🌄 Foothills Scoop

👋 Hello Neighbours:
Heads up, Foothills: we’re in for a real winter-y Friday, then a slow warm-up into Sunday. If you’re craving something cozy (or just want an excuse to get out of the house), this weekend’s got a great mix—crafting, comedy, live music, and a couple of “big night out” shows.

✨ In Today’s Edition:
🎹 Elton John tribute + live pub music in Okotoks
🎶 A Voice from The Voice hits the High River stage
🎭 Dinner theatre, fundraising concerts & a full weekend of live shows

📚 Freedom to Read Week lands in Okotoks (Feb 22–28)
Freedom to Read Week is being marked locally, putting the spotlight on book challenges and why libraries matter as open, community spaces. If you’ve ever found your next favourite read because a librarian recommended it, this week is a good reminder of the value in that. It’s also a timely nudge to support your local library—not just by borrowing books, but by showing up to events and programs.

🎶 A Voice from The Voice Is Coming to High River — And She’s Sharing the Stage

High River is about to host a special afternoon of music — and not just any concert. A double bill performance featuring Abigayle Oakley and Alberta’s own John Hewitt is set for Sunday, March 1 at 3:00 p.m. at the historic High River Masonic Hall (doors open at 2:20 p.m.).

Oakley, who recently auditioned for The Voice, has been turning heads with her sharp songwriting and warm, expressive delivery. Often compared to John Prine for her ability to blend humour and heartbreak in the same breath, she writes songs that feel deeply personal yet instantly relatable. Her style leans folk, Americana, and indie — thoughtful, clever, and emotionally layered.

Sharing the stage is John Hewitt, widely known as one of Alberta’s hardest-working musicians. With up to 150 shows a year and seven albums under his belt, Hewitt has built a loyal following across the province. Many Foothills residents may recognize him from his popular tribute concerts to Jim Croce or Gordon Lightfoot, including past performances at The Old Church in Okotoks. His sound blends folk, Americana, hints of country, and even British Invasion influences.

The format makes this concert especially appealing: each artist will perform their own full set, and then the two will come together to share songs on stage. That collaborative portion is often where the magic happens — different styles blending, harmonies building, and stories unfolding between artists.

The concert is all-ages and non-alcoholic, with complimentary desserts and refreshments served — making it a welcoming, relaxed afternoon outing. Tickets are $40, available via e-transfer ([email protected]) or by contacting 403-601-9063. Notably, 100% of proceeds go directly to the musicians, a detail that reflects the community-driven spirit behind the event.

For Foothills music lovers, this is one of those intimate, up-close performances that reminds you why small-hall concerts are special. No big-city commute required — just great songwriting, strong vocals, and an afternoon of live music right here at home.

• 🎨 Polymer Clay Creations (International Polar Bear Day) — 2:30–4:30 p.m., Okotoks Public Library. A hands-on adult craft session—come make something fun (and surprisingly addictive).

• 🐻 Nature Fridays: Polar Bears — 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Environmental Education Centre (Okotoks). A drop-in day for curious kids (and adults) who love wildlife facts and hands-on learning.

• 🎹 A Musical Tribute to Elton John — 7:30–9:30 p.m., Viking Rentals Events Centre (Okotoks). Big singalong energy, full band, and a proper “Friday night show” feel.

• 😂 The Loonie Bin – Amateur Comedy Night — Fri, Feb 27, Hub Town Brewing (Okotoks). A local comedy battle where the crowd helps decide the winner—perfect for a low-commitment night out.

• ☕ Okotoks Hot Chocolate Festival (Final Day) — Sat, all day, Downtown Okotoks
Last chance to sip your way through the festival lineup—perfect excuse to bundle up and make a mini outing of it.

• 🎶 Lynne Hanson (Beneath the Arch Concert Series) — 7:30 p.m., Flare & Derrick Community Hall (Turner Valley). Roots/Americana in a small-hall setting—the kind of show you talk about after.

• 🎼 Foothills Fantasia — Sat, Feb 28, 3:00 p.m., Okotoks Alliance Church
Foothills Philharmonic Society’s annual fundraising concert features performances by all FPS ensembles, plus a silent auction and concessions. Tickets are $20 (kids FREE) — grab yours at footphil.com or pay at the door and support local musicians in a big way.

• 🎸 Live Music: Earl Morgan Band — Sat, Feb 28, Hub Town Brewing (Okotoks). Familiar favourites and a fun pub-night set (music starts at 7 p.m.).

• 🎻 Tom Allen & Friends (Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow) — 7:30 p.m., High River United Church. Storytelling + music for an honestly beautiful winter-night experience.

• 🎶 Abigayle Oakley & John Hewitt — Sun, Mar 1, 3:00 p.m., High River Masonic Hall
A special all-ages double bill featuring NBC The Voice auditioner Abigayle Oakley and Alberta favourite John Hewitt, each performing a full set plus songs together. Tickets are $40 (complimentary desserts included); e-transfer to [email protected] or call 403-601-9063 — doors open at 2:20 p.m.

• 🎸 Acoustic Nights: Open Mic — Tue, Mar 3, 7:00 p.m., Old Church Theatre (Okotoks)
Grab the mic or cheer from the crowd at this laid-back open mic night showcasing local singers, songwriters, and musicians. Whether you’re performing or just soaking up the talent, it’s a fun, low-key evening celebrating Foothills creativity.

Friday: Very cold with 5–10 cm snow expected (Okotoks/High River both calling for accumulating snow).
Saturday: Still very cold with low cloud.
Sunday: Noticeably warmer with a mix of cloud and sun—your best “get outside” window.

📚 Books, bans, and libraries — With Freedom to Read Week running through Feb 28, the conversation locally is very much “why access matters” and how community libraries navigate challenges while keeping shelves open to everyone.

☕ Hot chocolate rankings are back — If you’ve been seeing “you HAVE to try this one” posts and texts, yep—it’s the Hot Chocolate Festival effect, and it ends Saturday.

That’s your weekend game plan—bundle up for Friday, then enjoy the slow thaw into Sunday. If you’ve got an event coming up (or see something we missed), send it our way so we can share it in the next edition.