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].
The Okotoks Public Library has launched its Christmas colouring contests for kids and adults. Drop in to pick up your colouring page from one of the library’s service desks or print a copy from the website. okotokslibrary.ca
The Utilities Consumer Advocate, in partnership with the Town of Okotoks, is hosting a free presentation to help residents and businesses navigate Alberta's utility market. Utility 101: Make Informed Choices for Your Energy Needs will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Environmental Education Centre. okotoks.ca
Foothills Writers Group meets on the third Thursday of the month 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 Friends of the Okotoks Public Library are hosting a book sale at the library on Friday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All books, DVDs and audiobooks are by donation. okotokslibrary.ca
The final Sound Bath for 2024 is on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. at Sheep River Library. Immerse yourself in the soothing session of a Himalayan healing sound bath. As you allow the sounds to wash over you, feel your stress melt away, leaving you revitalized, refreshed and renewed. Bring along a yoga mat, blanket and two pillows. Cost: $25. Call 403-933-3278 to register.
Light Up Okotoks, a kick-off celebration to the holiday season featuring the lighting of the community Christmas tree, will be held on Friday, Nov. 22 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. There will be festivities throughout the downtown core, including wagon rides, fire pits, choir performances and more. okotoks.ca
Weekly Jam Sessions at the Okotoks and District Seniors Club are held on Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. Musicians and singers are welcome as well as those that want to listen, sing along or dance to the tunes. Entrance fee is $2.
Pop-up art class with Trish Draper will be held at Sheep River Library on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. Come to this workshop and create all things with a bear theme. Cost: $40 per child. Call 403-933-3278 to register.
Weekly 45-minute OM chanting sessions are held at the Okotoks Public Library to lift your energy and mood. Always free, open to drop-ins. Sessions are held on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. sharp, so arrive early to get a seat. okotokslibrary.ca
The Okotoks Legion will hold meat draws (nine) every Saturday at the Elks Hall. Doors open at noon for a perogie meal. Tickets are $1 and draws run from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Buddhist meditation classes will be held at the Okotoks Public Library every Monday from 7 to 8:15 p.m. until Dec 9. There’s a drop-in fee of $15. www.MeditateInOkotoks.org
Heebee-jeebees Christmas will be held at Old Church Theatre on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. The Heebee-jeebees are an internationally acclaimed, award-winning, comic a cappella group born and raised in Calgary. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door. okotoks.ca
Okotoks Elks will be hosting a Christmas charity garage sale on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Okotoks Elks Hall. All items are only $1. There will be all kinds of electronics, toys, household goods, winter coats, Christmas items and more. All proceeds go to the Okotoks Food Bank.
A Christmas Décor Swap will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Environmental Education Centre. Donate holiday decorations or pick up new ones. okotoks.ca
The Cederstrand Foundation’s second annual sledge hockey tournament will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 2:45 to 5:45 p.m. at Viking Rentals Centre. Watch the fun or try a roller sled. All proceeds will be used to purchase adaptive sporting equipment. cederstrandfoundation.com
The next show in the Beneath the Arch concert series will feature the Andrew Collins Trio on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Flare N Derrick Community Hall in Diamond Valley. beneaththearch.ca
United Church in the Valley hosts two performances of Christmas with The Travelling Mabels on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. thetravellingmabels.com
Foothills Brass Christmas concert at Old Church Theatre on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. The quintet’s repertoire ranges from Renaissance to ragtime, Bach to the Beatles, with a healthy dose of jazz, Dixieland, blues and even country. okotoks.ca
The Okotoks Public Library hosts Bedtime Stories with Santa on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wear your jammies and snuggle up with your loved ones in this free, all-ages event as Santa shares Christmas stories. okotokslibrary.ca
A new season of Social Nights at DeWinton Hall continues on Friday, Dec. 6. Learn a fun 15-minute line dance, followed by an hour-long Double Shuffle lesson and a social evening until 10 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and lessons begin at 7 p.m. sharp. Tickets are $27 per person, and available by calling 403-938-2525 or email [email protected]. Complimentary snacks and free parking.
If you scrapbook or make your own cards, join the Foothills Scrapbookers on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Best Western Plus Okotoks Inn & Suites for a full day of paper crafting. RSVP by texting Mel at 403-651-1780.
Light-Up Diamond Valley 2024 will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. The area around Government Road and Centre Avenue in Black Diamond will come alive with holiday lights, treats and surprises from local businesses. diamondvalley.town/Light-Up
The Okotoks Festive Film Festival will take place at Okotoks Cinemas on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. One of a handful of dedicated Christmas film festivals, it will show short films from around the world and is screening the new feature film Nochebuena. showpass.com/okotoks-festive-film-festival
Christmas Storytime with Mayor Thorn will be held at the Okotoks Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. okotokslibrary.ca
Are you new to Okotoks and area, looking to meet new people and learn about the community? If so, consider attending a Women’s Newcomers meeting. They are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 20 Banister Gate, Okotoks. For more information, call Verna Schneider at 1-306-961-2364.
The Solace Grief Support Society offers free individual/group grief counselling with 6 p.m. start times on the following dates: Zoom group: third Thursday; in-person group: first Wednesday at Okotoks Public Library, third Thursday at Jacks Place in High River; men’s group: second Tuesday at Okotoks Public Library, fourth Tuesday at High River Library. Register at 403-601-3312 or [email protected].
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
You can record, edit and upload your own podcasts at the Sheep River Library in Diamond Valley in its soundproofed recording space. Equipment and training are provided so you can get your podcasts out into the world. Call 403-933-3278 to book a time or get more information.
All songwriters and poets are invited to join a new songwriting club, Foothills Song Writers Troupe, with meetings on the first Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. Group is for encouragement, growth and sharing love of writing. Ask to join the private Facebook group (Foothills Song Writers Troupe).
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.
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
