Autumn Action

Thanksgiving is all about the food. We give thanks to the farmers for harvesting the fields, thanks to Mother Nature for providing enough sunshine and rain to allow the food to grow and finally, we give thanks to the turkey for, well, coming to dinner.

And what better way to give thanks for the bounty on our plates than a trip to the farm? We suggest taking in the Fall Pumpkin Festival at the Bowden Sun Maze (approximately one hour north of the city) including wagon rides, face painting and a sunflower maze from 11 am to 5 pm both Saturday and Sunday.

Kayben Farms (just north of Okotoks) hosts the second annual Pumpkin and Scarecrow Festival with on site entertainment, pumpkin picking, painting and carving and access to the Sunshine Adventure Park from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Go early and pack a picnic lunch to avoid line-ups.

The Millarville Farmers’ Market is open for one final weekend from 8:30 am to noon on Saturday, and is a great place to combine a country drive and grocery shopping for this weekend’s feast. While you’re out, stop at one of several Calgary retailers to purchase a succulent Winter’s Turkey.

Thanksgiving is also a time to spend with family, and thankfully there’s an abundance of fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy in the city this weekend as well.

Heritage Park is offering free rides including the steam train, paddle boat and horse-drawn wagon with regular admission (save $10 per person) and a free pancake breakfast between 9:30 and 10 am for the first 500 guests. Turkey dinner (at lunchtime) is served at the Wainwright Hotel and costs $21.95 per adult and $13.95 for kids.

Einstein and Darwin arrive at the Telus World of Science on Saturday (through January 2011). Suitable for ages five and up, this interactive exhibition explores the ideas and inventions of two of the world’s great minds.

Visit the world of Disney with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra as they perform Magical Music from the Movies, complete with extras such as film clips and vocal accompaniment. Concerts take place Friday and Saturday evening and Saturday afternoon at 2 pm.

Storybook Theatre kicks off their season tomorrow with Once Upon a Lilypad, a play about Frederich J. Frog who takes a personal journey around his home pond to find his own special talents. Suitable for ages three to six with show times Friday evening and Saturday afternoon (noon and 3:30 pm).

Or stay home. Bake a pie, go for a walk and rake leaves in your backyard to drop off at the city’s annual Leaf and Pumpkin Composting Program.

Then give thanks for the food in our bellies, and the company of family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

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