Here's what's happening in the area this May long weekend:
Watch the Battle of Alberta
The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames are facing each other in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 1991. Games two and three of this exciting series take place over the May long weekend; the Oilers are in Calgary for Game 2 Friday (May 20) before heading back north for Game 3 on Sunday.
When: May 20 at 8:00 p.m., and May 22 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Watch on Sportsnet, Sportsnet and CBC on television. All games are also available to stream on Sportsnet NOW and NHL Live.
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village reopens for the season! On Monday, the celebration of spring will take place, with over 250 Ukrainian dancers participating in the festivities at the bandshell stage. The Edmonton-based Viter and Volya Ukrainian Dance Group is headlining the event.
Additionally, the village is taking part in efforts to support Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. Their Wagon of Hope food drive will shoot to fill as many wagons as possible full of food for local food banks.
When: All weekend starting May 21. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Located 25 minutes (50 kilometres) east of Edmonton on Highway 16, three kilometres east of Elk Island National Park.
Cost:
- Family (2 Adults + Youths. Maximum of 8 people) $40
- Adult (18-64) $15
- Senior (65+) $13
- Youth (7-17) $10
- Child (0-6) Free
Platters for Peace
The Fort Saskatchewan Pottery Guild is hosting a platter-making event on Sunday. Participants will be able to create and decorate a platter out of clay, and all supplies will be provided. All proceeds will go to help Ukrainian refugees. Participants must be 16 years and older, and a mask is required.
When: May 22 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Dow Centennial Centre
Cost: $50, with all proceeds going to Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Edmonton.
Pembina River Tubing
This popular river tubing spot reopens for the 2022 summer season on Saturday. Weather permitting, you can enjoy views of the Pembina River Valley by floating down the river. Tubing rentals and shuttle service are by reservation. Floaters under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present.
When: May 21
Where: 53217 Range Rd 74A, Entwistle, AB T0E 0S0.
Cost: Details here.
Go fishing
The Alberta Conservation Association has re-stocked the Lions Fish Pond in Fort Saskatchewan and the Morinville Fish and Game Pond for the summer. Officials in Gibbons expect the Echo Glen Fish Pond also to be re-stocked going into the long weekend.
When fishing from local ponds, residents must follow the Alberta Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations, and anyone over the age of 16 must have a fishing license.
Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Park is a popular summer hiking spot; however, there are a few things visitors should be aware of if visiting our local National Park this long weekend.
Expect the park to be busy. Parking is limited, and to avoid overcrowding in the park; people are encouraged to arrive before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. When capacity is reached, entrance gates may be closed temporarily.
When: All weekend. Elk Island National Park is open 24/7.
Where: Elk Island National Park's main entrance, the south gate, is located approximately 48km from Edmonton's city centre, via Highway 16 East.
Cost: Daily family admission is $16.75. Youth from 6 to 17 can enter the park free of charge.
Plant a bee-friendly garden
The Nature Conservancy of Canada recommends growing plants native to the province and prairies; this makes maintaining your garden more manageable and benefits local wildlife.
Here is a list of some native plants and flowers you can incorporate into your gardens.
Garage sales
Garage sales are another indicator that summer isn't too far away. This weekend, a three-day garage sale is taking place in Strathcona County, with proceeds of the event supporting making washable and reusable menstrual supplies and education for women and girls around the world.
When: May 20-22
Where: #85 West Whitecroft 52310 R.Rd 232 Sherwood Park.
Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park has a variety of attractions and activities so that you can create your own unique experience. There are plenty of things to do at Fort Edmonton Park, from enjoying stories that matter to spending time with friends.
When: Opens May 21, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton.
Cost: Day pass admission is $26.20 for adults, $20.90 for youth, or $95 for a family day pass.
Go birding
After taking several steps to protect its migratory bird population, Strathcona County recently became a certified Bird Friendly City. Join the Beaver Hills Biosphere on iNaturalist and share your findings with others in the community.