOTOKS LIVING | SUMMER 2019
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entertainment
Making a mark Local market making a splash with live music Story by BR ANDI HOLMES
Photos by JEAN FAYE RODRIGUEZ
W
alking around downtown Okotoks it is very hard not to walk into arguably one of the most eclectic and lively buildings on McRae Street. Of course, I am talking about Tribal Connection Market! Okotoks Living was lucky enough to sit down with both Jodi Loverin and Wendy Badduke, the sister team that currently own the market.
The sisters ran a company prior to buying the market where they would import fair trade jewellery and sell it at trade shows. “We got tired of lugging a trailer around,” says Jodi. “It was just the perfect fit and timing to buy the store from Adele [previous owner],” says Wendy. They have kept everything mostly the same with the retail and light lunch side of things. “At least 80 per cent of everything we sell is fair-trade,” says Wendy, “we do all the buying and everything is hand picked by us.” “We focus a lot on connection,” says Jodi, “so we like to give back to the communities where we buy our products from.” They do this by donating all of their tips to an orphanage
in Africa, and obviously, by buying fair-trade products. Wendy is even in the process of adopting a 10-year-old boy, Joseph, from Africa. You really can feel the love and passion when walking into the store — it is almost palpable. “We have always had great feedback,” explain both the sisters. “People will stop by, wonder around out of curiosity and just keep coming back.” Wendy, Jodi and the market really thrive on helping people and connecting with the community through any means necessary. A big change to the market is the live events held every Friday and Saturday. Freestyle Fridays is a sort of open mic event where
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entertainment
“People love the intimateness of the venue and the calibre of the performers. It’s not often you can attend a show within walking distance of your own home.”
A-C “At least 80 per cent of everything we sell is fair-trade. We do all the buying and everything is hand picked by us.” D Mitch Belot Band.
poets, rappers, comedians or anyone who has a gift to share can come to perform. On Saturday evenings the market transforms into an intimate live music venue featuring a fresh variety of local artists, as well as artists on tour from as far away as Cape Breton, Ontario, BC and even the United States. This new addition is all thanks to Oliver Wolff, who started bringing his guitar and playing live music while Jodi was working back in February 2016. “People were commenting on how nice it was to hear
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live music, so we thought it would be good to have local musicians come in and just play whenever,” says Jodi. And Oliver took it over from there. I was lucky enough to experience two live shows at Tribal Connection, Amy Bishop on March 2nd and Mitch Belot Band on March 23rd. And I’m not embarrassed to say that I had no idea what I was in for. Both shows were absolutely incredible and left a lasting impression. The venue is extremely intimate with seating for 47 only and with most shows selling out. It is such a personal experience with different types of seating; couches, café tables, dining tables, you likely will be sitting next to a new friend. Also, with such a close room the artists are able to interact with almost everyone in the room. I will certainly be back to attend more shows. “I love to play at Tribal,” explains Amy Bishop, a 2018 contestant on the CTV TV show The Launch. “The audience is so close I feel like I can make a connection and really get to know everyone.” Amy plays at Tribal every six to eight weeks, which is more often than any other place she says. “It’s not your typical venue,” she says, “it is consistently full and feels like family when you walk in.”
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And she’s right; everyone who works at the market genuinely wants you to enjoy your time in the store. Whether you are coming in for a quick lunch or coffee, want to browse their wide range of products, or are taking in a show you always feel and are welcome. When asked about how Oliver goes about booking artists, he explained that it is a very interesting, challenging and rewarding process. “We try to balance the line-up with different genres, as well as different price points, to keep it fresh and cater to a wide range of audiences. ” He does a lot of scouting for musicians who he thinks would be the best fit for the market. “Everyone that has
PHOTO BY BRANDI HOLMES
Up-coming Shows June 1
– Mike Burns
June 8
– Bill Bourne
June 15
– Black Cherry Perry
June 22
– Big Little Lions
June 29
– Maddison Krebs
July 6
– Richard Inman
July 13
– Oscar Lopez
July 20
– Oscar Lopez
July 27
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August 3
– Amy Bishop
August 10
– Duane Steele
August 17
– Liz Christensen
August 24
– Tanya Ryan
August 31
– Mitch Belot
Cody Hall
F played here, without exception, has asked to come back to play more shows. Even though this is a fairly new venue, I think we are doing a lot of things right already, and we seem to learn and grow a little bit from every new show we host.” Audiences sure love the live music events as well and with most shows selling out, it is no wonder the feedback has been phenomenal. “People love the intimateness of the venue and the calibre of the performers,” says Oliver. “It’s not often you can attend a live show within walking distance of your own home.” Tribal Connection Market is a staple business that stands tall on McRae Street. Opening its doors to anyone and everyone while giving back to the community and third world countries. The live events only add to the connection Wendy, Jodi, Oliver and the rest of the staff at Tribal strive for. OL
E The venue is extremely intimate with seating for 47 only and with most shows selling out. It is such a personal experience with different types of seating; couches, café tables, dining tables you likely will be sitting next to a new friend. F Wendy Badduke (left) and Jodi Loverin.
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community
Art passion Countryside Picture Framing Story by CARMEN SOLANA-MARTIN
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hared passion for art, teamwork, commitment to customer service, love of family, faith, and community volunteerism.
These are only some of the reasons Bob and Anne Wahlund have been happily married for 53 years, and have run a successful business together for 40. The Wahlunds opened a small art gallery and picture framing business on July 1, 1978, in Calgary, after they decided they no longer wanted to work in the corporate world. “It was a desire to do something we enjoy,” says Anne. “I enjoy researching and finding art for people, and Bob has a passion for art.” Bob has been painting for over 50 years, and now sells his highly regarded landscape oil paintings at the Okotoks Art Gallery. The Wahlunds moved to Okotoks 15 years ago, to live close to their two daughters, and they now have five beautiful grandchildren. “We like the people, the location, and the community,” says Bob. “Okotoks is picturesque.” In 2003, they opened Countryside Picture Framing in Okotoks as a home-based business. They custom frame paintings, needlework, photos, metals, and collectibles. “Custom picture framing is for those who desire long term preservation of their artwork,” says Bob. “And we use top quality materials.” Our motto is, “Frame it right, frame it for a lifetime.” The couple always strives to ensure their customers are pleased with their work. “We have won two first place service excellence awards from the Okotoks Chamber of Commerce,” says Bob. “They’re a wonderful couple and I hope they never stop framing, they have an exceptional eye for colour and their work is always perfection,” says Sandy Morrow, an Okotokian who they have framed her needlework for 10 years.
The Wahlunds value their relationships with their clients, many of whom have become friends. “We always like to visit with our clients because you get to know them,” says Anne. “Art is one of your characteristics, and what you see in the art is what you know about that person.” “We have received more fulfillment in the past 40 years through our interaction with our customers and stories about why their art is important to them,” says Bob. “It is a journey about learning about the lives of people.” “They bring their prized artwork to us, which have varied from a small picture out of a Reader’s Digest, a flying fish from Barbados, and a Hungarian couple who managed to save their precious oil paintings from confiscation by hiding the paintings under a manure pile.” The Wahlunds also give back to the community. As volunteers at the Mission Thrift Store, they apply their knowledge by keeping an eye out for art or artifacts that are received as donations, but may have high value. They research the art, and if found to be valuable, it is sent to auction. They also repair and restore damaged pieces of art and frames so they can be sold at the thrift store. “Other areas we contribute to are local fundraisers where pictures need to be framed at a donated cost,” says Bob. To celebrate their business’s 40th anniversary the Wahlunds are in the process of planning something special. “We feel blessed to have had the health, and the ability, to do something we have enjoyed over the last 40 years,” says Bob. “We have made countless friends through our business over those years, and that’s something you can’t measure in dollars.” All visits are by appointment only. OL
Bob and Anne Wahlund
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homes
Loving Okotoks living ARRIVE at D’ARCY Blvd opens in Okotoks Story by PEPPER RODRIGUEZ
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RRIVE at D’ARCY Blvd is a first in a lot of things. It’s the first townhome development to go up in the spectacular new community of D’ARCY in Okotoks, it’s the first fee-simple (no condo fee) development for Partners Development Group, and their first show homes in this community, which have recently opened. This isn’t the first time that Partners Development Group has built in Okotoks, and after 10 years in other areas in Calgary, they brought their ARRIVE brand to Drake Landing with much success. While celebrating their 20th anniversary, Partners made Okotoks their new home by transferring their head office there last year. “Partners’ President, Greg Gutek, has raised his family in Okotoks and he loves the town. There are already plans to build more communities here; we’re in it for the long haul,” says Claudia Katz, the area manager for ARRIVE at D’ARCY. “What’s not to love? Okotoks is a thriving, dynamic community that retains its small town feel with strong community bonds. It’s the perfect setting for our ARRIVE townhomes, which bring a stylish, upscale entry level home that has been lacking in this market. Okotoks was also just rated one of the best towns to invest in for 2019 by Western Investor,” Katz says. ARRIVE at D’ARCY Blvd is exactly that. A townhome development designed to fit in seamlessly with Okotoks’ vision for growth by attracting the widest range of buyers with its sustainable, stylish and functional designs and affordability. ARRIVE at D’ARCY Blvd will have a total of 74 street-townhomes. “These are fee-simple homes, meaning there are no condo fees,” Katz says, a first for Partners Development Group. “There is a big demand for this product type and we are grateful to feature this in one of the town’s best new communities.” All homes come with fully landscaped front and rearfenced yards,a double detached garage and the upscale
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standards that Partners’ ARRIVE brand of townhomes have become known for. They are traditional two-storey homes from 1,419 to 1,430 square-feet and all come with an additional 500
homes
“ARRIVE townhomes bring a stylish, upscale entry level home that has been lacking in this market. Okotoks was also just rated one of the best towns to invest in for 2019 by Western Investor.” square-feet of developable space in the basement. There are four variations of end and interior floorplans with two- and three-bedroom options available. They start in the $340,000s, including GST. The two new show homes will display end and interior models. “They meet all the needs of a young family with children, couples looking for their first home or retirees looking to downsize,” Katz says. “The turnkey lifestyle that ARRIVE at D’ARCY Blvd offers is on point. By taking care of the buyers’ needs — like including the two-car detached garage, upscale specifications including quartz countertops throughout, laminate floors, and xeriscape front yard that requires little to no maintenance and a fenced, grassed rear yard
— we give them a complete home that our buyers can immediately settle into without spending additional money on upgrades.” Each ARRIVE townhome also includes contemporary full-height cabinets, two-and-a-half baths, including a master ensuite, and an island eating bar in both the galley and rear kitchen designs. Partners also provides a full appliance and blind package, Katz says, pointing out that laundry (washer and dryer) and window coverings are usually not part of the standard builders package in many single-family or multi-family products. Katz says the materials they use for the exteriors are also upscale, including cement fibreboard and premium vinyl siding with plenty of stone accents throughout.
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“These townhomes will stand the test of time, look fabulous, and add to the family-friendly streetscape of the entire D’ARCY community,” she says. D’ARCY, the new master planned community from Anthem United in the northern tip of Okotoks has certainly been a hit and is growing at a rapid pace. “It is the closest community in Okotoks to Calgary, and there are plenty of existing amenities nearby and more planned in the future, including two K-9 schools in the community and a future retail village,” Katz says. The neighbourhood offers all of the other things important in life like shopping, dining, playgrounds, a skating rink, and a network of connected pathways. It’s next door to the D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club so an active lifestyle is encouraged. The plentiful open spaces were designed to connect local residents and neighbouring communities. “You can get some of the best mountain views from this vantage point, it’s a truly unique community,” Katz says. But what ARRIVE at D’ARCY Blvd ultimately provides is an answer to Okotoks’ lack of entry home products. “People love Okotoks but many can’t find a starter home that is needed in any thriving community. The ARRIVE brand of townhomes at Drake Landing starts from the $280s and D’ARCY Blvd is priced from the $340,000s, which brings a much-needed product that 22 OKOTOKS LIVING | SUMMER 2019
is both stylish and affordable,” she says. ARRIVE townhomes are also Built Green® certified and that adds long-term value to a new home. “Partners Development Group is committed to sustainability, apparent by the investment in not only a beautifully designed development, but also the investment in certifying their homes through the Built Green® program.,” she says. “This provides homeowners with a healthier and quieter living environment that saves them money each month on energy costs.” OL
FAST FACTS Community: D’ARCY Project: ARRIVE at D’ARCY Blvd Developers: Partners Development Group Style: Fee-simple (no condo fees) street townhomes Size: 1,419 to 1,430 square feet Price: From the $340,000s, including GST Address: 69 D’ARCY Blvd., Okotoks Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 – 8 p.m., weekends & holidays 12 – 5 p.m. Website: www.arrivehome.ca
community
Integrity, knowledge and service Local IT company celebrating 15 years in business Story by BR ANDI HOLMES
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omputers and technology have come to be quite difficult to live without, and when devices stop working, a complete panic begins to settle in. In this day and age, it’s important to have a stellar IT consultant on hand to solve our problems. This is where Okotoks Computers comes in.
Peter Van den Wildenbergh realized working IT in downtown Calgary he could approach the IT world a little differently, a motto he still sticks close to is ‘the latest isn’t always the greatest.’ Peter started Okotoks Computers in his off time and when his next-door neighbour at the time, Dr. Miranda Logan, opened Foothills Animal Hospital she needed a small network of computers. “She was starting her business and needed a basic computer network,” says Peter, “that’s when I thought I could transition my own business to full-time operation.” Peter has a Bachelor of Computer Science that he earned in 1992 in Belgium and has been working with computers ever since. Even when Kristel, Peter’s wife, finally agreed to move their family from Belgium to Canada, Peter was sure he would be able to keep it going. “I was in Berlin when the wall came down in ’89, I realized that there was more in the world to see,” explains Peter. But Kristel was harder to convince. “It wasn’t just one thing that convinced me,” says Kristel. “Another mom at the boy’s school had lived in Montreal — I can’t tell you exactly what she said, but it changed my mind.” June 4, 2019 marks the 15-year milestone for Okotoks Computers and the company is thriving. As a home-based business here in Okotoks their clientele continues to grow. Many A-list Okotokian businesses have been using their service for years. “We are proud to say that our first customer is still a customer to this day” says Kristel, who officially joined the company almost a year ago. “Dr. Logan grew her business from three computers to 15-plus stations,” says Peter. Okotoks Living was fortunate enough to attend a celebra-
tion lunch with Kristel, Peter and a wonderful showing of their clients. Their hospitality shone through immediately and every one of their clients was happy to see them. “They make such a personal connection with their clients,” says Jacky Van der Ven, a CIR Realtor. “That’s really important to have,” adds Richard, Jacky’s husband. “There’s more urgency when something goes wrong, Peter is usually able to fix the problem same day.” Okotoks Computers does things differently than traditional IT support. There are no costly, monthly contracts. Instead, Peter sees the customer relationship as a partnership and will tailor solutions to each customer’s needs. Peter also gives advice and ideas on different ways to do things, which usually saves time and money. “I try to accommodate clients and not interrupt their work days,” explains Peter, “I am available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ” Peter completely customizes systems to their exact needs, including the hardware. No two setups are exactly alike. Peter offers solutions that work for the business, not just upgrades because there is new and fun technology. Okotoks Computers doesn’t just have clients in Okotoks itself; they have customers all over. Even clients that first started out in Okotoks and have since moved out of town. They have tons of glowing Google reviews in addition to social media reviews, and if you need Peter’s services be sure to e-mail help@okotokscomputers.com. OL
Celebration lunch at Heartland Cafe.
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events
What’s happening
“In the Moment” Memory Café Connection and hope for those with dementia and their caregivers. Held the first Wednesday of every month at the Okotoks Seniors Club from 1 to 2:30 p.m. For info contact Jennifer at (403) 995-6809.
The Okotoks Upper School running at the museum from March 2nd to August 30th. The large brick school which opened in 1912 is featured. Okotoks Film Festival at the Okotoks cinemas from May 31st to June 2nd. Visit okotoksfilmfestival.ca for screenings and tickets.
Tribal Connection Market live events on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit their facebook page for event listings. MITCH BELOT BAND
JUNE
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Clothesline Festival & Art Sale at the Leighton Art Centre starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday June 1st. With over 1,500 pieces of Alberta-made art and fine crafts come down to enjoy the 80-acre historic Leighton property. Family friendly activities include live music, demonstrations, face painting and local food vendors.
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Repair Café from 1 to 4 p.m. at the rec centre. If you are holding on to small items in need of repair bring them down to the rec centre and be partnered up with handy volunteers who will share their skills, tools and knowledge to fix up your household items.
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The 4th Annual Max Robinson Memorial Golf Tournament held at Crystal Ridge Golf Course. All charitable proceeds go towards helping kids in the community. This is a family friendly event and starts at 7:30 a.m.
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Parade & Children’s Festival beginning at 11 a.m. in Downtown Okotoks. The festival follows at 12 p.m. including crafts, face painting, food and live entertainment. This year’s theme is celebrating 50 years!
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Sheep River Health Trust’s radiothon. In partnership with The Eagle 100.9FM and Sobey’s Okotoks the 6th annual ‘together we make a difference’ radiothon starts at 7 a.m. and runs until 7 p.m.
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Okotoks Buskers Fest and Artisan Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Okotoks. Enjoy street performances, live entertainment and boutique shopping.
PHOTO BY BR ANDI HOLMES
ONGOING
events
JULY
AUGUST
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Canada Day Celebrations. Check out www.okotoks.ca for the day’s schedule.
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Teddy Bear Picnic & Family Resource Fair at the rec centre from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free fun filled event for children ages 2 – 8 and their parents.
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Taste of Okotoks from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Okotoks. Food and drink samples from local restaurants. Sampler tickets are $1 each.
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Toddle down to the Art Gallery from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. bring your toddler down to explore 12 different themed hands-on activities and art stations. Recommended ages 1 – 5 years. $5 per family.
Whimsical Animals Paint Night at the art gallery from 7 to 9 p.m. Join artist Kathy Lycka for a colour filled evening with sparkly drinks and delicious food. This is not your typical paint night, every participant will be guided and encouraged to create something that is uniquely theirs and no experience is necessary. Tickets are $30.
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Show ‘n’ Shine in Olde Towne Okotoks put on by the Kinsmen Club. This event is all about fun! As one of Okotoks biggest events, car enthusiasts and families alike are invited to come down and enjoy a full day of cool cars, live music and great food.
Off the Vine Winefest from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visit okotoks.ca for more information on this adult-only event.
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ChilliFest in downtown Okotoks from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the annual chilli cook off and tasting and don’t forget to vote for your favourite! Tasting tickets are $5 each.
To have your event listed, email info to okotoks.editor@sourcemediagroup.ca. For culture and heritage events visit www.okotoksculture.ca For information on Town of Okotoks events visit www.okotoks.ca/discover-okotoks/things-do/
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business directory To book a space call 403.532.3101 or email advertising@sourcemediagroup.ca
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community
Rev your engines 11th year for the Show & Shine Story by BR ANDI HOLMES
C
oming up on the 18th of August is the 11th annual Olde Towne Okotoks Show and Shine and this year is gearing up to be the biggest ever.
Now we always say that about town events but this year, they are expecting at least 15,000 to 20,000 people to come downtown and enjoy the show, and with the show and shine already being one of Okotoks biggest events, it is no wonder the Kinsmen and partners are pulling out all the stops. There will be live stages at three different locations along the event route. One stationed at the Elks building, one on Stockton which will be the Kinsmen beer garden, and the last stage at the Clock Tower; live music will take place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The show runners are even planning for a kids zone down by the museum. This is also the first year that all sponsorships have completely sold out! With The George Traditional House taking the top spot, which is a change from previous years. Since the community is such a huge support in the success of the show and shine, the show is truly an event for
anyone and everyone. The town, council, community and service clubs all support the show and shine and almost all of the proceeds go back into the surrounding community, with an estimated $40,000 for this year. Another first for the show is the burnout competition taking place on Saturday August 17th starting at 1 p.m. at the BurnsWest development project. The burnout will be followed by the popular Poker Rally, finishing off at the George Traditional House, with a bar-b-que to support the Okotoks Food Bank. So mark your calendars for the weekend of August 17th and 18th and come downtown to enjoy cool cars, great food and live entertainment — you sure don’t want to miss it! Please bring a non-perishable food item to the car show on Sunday to support the food bank. OL
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| ADVERTISING FEATURE |
Empowering women, beautifully
H
ow do you share a 200 year repository of hard earned knowledge and artistry with new apprentices burning with raw talent and passion? You create Cactus Club Salon & Spa’s “Empowerment Program”. That’s how Master Stylists have taken apprentices under their wing and cultivated talent since 2016. Although the Salon opened in 1991, it used to groom protégés, often graduates of the Foothills Composite High School’s Cosmetology Program, by sending them to advanced cutting courses at places like Suki’s in Vancouver. “Those classes were great, but a three week course was simply not enough time and experience to prepare them to achieve the standards we expect on the floor,” says Mandy Patterson, Owner and Master Stylist. “Budding talent needs hands-on guidance, as every client’s
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needs and hair is so unique, and styles and products change constantly.” The daunting task of designing a program that bridges the mandatory 2,800 hour gap between an apprentice graduating from the Comp, certification as a Journeyman, and earning a place on the Salon’s floor, fell to Master Stylist and Educational Director, Brittny Etheredge. She designed a four semester program that teaches advanced technical skills, as well as soft skills like consultations, product knowledge, booking protocols and building a clientele. Every Sunday, apprentices are taught theory and skills, then offer clients discounted rates as they are coached by Brittny, Educator Kendall Tremblay and other talented stylists. “Our Salon is certainly unique in that we support each other and provide constant opportunities
Photos by Andrew Best
Cactus Club Salon & Spa is leading the way
to stretch out of our comfort zone, spread our wings and grow into the next generation of stylists,” says Kendall. “The opportunity to apprentice and learn firsthand is invaluable,” says Ashlee Hegel, Teacher and Journeyman Cosmetologist at Foothills School Division. “Their confidence soars, which advances their skills and pushes them to achieve mastery levels.” The program has proven so successful that Mandy is asked to present at industry conferences across Canada and the US. “We’re committed to the highest possible standards, and that can only be achieved through constant education and mentorship,” says Mandy. “I am in awe of the depth of our talent pool, and so proud of how our Masters are sharing that with the next generation.” n
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you said it
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This summer I’m really looking forward to going back to Mexico and visiting my cousins, my grandparents and my friends.” Jimena, age 10
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What I am most looking forward to this summer is to be able to take my dog down to the river, come back up to the house, have the rest of the day and then go to work at night” Claudia Katz
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This summer I’m looking forward to (see) my daughter Sandra, she’s new to Canada, and seeing snow for the first time. She’s very excited to see Lake Louise, the Rocky Mountains and the Calgary Zoo” Justin Scaria
What are you looking forward to this summer? By ANDREW BEST
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This summer the thing I’m looking forward to most is just spending time camping with the family” Steve Hansen
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This summer I’m excited about going to Cold Lake for seven weeks with cadets and teaching them how to start fires and survive in the wilderness.”
I’m looking forward to sunny days, over 20-degrees, tanning and feeling the beautiful sun on my skin.” Cara Campkin
Austin, age 17
I can’t wait to get back out to Koocanusa to the beaches….and I can’t wait for all the festivals around Okotoks.” Wendy Badduke & Jodi Lovern
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The thing I’m looking forward to most is mountain biking in the mountains.” Clint Pilon
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