πŸ‘‹ Hello Neighbours!

May is here β€” and the Foothills is waking up in style! This weekend is stacked with live music, youth performers, community markets, a mindfulness art workshop, and even a little bit of Elvis. Whether you're chasing live entertainment, looking for a relaxed Sunday walk, or hunting for a Mother's Day gift early, there's something for everyone across Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley, and beyond. Here's your weekend sorted.

✨ In Today's Edition:

  • 🎸 Willie's Birthday Bash: country music and great vibes in Okotoks

  • πŸ•Ί Steve Pineo's Tribute to Elvis β€” a SOLD OUT show not to miss

  • 🎀 Okotoks Youth Singers bring Disney magic to the stage Saturday afternoon

  • πŸ›οΈ Mother's Day Market in High River this Saturday

  • 🎨 Calm & Creative Mindfulness Art Workshop at the Okotoks Art Gallery

  • πŸ“š Free Comic Book Day at the Okotoks Public Library

🌟 Community Spotlight

Willie's Birthday Bash β€” Country Classics with 506! Saturday night in Okotoks is getting a whole lot livelier. The Tribal Connection Market at 41 McRae St. is hosting Willie's Birthday Bash, a big country classics night featuring live band 506. It's the kind of party where you'll hear the songs you grew up with, played loud and proud by musicians who clearly love what they do. Doors open at 8:00 PM on Saturday, May 2 β€” this one's all ages welcome, so bring the crew, grab a drink, and dance a little. Tribal Connection Market has become one of the liveliest spots for live entertainment in Okotoks and this weekend's show is a perfect example of why.

πŸ“° News from the Foothills

Rotary Club of High River Raises a Flag β€” and the Bar β€” for Community The Rotary Club of High River is gearing up for their 8th Annual Canada Flag Fundraiser, and this year has a heartwarming twist. High River resident Silvano Girardi β€” a retired Canadian Airlines mechanic who describes himself as "made in Italy but adopted by Canada for 45 years" β€” hand-crafted 600+ custom finials (decorative flag toppers) to donate to the fundraiser. Last year, he sponsored a flag and noticed he felt something was missing from the beautiful display of 600+ flags on community lawns. So he got to work. The flags go up over the May, July, and September long weekends throughout High River. It's a beautiful reminder of the kind of community pride that makes the Foothills special. Watch for more details on sign-up coming soon through the Rotary Club of High River.

Bomber Command Museum: May Hours Begin If you haven't yet made the trip to Nanton's Bomber Command Museum of Canada, now's a great time β€” May 1 marks the start of their extended Thursday-through-Monday hours (10 AM to 4 PM). This nationally significant museum honours the men and women of Bomber Command and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, and it's one of the hidden gems of Foothills County. Entry by donation, and they are currently in the middle of a Lancaster Restoration project.

🎡 Live Music & Entertainment

Okotoks Youth Singers β€” "Sing Your Heart Out!" Saturday, May 2 | 3:00 PM | 3 Elma Street East, Okotoks

Step into the magic with Okotoks' own youth choir as they perform beloved songs from Moana, Aladdin, and The Lion King. Families are encouraged to come in costume β€” princes, princesses, heroes, villains, all welcome. Expect powerful music, vibrant storytelling, and a whole lot of singalong moments. Tickets are limited and expected to sell out.

Steve Pineo: Tribute to Elvis β€” SOLD OUT Saturday, May 2 | 7:30 PM | Red Deer Lake United Church, 96187 Spruce Meadows Green SW, Foothills

This one is sold out β€” but worth mentioning because if you have a ticket, you're in for a serious treat. Steve Pineo and his band bring Alberta's most acclaimed Elvis tribute to the On the Edge Concert Series at Red Deer Lake United Church. Doors open at 6:00 PM with dinner available.

Willie's Birthday Bash β€” Country Classics with 506 Saturday, May 2 | 8:00 PM | Tribal Connection Market, 41 McRae St., Okotoks

Live country music with band 506. Great vibes, community atmosphere. Come out and celebrate Willie's birthday the right way.

πŸ“… Events This Week

πŸ—“οΈ Friday, May 1
  • πŸ“š Book Sale β€” 10:00 AM, Okotoks Public Library, 23 Riverside Drive, Okotoks. Multi-day sale running May 1-3, great selection of used books at low prices.

  • 🎀 Karaoke Night (18+) β€” 7:00 PM, Tribal Connection Market, 41 McRae St., Okotoks. Grab the mic and kick off the long weekend right.

  • πŸ›οΈ Bomber Command Museum Opens Extended Hours β€” 10:00 AM, Nanton. Thursdays through Mondays, 10 AM–4 PM from May 1 through June 30.

  • πŸ’Ό Showcase High River Business Passport β€” 8:00 AM, Participating High River Businesses. Explore local High River shops and collect stamps on your Business Passport all day.

πŸ—“οΈ Saturday, May 2
  • πŸ“š Book Sale β€” 10:00 AM, Okotoks Public Library. Day 2 of the book sale.

  • πŸ“– Free Comic Book Day β€” 1:00 PM, Okotoks Public Library, 23 Riverside Drive, Okotoks. Pick up free comics and celebrate the joy of reading in a fun, festive atmosphere.

  • 🎀 Okotoks Youth Singers β€” "Sing Your Heart Out!" β€” 3:00 PM, 3 Elma Street East, Okotoks. A Disney-themed youth choir concert featuring songs from Moana, Aladdin, and The Lion King. Come in costume!

  • 🎨 Calm and Creative: A Mindfulness Art Workshop β€” 1:00 PM, Okotoks Art Gallery, 53 N Railway St., Okotoks. A guided mindfulness art workshop β€” drop in, create, and breathe. Perfect for a slow Saturday afternoon.

  • πŸ›οΈ Mother's Day Market β€” 10:00 AM, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 910 – 12 Ave SW, High River. Local vendors with gifts and goods perfect for Mom's special day. Free admission.

  • πŸ•Ί Steve Pineo: Tribute to Elvis (SOLD OUT) β€” 7:30 PM, Red Deer Lake United Church, Foothills. Alberta's top Elvis tribute show.

  • 🎸 Willie's Birthday Bash β€” Country Classics with 506 β€” 8:00 PM, Tribal Connection Market, Okotoks. Live country night, come celebrate!

πŸ—“οΈ Sunday, May 3
  • πŸ“š Book Sale β€” Last Day β€” 1:00 PM, Okotoks Public Library.

  • πŸƒ 2026 Hike for Hospice Hustle β€” 10:30 AM, Ethel Tucker Centennial Park, 7 Riverside Drive, Okotoks. Walk, hike, or run to support hospice care in the Foothills β€” 2K walk, 5K walk, or 5K/10K run options for all ages and abilities. Dog-friendly and stroller-friendly. Register at okotokshospice.com.

  • 🌿 Coutts Centre Garden Days Begin (Sundays) β€” 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, Coutts Centre for Sustainable Living. Self-guided garden tours, picnics, and plein air painting every Sunday May through September. Free admission, donations appreciated.

πŸ—“οΈ Tuesday, May 5
  • 🎯 Bags 'N' Brews β€” Tuesday Cornhole League β€” 6:30 PM, Hub Town Brewing, 41 Elizabeth St., Okotoks. Toss a bag, sip a craft brew, and enjoy some friendly competition. It's about having fun β€” and if you're good, that's a bonus.

πŸ—“οΈ Wednesday, May 6
  • πŸ’° Navigating the Road to Retirement β€” 6:00 PM, Okotoks Public Library, 23 Riverside Drive. Free public talk on retirement planning. A great resource for anyone thinking ahead.

  • πŸŽ‚ HR Hospital Auxiliary Mother's Day Bake Sale β€” 9:00 AM, High River Hospital Lobby, 560 9th Ave SW. Grab a treat and support the hospital auxiliary. Classic community fundraising at its finest.

  • πŸ’¬ Be Well Talk β€” Exercise Oncology Resources β€” 5:30 PM, Munroe Barn, Sheppard Family Park, High River. Hosted by the High River Community Cancer Centre. Learn about exercise resources to help you move more during and after cancer treatment. Free and open to all.

πŸ—“οΈ Thursday, May 7
  • πŸ”” Thursday Sound Bath β€” 6:00 PM, Tribal Connection Market, 41 McRae St., Okotoks. End the week with a restorative sound bath.

β˜€οΈ Weather (Foothills Snapshot)

May in the Foothills typically brings variable spring weather β€” beautiful warm afternoons and cooler evenings. Expect highs in the range of 12–18Β°C through the week with potential for light showers mid-week. Lows around 2–5Β°C. Check Environment Canada (weather.gc.ca) for the latest forecast before heading out to outdoor events.

πŸ’¬ What Locals Are Talking About

  • 🌸 Mother's Day prep is in full swing β€” the Saturday market in High River is a great stop for local, thoughtful gifts before the big day on May 10.

  • πŸ› Spring critters are making their annual comeback β€” gardeners across the Foothills are reporting first sightings of everything from gophers to garden pests. Time to get those raised beds ready!

  • 🚧 Road construction season is ramping up β€” several Foothills County roads are seeing gravel maintenance and surface work as ground thaws. Give yourself extra time if heading out on rural routes.

πŸ‘‰ That's your May 1–7 map, neighbours! It's a great weekend to get out, support local businesses and venues, and enjoy everything our communities have to offer. Did we miss an event? Have something coming up you'd like us to include? Reply to this email at [email protected] β€” we'd love to hear from you!

Until next week, The Foothills Scoop 🌾

πŸ“… Coming Up Next Week

  • 🎻 Foothills Philharmonic Spring Concert β€” Friday, May 8 (7:30 PM) & Saturday, May 9 (3:00 PM), Okotoks Alliance Church. Two performances of the Foothills Phil's spring program β€” free admission.

  • 🌾 Millarville Spring Market β€” Saturday, May 9, 9 AM–2 PM, Millarville Racetrack. The beloved outdoor market's spring opening day. One of the best mornings you can have in southern Alberta.

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