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 will host a Genre Reading Race until Aug. 30 during which time adults will read books in eight genres to be entered in a draw to win a KOBO Libra Colour or a Yooneek Books gift card. 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: Fish (July 5) and Bugs (July 12). okotoks.ca
The third annual Foothills Family Expo will take place at the Cavalry FC Regional Field House on Saturday, July 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a free pancake breakfast, a market with over 70 vendors, live music, pony rides, petting zoo and more. cavsfcregionalfieldhouse.com
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.
Discover the history of Okotoks during free guided walks every Wednesday morning during July and August. Each week, Kathy Coutts of the Okotoks Museum and Archives will share stories about the history of our community with a different theme each week. Our Rural Roots are Showing is the theme on July 10. Meet at the Okotoks Museum and Archives, 49 North Railway St., at 10 a.m. Tours last an hour to 90 minutes. For more information, call the museum at 403-938-8969.
The Janzen Boys Band are coming to DeWinton United Church on Wednesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $36.75 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Thursday Nights @ the Plaza series kicks off on Thursday, July 11 with a performance by The Back 40. The series offers a free outdoor concert every Thursday throughout the summer from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Olde Towne Plaza in Okotoks. okotoks.ca
Sheep River Library Drumming Circle will continue to meet over the summer on the second Friday of the month. Register at the library (403-933-3278) for the July 12 and Aug. 9 events. You don’t want to miss out these fabulous evenings with YYC Drumming facilitators and other invited guests.
Millarville Christ Church Flower Festival is on Saturday, July 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic church on Highway 549. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children under six.
Learn more about pollinators and their local habitat from a professor from Mount Royal University during Pollinator River Walk on Sunday, July 14. Meet at 2 p.m. outside the Environmental Education Centre for an interactive walk along the Sheep River. Register for the free event at okotoks.ca.
Sheep River Library Summer Camp registration is now open. Sessions include: Kananaskis Kids Choir, July 15-19, for 5-9 years and 10-plus, $75; Kym’s Super Fun Time Art Camp, July 22-26, ages six to eight, $200; STEAM Camp for grades 3-5, July 29-Aug. 2, $250. Details at sheepriverlibrary.ca or pick up a brochure at the library. Register in person or by calling 403-933-3278.
Buddhist Meditation Retreat on Saturday, July 20. Learn how to incorporate a series of simple, yet powerful forms of Buddhist meditation into your daily lif. Each session will consist of clear instruction followed by guided meditation. Teacher: Jason Barlow.
Everybody welcome. meditateInokotoks.org
The Taste of Okotoks will return for its 12th year on Saturday, July 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Olde Towne. A diverse range of food vendors will offer sample size portions to tantalize taste buds. okotoks.ca
Okotoks Evangelical Free Church is hosting Start the Party: Celebrate the Good News, a summer camp for children who have completed K-Grade 5. Set to run from 8:45 a.m. to noon from July 22 to 26, kids will learn that faith can be exciting, adventurous and engaging. okotoksefc.ca
A dance and silent auction in support of the new Okotoks Pickleball & Tennis Centre is set for Thursday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Foothills Centennial Centre. There will be live music by Jay Burns. Tickets are available at okptc.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.
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.
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
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.
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 Aug. 31. okotoks.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.
Sheep River Library in Diamond Valley offers a wellness drumming program with Christine and Don Wilhelm on the second Friday of each month at 7 p.m. Their drum circles offer a variety of games and rhythms from gentle drum washes, soundscape of wooden flutes and handpan to vigorous beats you can dance to. sheepriverlibrary.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
Foothills Writers Group (formerly the Indie Author Group Okotoks) 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]
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
