With homes selling steadily and a bright future for Edmonton, it makes one reflect on the fact that people just genuinely love living in Edmonton! And, it’s no wonder why. As Alberta’s “Festival City”, there are fun, free and family friendly ways to enjoy our beautiful City everywhere you look. If you’re thinking about where to take the kids this week-end, or wondering what about what would be something exciting and romantic to do this Valentines Day, here are 5 ideas to help you enjoy the City to it’s fullest;

1) The brand new Art Gallery of Alberta (#2 Sir Winston Churchill Square), formerly named the Edmonton Art Gallery, has been reopened to the public and has already become an architecural icon, with the flowing aluminum ribbon on it’s exterior causing chatter. With an enourmous amount of gallery space (85,000 sq. ft.), a doubling of educational classrooms for programming, and extensive facility usage opportunities, the AGA is attracting more of the most sought-after touring art exhibitions, bringing cultural enrichment to Edmontonians. Hours are 11:00 am to 7:00 pm from Tuesday to Friday, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tours are available by calling 780-372-2486.

2) The Silver Skate Festival (Hawrelak Park) from February 19th to 21st. 11 am – 9 pm. This long-running event is now in it’s 20th year! This festival celebrating everything Winter is rooted in the Dutch tradition of a love of the outdoors and the pleasure of experiencing the cultural and aesthetic beauty of winter. With our Edmonton winters being snowy and bright, why not embrace and celebrate it! View the Cessco Snow Sculpture Garden and Competition, an interactive family area, the Mammoet Winter Triathlon, and the Northgate 10 km and 25 km Marathons. There is free parking at the event and a transit bus stop at the gate.

3) Jackie Parker Park (4540 – 50th Street): Skating, sledding and magical lights will entertain citizens on Friday and Saturday, February 26th and 27th from noon to 8:00 pm. Campfires and hot chocolate will keep everyone warm. Exclusive to this event is Bark in the Dark, an LED light party for dog lovers.

4) Edmontons Hope for Haiti Azucar Picante Restaurante & Cantina (13062-50 St.) On February 12th, 2009, the fund-raising evening consists of a Silent Auction with a 50/50 raffle and a benefit concert. Tickets are $10 and all monies from ticket sales, silent auction sales, the 50/50 draw will be distributed to Heart to Heart Haiti, Canada Red Cross, and the Edmonton Multicultural Society to help families arriving from Haiti.

5) Sweetheart Stroll – Edmonton’s Muttart Conservatory (9626 96A Street) is transformed into a romantic haven. On February 13, 2009, enjoy the beauty of the pyramids at night along with music & dancing. www.muttartconservatory.ca

However you choose to enjoy the excitement of Edmonton, one thing is for sure: there is never a shortage of ways to do it! Our city is a great place to live, and there are equally as many beautiful neighbourhoods to live in. If you or someone you know is considering a move in to Edmonton or to a different home within the City, call me. I can be reached on my cell at (780) 934-8514.

Sarah Dulmage, Realtor
Re/Max Real Estate
Cell: (780) 934-8514