Edmonton Corn Maze 2010

A few weeks ago, I took advantage of a Groupon offer for the Edmonton Corn Maze. At $8 for two admissions, it was a pretty good deal (though the regular price of $9/person has never been a deterrent for us).

We put the coupon to good use on Saturday, on the warmest night in recent memory. It seemed many other people were wanting to enjoy the weather as well, as neither of us had ever seen the corn maze as busy as it was yesterday. In addition to families with young children, there were many groups of teenagers – it appeared that most were taking advantage of the picnic facilities and fire pits to make the trip out to Spruce Grove a full night’s activity.

Crowds

There have been some neat additions to the maze this year. While we didn’t stick around to watch the Corn Express in action, it looked like a fun ride for children (and adults) alike.

I couldn’t resist a photo

Also, the Corn Maze has developed SCVNGR, an app that is downloaded to be played on iPhone and Android phones. There is a text version for other mobile phones, but we chose to use the traditional ten question paper method to get through the maze.

SCVNGR instructions

While the stalks weren’t as green and hearty as they were during our visit last year, most of the corn still stood over six feet.

Mack in the maze

The design this year is a tribute to Fill-Up, the mascot for the Edmonton Food Bank. And though I seem to say this every year, we found the maze more difficult than the past few years. We somehow ended up skipping question marker 8, and after a few misguided choices, we were sure we had circled the same corner of the maze several times.

Through the corn

As we neared what we thought was the end, we were joined by a few other families who were similarly lost. We eventually found the exit, without the help of a corn cop. The elapsed time? About an hour, which was actually par for the course.

Hurrah!

Thanks to the corn maze for a fun evening – we’ll be back next year!

The Edmonton Corn Maze is open until October 17, 2010. In late October, it reopens as the Farm of Fear (not intended for young children).

City Market Report: Week 20

After a few weekends of dreary weather, today’s throwback to summer was a real treat. It was the perfect day to visit the City Market, especially because there are only two market days left in the season!

The countdown begins

As usual, there were lots of puppies on the street. We ran into my coworker, who had brought Prince along for a stroll!

Smiling pretty for the camera

If you love hearty fall vegetables, now is your chance to stock up for winter!

Carrots from Sundog Organics

Celeriac from Greens, Eggs and Ham (I’ve been hoping for it to appear at the market some time, and was happy to have finally seen it!)

Squash from Kuhlmann’s

Pumpkins from Riverbend Gardens

Valerie wrote about La Fourchette, an artist that pounds old cutlery and stamps messages on them. I finally came across the booth today. Most of the old forks and spoons were garden markers, but Mack and I loved the tongue-in-cheek ones, like “spoon me” and “fork me”. They even do custom orders!

La Fourchette

104 Street was a busy place today – it served as the launching grounds for the Edmonton International Film Festival’s 24/One Challenge today, and the 104 Street Action Committee announced their new logo and marketing name today – the 4th Street Promenade.

24/One Challenge contestants

Mack with the new 4th Street logo

We also checked out Coup, a new clothing store in the Great West Saddlery Building (the space used to house a stationary store). It’s exciting to see the new businesses moving into the area, with several more before the end of the year (Daniel Costa’s new restaurant on Jasper Avenue in October, and Queen of Tarts in early November).

Coup

See you next week!

(Almost) No Bones About It: Thanh Son

For our routine pho lunch, Dickson and I headed west to Thanh Son this time, away from Chinatown. We had attempted a visit once before, but unfortunately it was closed (as many Asian eateries are on Tuesdays). This time, we planned for a Wednesday, and found the restaurant empty on arrival. Only four other parties joined us during our hour long stay.

The decor was basic, but it was clean, and I did like the wooden booth that had been erected around the cash register.

Interior

The menu, appealingly enough, offered some unique options when it came to Vietnamese/Chinese cuisine – namely, they didn’t offer green onion cakes, which forced me to search out a different appetizer. We settled on a pork and shrimp pancake ($5.50). It was a tasty combination of starch, meat and seafood, but we both found it a bit oily and were left wishing for more filling.

Pork and shrimp pancake

The pho bowls, with the usual range of meat options, were more inexpensive than any other restaurant I’ve been to, starting at just $5.50. Unfortunately, the cheap price point shone through in our order. The beef slices became tough and chewy in the soup before long, and though the broth smelled great, wasn’t actually that flavourful.

House special beef combo noodle soup ($6.95)

Medium rare beef and beef tendon noodle soup ($5.95)

Service was all right, and the food was delivered in a timely manner, but we agreed that next time, we’d venture back into Chinatown to satisfy our pho craving. Dickson’s rating: 3 soup bones out of 5 (I convinced Dickson he needed a ratings scale, so devised a “soup bones” measure with a maximum score of five).

Thanh Son
11012 107 Ave
(780) 425-8912

Western Canada Fashion Week: Fall/Winter 2010

I didn’t attend the last Edmonton Fashion Week in the spring, the first that had been rebranded as Western Canada Fashion Week, but was looking forward to seeing what the event had in store this time around.

I met up with Amanda on Saturday night at the TransAlta Arts Barns about forty-five minutes before the show was to start, as we assumed the crowds would be large. It wasn’t so, at least not on this night – the Westbury Theatre was barely even half full.

Me and Amanda

The show’s ultimate draw for both of us was Sid Neigum, a young designer from Edmonton who won Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer competition last year and was recently accepted into the Fashion Institute for Technology in New York. He had first billing on the evening’s program, but unfortunately, when the lights dimmed and his name was announced, it turned out he wouldn’t be showcasing his collection at all. Instead, WCFW wanted to honour him and dressed two models in what Amanda thought were designs from his last collection. Why the organizers chose to include his name in the program at all was beyond us – we were mislead, but were hoping the rest of the evening would make up for it.

Sid Neigum

Next up was Luxx by Derek Jagodzinsky. Amanda liked some of the bright, almost tribal-printed leggings, but we both thought the collection he exhibited was quite limited.

Luxx (the first model is Linsay Willier, known for competing in Canada’s Next Top Model)

E squared offered a similarly brief snapshot of their menswear line, most outfits which included shiny bursts of silver fabric reminiscent of futuristic space designs.

E squared

My favourite showcase of the evening was Joeffer Caoc (put on by My Philosophy) – clean lines and designs meant to show off a woman’s figure, I could see myself picking up many of the pieces. More than anything though, this set had many more models than the previous two designers, and instead of having the models walk and finish the runway on their own, built up a good rhythm during their segment by sending the subsequent model down when the first was about halfway done.

Joeffer Caoc

The show wrapped up with Lanvin Menswear (put on by Henry Singer) and featured suits and business casual attire.

Lanvin

After Sandra Sing Fernandes came out and did her usual call for audience members to “walk off” and closed the evening, I looked at my watch – only an hour had passed since we started at 8:15, and with the fifteen minute intermission, meant that there ended up being less than forty-five minutes of actual fashion. Compared to the previous EFW shows I’ve attended, this show seemed short.

Western Canada Fashion Week continues until September 23 – I hope the remaining shows provide more than just the fleeting glance that we received that night.

City Market Report: Week 19

It was great to be back again at the City Market – returning to work on a Thursday meant a short week, but also left me a little off-kilter. After our Saturday morning tradition, the week feels right again.

Artichokes from Innisfail Growers

Pears from Steve & Dan’s

Parsnips from Kuhlmann’s (they had a sign up saying they will be continuing on at the Capilano Market after the City Market concludes its season on October 9)

Kuhlmann’s also had corn this week

Brussels sprouts from Sundog Organics

It felt a little less busy at the market this week – not sure if it was because we were shopping later than usual, or if the cold weather kept some patrons away. Regardless, I am happy to have a fridge full of food again!

September 18, 2010 also marks a city-wide Community League Day, coordinated by the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. 91 neighbourhoods in the city were holding special events today, with everything from barbeques to parades to harvest fairs.

In our neighbourhood, the Downtown Edmonton Community League was hosting Corn Fest – volunteers were on hand to hand out corn on the cob, popcorn, and were even offering salsa lessons!

Let’s dance!

More corn, please

Mack loves his corn

We also took this opportunity to join our community league for the first time (it was just $5!). Our welcome package came in a nice tote designed by Gabe Wong.

Mack signs us up

It’s hard to believe there are only three more City Market days left. Next week, the 104th Street Action Committee will announce the winning name that has been chosen to help rebrand 104th Street. See you there!

Farm Visit: Riverbend Gardens

Two weeks ago, Mack and I were fortunate enough to visit Riverbend Gardens, one of the producers we frequent at the City Market, and one of the farms that is located within Edmonton’s city limits.

A few months ago, Patty Milligan introduced me to Janelle Herbert, who operates Riverbend Gardens alongside her husband Aaron and her parents Doug and Evelyn Visser. I had hoped to get out to the farm earlier this summer, but as we are now into harvest season (particularly with the frost bearing down on the city), it seemed like a fitting time for the tour.

Riverbend Gardens

The first thing we discovered is that Riverbend Gardens is nowhere near the neighbourhood of Riverbend. On the northeast edge of the Edmonton, the farm is actually located near Norbest Farms, which many people know from last year’s Great Potato Giveaway (it turns out Norbest’s Gordon Visser is actually Janelle’s uncle). The farm’s name actually comes from the shape of their land, which curves where the North Saskatchewan River curves. It is an absolutely beautiful property, and one where the wind’s slight rustle of leaves through the trees is the only disruption of peace. The silence was serene.

Panoramic of the river’s bend

Janelle and Aaron have two young children, who, in addition to the work on the farm, keep them busy and away from manning the six markets Riverbend Gardens is involved in themselves. The quarter section land is divided into two – about 65 acres is used to farm, while the other 90 acres is preserved as the original forest.

Done for the season

Janelle’s grandparents started the farm nearly sixty years ago, with her parents taking over in 1981. Janelle didn’t plan to continue the family business (“I didn’t want to marry a farmer,” she laughed), and worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant for a few years, while her husband Aaron was a welder. In 2005, her parents expressed that they wanted to slow down, and Aaron jumped at the opportunity to take over the farm (“he’s always been the outdoors type”, said Janelle). They’ve been on a steep learning curve ever since.

Riverbend Gardens offers u-pick saskatoons (how cool is it that they use an honour system?)

It turned out the farm hands had just left, after a full day’s work of picking, sorting, cleaning and packing vegetables in preparation for the farmers’ markets. Janelle showed us their machinery, as well as the refrigerated sheds used to store all of their produce – they smelled of freshly picked onions. I was amazed that their entire fall/winter stock, which lasts them into spring at the year-round markets, could be contained in those two small buildings.

Storage shed

In the photo below, the boxes wrapped together below are full of cabbage. Riverbend Gardens does, at this point, sell their cabbage into the wholesale market (to be resold at grocery stores). Given the extremely slim profit, they are hoping to step away from that business soon, and focus on selling all of the produce at local farmers’ markets.

Sorting and packing area

The greenhouses right next door were empty at this time, but she told us that seeding typically begins in March, with transplanting to the fields taking place a few months after.

Greenhouses

The five of us got on a mule for a drive through their various crops. While I’ve been to a few other farms before, this was definitely the largest I’ve seen so far.

Carrots

Potatoes

Brussels sprouts

Kale (I love the alternating rows of colours)

Pumpkin peeking out!

Corn (they have the best peaches and cream corn)

It was clear to see that maintaining a farm of this size is no easy feat. Janelle said she and Aaron are continually learning, reading and attending conferences between December to February when the crops are not active. Although it is hard work, and definitely not a career chosen for its financial benefits, Janelle says she is happy with the lifestyle choice and is “rich in many other ways.”

Janelle and her two adorable children in the squash patch

To end our visit, we rode the mule through the woods that have been left untouched, save for a cleared path that allows access to the river on the other side. Janelle said their goal is to eventually somehow share the beauty of this grove with the public.

It was a good five degrees cooler under the shade of the trees!

At the river’s edge

Thanks to Janelle for taking time out of her afternoon to show us around! With the recently passed Municipal Development Plan, I am hopeful that farms on the city’s edge such as Riverbend Gardens will be protected (and with luck, continue to flourish).

You can see Mack’s full photo set here.

East Meets West 2010: Karibuni Afrikafest

Last year, the inaugural East Meets West Festival, put on by the Chinatown and Little Italy Business Association, was a great success. So much so that its 2010 incarnation was expanded from one to three days, with an additional cultural group added to the mix. Though I had good intentions to attend the Viva Italia Viva Festival on Sunday (I really wanted to watch the pizza eating contest!), I didn’t make it. Thankfully, we were able to take in the newest portion of the event on Friday – the Karibuni Afrikafest.

East Meets West poster

There really was a lot going on along 107 Avenue that day – Jill and I walked over to McCauley School after checking out the Outdoor Nite Market in Central McDougall, and Mack joined us soon after. A large stage had been set up on one end of the soccer field, with several merchandise booths placed at the opposite end. Food vendors were isolated inside the gymnasium, probably for reasons relating to power needs, but it was unfortunate – nothing draws a crowd like wafting food smells.

Merchandise booths

We took in a few of the acts before attacking the food stands. The entertainment would have benefited from better pacing throughout the evening – we saw three acts in the first fifteen minutes we were there – but in some ways, their enthusiasm and eagerness to showcase their community talent was admirable, if not infectious.

TKO (a young rap group)

A traditional dance from Uganda

Stomachs grumbling, we headed inside to satisfy our hunger. There weren’t many options, but that day at least, it was evident that the focus was quality over quantity. We started off our meal with dessert (the best way to eat, in my opinion), with a mandazi each. The African doughnuts were cakey on the inside, with a very fragrant, aromatic taste, and went very well with the accompanying cup of Chai ($3).

Mandazi

Out of the two entrée options, Rendezvous (10810 95 Street, 780-756-8902), an Ethiopian restaurant in Little Italy, won me over with their absolutely stunning plate of food, in spite of the fact that I’m not the biggest fan of injera. A myriad of colours, the cooked vegetables and lentil and meat stews were as delicious as they looked. It was also a great deal – the entire combo was just $8.

Jill holds up a plate from Rendezvous

Mack was equally buoyed by his plate, filled to the brim with tomato rice, chicken, fried plantain and a samosa (all for $7). He left no grain behind.

Mack before digging in

We also wandered the retail tents, which were selling a variety of imported goods, from clothing to jewelry to creams and decorative items.

Colourful clothing

The turnout was good – it’s always hit or miss for new initiatives – but I was impressed by the number of people who came out. Should it happen again next year (and I hope that it does), I’m sure the crowds will be even larger. Bravo to the organizers of Afrikafest for a great first year!

Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Edmonton Eskimos

As a volunteer appreciation gesture, my fellow board members and I were fortunate enough to receive two free tickets to an Edmonton Eskimos game this year – we even had the opportunity to pick from any of their home games. I offered to take Amanda (who had never before attended an Eskimos match), and she chose last Saturday’s tilt against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Roughriders vs. Eskimos

Though it wasn’t nearly as chilly as my below-zero experience last October, the intermittent rain during the first half and breeze throughout didn’t make it an entirely comfortable three hours either. Then again, we were probably two of the wimpiest spectators in our section – many around us were simply dressed in sweaters and jerseys.

Amanda and me, all bundled up

Amanda’s principal reason for choosing a Saskatchewan game was that she had heard-tell about fervent, zealous Roughriders fans. Between the painted faces, green wigs and costumes, I can now verify those tales firsthand.

Though the majority of the fans to the left of us were cheering for Saskatchewan, there were thankfully still a fair amount of Eskimos fans scattered throughout our section, which made the scoring plays and the ultimate win even more fun to celebrate.

Field action

Though it wasn’t the most entertaining game to watch, scoring-wise, we were both happy that we were able to be a part of their 17-14 victory. The relief on the field (and in the stadium) was palpable.

Esks win!

With a record of 2-6, the Eskimos will try to continue their “streak” in Calgary on Labour Day. Go Esks!

City Market Report: Week 16

It was one of the coldest Saturdays in recent memory, chilly and gusty, particularly depressing given the fact that it is still August. But I was still looking forward to the City Market, given the penultimate cultural festival would be taking place today.

Roving accordion player!

Pinocchio gelato stand (the weather was really unfortunate)

Edmonton Opera was on hand at the market also to promote their upcoming season. And boy, did they ever – three “flash mobs” were organized throughout the day, with opera singers disguised as market shoppers spontaneously breaking into song, and additional singers joining in as the aria continued.

The aria begins (in the beginning, I had no idea where the sound was coming from – but I followed the line of sight to the singer’s tall white hat)

In full song

A crowd gathers

If you missed it, not to worry – staff were on hand to capture the performances, which should be uploaded to YouTube soon.

Amidst the excitement, we did our shopping. Mack and I had invited Grandma Male for breakfast this morning, and were eager to show her around the market, which she hasn’t visited in some time.

At Kuhlmann’s with Grandma Male

Gladiolas from Kuhlmann’s

She picked up some basil from Sundog Organics, remarking at how fresh and pungent it smelled, while I bought some eggplant.

Parsnips from Sundog Organics

Heirloom and heritage tomatoes from Sundog Organics

Many shoppers were in a frenzy over the fresh corn available – ourselves included.

Corn from Riverbend Gardens

Massive flat cabbage from Riverbend Gardens (we were told they are great for making cabbage rolls)

Next week, the Market gears up for the back-to-school rush, with many family-friendly activities planned, including a petting zoo.

North Edge Outdoor Night Market

Things are slowly, but surely, changing in the neighbourhoods of Queen Mary Park and Central McDougall. Probably not fast enough for some, but it’s happening.

The two communities that make up the “North Edge” are one of the four areas the City has targeted for neighbourhood revitalization. The Queen, a community garden next to the Edmonton Chinese Baptist Church, is a great example of collaboration and connection. The enhancement of McDougall Park, with new light fixtures and two beautiful gazebos was finally finished a few weeks ago, and a gorgeous mural, painted on the side of a problematic convenience store on the Avenue of Nations was completed this week.

The Queen (photo taken by Biviana Velez-Perez)

Gazebo!

Mural (it took students over 80 hours to complete)

The City has also been supporting community gathering events, such as the Safe Streets Fair that took place in June. Though it was a good idea, I had hoped for better execution – more prominent advertisements and more displays, among other things. As a result, I was looking forward to Friday’s Outdoor Night Market, hoping organizers would have learned from past mistakes.

107 Avenue

The event was to start at 5pm, in perfect alignment with the end of our work day. Jill and I walked down the street from our office, excited to see that a few artists had set up on the corner of 107 Avenue and 105 Street. It was strange though that these two artists were so isolated from the rest of the activities taking place down the street – as with the Safe Streets Fair, things seemed to be spread too far apart.

Timeless Photos

As we walked towards 101 Street though, we found more of what we were expecting – artists, jewellers, crafters, rummage sale tables and community business displays. We both thought the granite/stone company was a bit out of place, but others might have appreciated the range of offerings. I will say that it was challenging to navigate the narrow space in between the booths and the end of the sidewalk, given the number of people who were milling about – the fair really would have benefited from closing down 107 Avenue to pedestrian-only traffic.

Booths

The Way We Green display (Mack, who joined us later, was excited to see that the surveys were being done on iPads)

There was food on hand as well – samosas and chicken biryani from Central 101, and very tempting spring rolls and pork skewers from Fat Jaaks (when isn’t meat on a stick tempting?).

Pork on a stick from Fat Jaaks

I am not ashamed to admit that my favourite part of the evening ended up being the hayride. I really didn’t think it would work – only one lane of traffic was closed, and really, I wouldn’t consider Central McDougall to be the most scenic neighbourhood. But it was fantastic.

Overhead canopy

Puppy in the driver’s seat

Jill with the horses

I was happy to see the turnout, and it looked like people were having a great time. Bravo to the North Edge Business Association who sponsored the fair, and to everyone else who contributed to the event. I hope for more such gatherings in the future!

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