🌄 Foothills Scoop

👋 Hey Foothills friends!
Halloween may be wrapping up, but the fun’s not slowing down across the Foothills! 🎃 From record-breaking food drives and small-town milestones to cozy campfires, art shows, and music-filled evenings, this weekend is packed with reasons to get out and connect. Whether you’re exploring Diamond Valley’s community spirit, admiring local art in De Winton, or enjoying live music with friends, it’s the perfect way to welcome November.

✨ In Today’s Edition
📰 MDP & food-drive updates
🌟 Campfires and Fall art shows
🎉 Halloween happenings all weekend

🥫 Foothills Food Drives Smash Records
Volunteers in Okotoks and High River collected an incredible 27,000 pounds of food during this year’s LDS community drive — the largest donation total in the event’s history. Hundreds of families and individuals left bags of non-perishable items on their doorsteps, which were gathered by volunteers and delivered to local food banks. Organizers say the generosity will help meet growing demand as the cost of living continues to rise and winter approaches. With shelves now well-stocked, local charities are extending heartfelt thanks to residents for once again proving how strong the spirit of giving is in the Foothills.

🏡 Diamond Valley Approves First Development Plan
Diamond Valley has officially adopted its first-ever Municipal Development Plan (MDP) — a long-term roadmap guiding how the community will grow, develop, and protect its small-town character. The plan focuses on creating sustainable housing options, improving infrastructure, and supporting local business while preserving the area’s natural beauty and rural charm. Residents and council members collaborated through open houses and consultations to shape the vision for the newly amalgamated town. Officials say the MDP will serve as a cornerstone for thoughtful, balanced growth, ensuring Diamond Valley remains a vibrant and welcoming place to live for generations to come.

🧵 High River Quilters Stitch for a Cause
At Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Oct. 24, the High River and District Handicrafts Guild unveiled dozens of handmade quilts destined for families supported by Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS). The guild chose MDS after a chance meeting between members and local volunteers Susan and Peter Thiessen of Okotoks, who spend half the year building homes for disaster victims.
High River Times →

🌾 Longview Rancher Earns Alberta’s Highest Honour
A longtime Longview rancher has been inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence, the province’s highest civilian recognition, celebrating a lifetime dedicated to ranching, land stewardship, and community leadership. Known for his deep respect for the foothills landscape and his commitment to sustainable agriculture, the honouree has spent decades mentoring young ranchers and advocating for responsible land management across southern Alberta. His influence extends well beyond the corrals — from supporting 4-H clubs and youth agriculture programs to preserving local history through storytelling and education. The award highlights not only his contributions to the ranching industry, but also his lasting impact on the culture and identity of rural Alberta.
The Albertan →

🎶 Beneath the Arch – Inspiring Young Performers
Beneath the Arch Concert Society has long brought world-class musicians to Diamond Valley while nurturing the next generation of local talent. Through its Performing Arts Bursary Program, the nonprofit has awarded nearly $10,000 to students across Diamond Valley, Millarville, Longview, and Priddis, helping them pursue their passion for music, theatre, and dance. To keep the program thriving, the group is running a raffle through April 2026, alongside monthly 50/50 draws at each concert, with all proceeds funding student bursaries. It’s a perfect harmony of community, culture, and generosity — keeping the arts alive in the Foothills.

🔥 Diamond Valley Community Campfire
Gather ‘round for some cozy community spirit this Saturday, Nov. 1, as the Diamond Valley Sustainable Living Centre hosts its free Community Campfire. Everyone’s invited to enjoy an evening of warmth, conversation, and connection under the autumn sky — no registration required. The event follows their popular Pumpkin Hunt, part of the group’s mission to foster nature-based learning and local togetherness. Bring your mug, your stories, and your neighbours — it’s the perfect way to welcome November in Diamond Valley.

🧘 The Rest Stop (3:30 – 4:30 PM, Okotoks Public Library) — Designed for ages 11–15, this free drop-in offers a calm, creative space to unwind after a busy week. Each Friday features a guided mindfulness activity plus relaxed self-directed stations for journaling, art, and reflection — the perfect reset to start your weekend refreshed.

🎃 Nature Fridays: Pumpkins (10 AM – 4 PM, Okotoks Environmental Education Centre) — Families can drop in for pumpkin crafts, outdoor games, and spooky-season fun in the forest. It’s free, festive, and perfect for all ages.

🍺 Halloween at Hub Town Brewing 🎸 featuring Earl Morgan (7 PM – 10 PM, Hub Town Brewing, Okotoks) — Enjoy roots-rock vibes and craft beer at Hub Town’s Halloween party. Costumes encouraged for a night of local music and brews.

🧸 Stay & Play (9 AM – 11:30 AM), Greater Foothills Family Centre, High River) — Drop-in playtime for little ones and caregivers. Toys, laughter, and friendly faces guaranteed.

🎨 Beyond the Brush (1:30 – 2:45 PM, Okotoks Public Library) — Teens ages 13–17 can dive into new art styles and techniques at this creative weekly drop-in club. Whether you’re experimenting for the first time or refining your skills, it’s a fun, supportive space to learn, create, and connect with fellow young artists.

🎄 Christmas Craft Sale (10 AM – 2 PM, Embrace-Inspire-Live, East Ridge Blvd near Chestermere High School) — Get a head start on holiday shopping at this cozy local market filled with handmade soaps, candles, jewelry, prints, and festive décor. Every piece is crafted by local artisans, making it the perfect spot to find thoughtful gifts or a little something special for yourself

💀 Día de los Muertos Celebration (6 PM, Heritage Inn Hotel, High River) — Celebrate the Day of the Dead with traditional music, food, and colour. A cultural evening full of spirit and remembrance.

🎱 Saturday 8-Ball Tournament (2 PM, Stix N Bones Billiards & Gaming, High River) — Chalk up and join the weekly 8-ball action, with free play starting at 1 PM and matches kicking off at 2. Entry is $25 with play organized by Fargo rating — a friendly, competitive afternoon for pool lovers of all skill levels.

🎨 ArtWorks! Fall Show & Sale (10 AM – 4 PM, De Winton Community Hall) — Final day to browse local art and meet the creators behind each piece. Admission is free and creativity is overflowing.

🐾 You Can Buy Love… If You Adopt It! (11 AM – 3 PM, Pet Valu Southbank, Okotoks) — Pound Rescue and Pet Valu are teaming up for a heartwarming adoption event featuring adorable pups, dogs, and kittens looking for their forever homes. Stop by to meet the crew, chat with volunteers, and enjoy plenty of cuddles — love really is up for adoption! ❤️

🎯 Dart Jitney (12:30 PM, Stix N Bones Billiards & Gaming, High River) — Doors open at noon, then it’s a random draw for partners, $15 per person, double-out only, 3 sets of 501, plus a weekly snowball pot. Runs every Sunday unless otherwise advertised — casual, competitive, and a great way to spend the afternoon.

A crisp and clear Halloween night (around 2 °C).
Saturday offers sunshine near 10 °C, while Sunday cools to 8 °C with light showers — the perfect excuse for coffee and comfort food.

• Record-setting food-drive totals and heart-warming generosity.
• Okotoks Art Gallery’s Rock Stars and Force Field exhibits drawing weekend visitors.

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