– Celia Nicholls
No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease, No comfortable feel in any member—No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds, November!
So goes the final stanza of Thomas Hood’s well known poem on the month. But there are actually lots of things for Edmontonians to look forward to. In fact, November is busy with events in the run up to Christmas, many of which are reasonably priced or even free! Here are a few we think you should check out:
106th Grey Cup Festival Tim Hortons Kick-Off Party, Jasper Avenue from 99 to 96 Street, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 21. Free admission.
Even though the Edmonton Eskimos won’t be playing in the game this year, Edmonton plays host to the 106th Grey Cup on Sunday Nov. 25. People who haven’t been following the Esks’ somewhat lacklustre season might be glad to hear that the Grey Cup is more than just the game. A variety of events are being held all week, kicking off with a street party in the downtown core. There will be live entertainment, and a number of rides including a zip line, a street ski-jump, a tube slide, and a bungee jump. A beer-tent as well as more family-oriented activities will also be featured.
Traffic Jam Concerts, First Presbyterian Church, 10025 105 St., 5 p.m., First Friday of every month. Admission by donation.
First Presbyterian Church presents a wide variety of musical styles and genres in their Traffic Jam concerts, designed to help you trade a stressful commute for a relaxing hour of music after work or school. This month features the cellist Josephine van Lier accompanied by Marnie Giesbrecht at the piano, playing Beethoven’s Sonata for Piano and Cello Op. 69 in A Major, and Giesbrecht and Joachim Segger, who together make up the keyboard group Duo Majoya, playing a pair of pieces for piano and organ.
Edmonton Potters’ Guild 66th Annual Show and Sale, Alberta Avenue Community Centre, 9210 118 Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday Nov. 17. Free admission.
Christmas shopping is one of the less relaxing pursuits we can think of, so why not give yourself a break and get a headstart at the Edmonton Potter’s Guild 66th Annual Show and Sale in mid-November? There will be work by more than 80 local potters on display and surely something to suit every taste and budget, and even if you don’t make a purchase, it’s a great free art show.
Image courtesy businessinedmonton.com
