Millarville Farmer's Market Magazine, 2014

JUNE 14 TO

OCTOBER 11 2014

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On the cover: Michael Perks Photo by Neville Palmer

contents 4. MRAS - HISTORY

pg5.

WELCOME

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6. EVENTS

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8. COVER STORY

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12. EXPLORE THE MARKET

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13. MARKET MAP

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14. WHAT’S IN SEASON

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16. OUR VENDORS

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22. ROOT CELLAR

A Routes Media Special Publication www.routesmedia.ca routes media special publication

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MRAS

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OUR PAST

he Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society (MRAS) has been in existence for more than 100 years, its origins older than the province of Alberta itself.

As the years and generations have come and gone, the social and economic development of both the MRAS and our surrounding community has remained intertwined through a shared history as well as programs and services built from the grassroots up.

Our non-profit society has flourished and grown through the last century because we have always taken pride in providing programs and facilities for the young people in our community. Many of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents of these young people also faithfully served as members and volunteers in earlier eras, setting an example for the generation to follow.

We rely on more than 100 members and over 300 volunteers to carry out our tradition of building community and preserving our agricultural heritage. Our main events: the Races, the Fair, the Rodeo, the Market, and the Christmas Market are all important platforms for realizing this vision.

Our newest addition, the Millarville Run to the Farmers’ Market Half Marathon is an event we hope to see grow into a strong and vibrant annual event that will further strengthen our community spirit.

As a society, we know we have much to do if we hope to remain relevant in our community into the next century, particularly while continuing to embrace the traditions and values of our founders.

OUR FUTURE

The facilities at MRAS have become pivotal focal points for community user groups while continuing to bear the weight of more than 100,000 visitors who pass through our gates annually. We will continue to upgrade our facilities and programs to keep up with our current demand and to achieve our bold new vision.

As we ponder our history we marvel at the spirit of commitment and cooperation it took to bring MRAS to this extraordinary milestone we celebrate today. From 1905 when the freshly formed Race Club bought the land, to 1907 when the Fair came into fruition, to 1951 when the Hall Association formed the MRAS, it has been a remarkable feat each step of the way.

Today, as we embark on the next wave of growth, we are counting on the enduring spirit of members past and present to take us to the heights we are aiming for.

We urge you to come out and participate as a member or a volunteer or to simply support us by enjoying the Markets and Events as our gift to the community.

Our Vision: To be an organization in which all members take pride and ownership in a self-sustaining, progressive and dynamic centre for the community that preserves its history, traditions and natural environment to promote rural and agricultural experiences in a welcoming and co-operative manner.

Malcolm Sills, MRAS President

Become a MRAS Member Members are entitled to reduced rental and advertising rates, and free admission to MRAS events. Arena memberships also available. www.millarvilleracetrack.com for a complete membership form.

MARKET STAFF

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Melonie McKee, Market Manager

John Baker, Maintenance Manager

Krystal Meade, Event Manager

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WELCOME

T

Savour the Time, NOT A SAVE TIME EXPERIENCE

By Melonie Mckee, Market Manager

he 32nd market season is finally here after, what seems to be, the longest winter ever!!

We have been waiting months for the time that we get to shop from our favourite farmers, food artisans, fresh fruit trucks and all the talented crafters.

Part of the market experience is getting to visit with your friends and neighbors and to see what’s new, fresh, exciting and maybe something totally unfamiliar to you.

Maybe you come for the music, fresh baked bread, or the herbs. Perhaps you come for the homemade sausage, the local honey, cheese or the ethically raised beef. Or maybe simply for the outdoors shopping experience and rural culture.

For me, it’s all about the sought after, respected and truly gifted vendors and building relationships with them.

Vendors at our market are the “who’s who” of talent.

Did you know that each farmer brings his or her own farm grown veggies, flowers, herbs and meat of locally raised animals? This is something that you would expect from a farmers’ market, right?

Unfortunately, this is not the case for all farmers’ markets, if this is important to you ask the questions and research the market you are visiting.

The Millarville Farmers’ Market is an Alberta Approved Market. This means that our vendors must meet the 80 per

JUNE 14

cent criteria of offering products that have been made, baked, or grown in right here in Alberta.

We take pride in inviting farmers who grow what they sell and who directly contribute to the harvesting of what is being sold. Crafts, breads, jams and jellies, baked goods, jewelry, artwork and all the lovely things in between, also fall under this category.

With these regulations in place, it makes the visit to the market a truly unique and enlightening event, offering a “savour the time, not save time” experience.

The ability to ask questions and talk directly to the person who grew the potatoes, raised the beef, baked the bread, painted the picture and knitted the sweater, is priceless. The result is undeniably satisfying and from this you are able to form long lasting, and trusting relationships with the farmers and crafters, feeling 100 per cent confident in the products you’re purchasing.

The Millarville Farmers’ Market offers you and your family a chance to shop in a relaxed and fun environment knowing you are receiving top-notch quality products.

No matter the reason you have chosen to visit our little gem in the foothills, the Millarville Farmers’ Market welcomes and values having all of you here!

Happy Shopping!

EVENTS

This beautiful, and mostly rural, point-to-point half marathon (21.1 km) runs from Black Diamond through Turner Valley and finally ending at the Millarville Farmers’ Market for opening day.

For more information and participant and volunteer registration, go to millarvilleracetrack.com/half-marathon routes media special publication

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3rd Annual Millarville “Run to the Farmers’ Market” Half Marathon & Cobs Bread “Cinnamon Bun” 8 Miler

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EVENTS

JULY 1

109th

Millarville

Races CANADA DAY • JULY 1, 2014

Cost: $10 per person or $20 per vehicle Events start at noon

A day of horse racing action, shopping a smaller version of the Millarville Farmers’ Market and delighting in children’s activities through the afternoon. Spectators also can spend the day enjoying the beer garden, VIP areas, gather to look over the horses in the paddock area before placing bets and laughing as the kids barrel across the infield in sack and three-legged races (no dogs please).

12 – 6 pm $10/person or $20 / vehicle

403.931.3411

FEATURING • Kids Races • Beer Garden

AUG 1-3

• Pack Horse Race • Sidesaddle Race • Stock Horse Race

• Thoroughbred Racing • Pari-Mutuel Betting

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

403-931-3411 millarville_2014_ad.indd 1

14-04-13 11:41 AM

eventsmanager@millarvilleracetrack.com millarvilleracetrack.com/event/millarville-races

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of western activities and rodeo action. Three memorable days loaded with live music, dancing, rodeo action, family entertainment, beer garden, farmers’ market, local arts and culture, and good old foothills fun. The weekend is also fully integrated with the Millarville Farmers’ Market on rodeo Saturday so come early and enjoy a day of shopping before stepping over for a day of infield action. $15 / person $5 / Children

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ST 014 AUGUST SU1NDAY- 31: 00 PM2

The beer garden will feature local live entertainment all weekend so bring your dancing boots. You’re welcome to stay at the Racetrack campground for the weekend for $60 (no dogs please).

RD

FR ID AY $15 /A

RD AY & 6: 30 PM SA TU ILDREN H C / 5 $ S T L DU

403.931.2404 www.millarvilleracetrack.com

403.931.3411

eventsmanager@millarvilleracetrack.com millarvilleracetrack.com/event/millarville-races

At the Millarville Racetrack 30 min. S.W. of Calgary off Highway 22

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EVENTS

AUG 16

Founded in 1907 this Fair is one of the last great traditional oldtime Agricultural Fairs in Canada. Today the Fair is a wondrous extravaganza with a Kid’s World, a petting zoo, big horses, small horses, hayrides, roping competitions and ribbons awarded in junior events ranging from photography to baking to 4-H. The day is a big one for adults as well, including a multitude of competition ribbons and a parade, as well as a full day integrated with the Millarville Farmers’ Market. Come out and enjoy the Fair or be a particpant by submitting your crafts, baking, grains and animals for a winning ribbon (no dogs please).

8:30 am – 4:30 pm $5 /person, 8 and Under Free

403.931.3411

August 17, 2013 Admission: $5, Children 8 & under free, Includes: Petting Zoo, Millarville Farmers’ Market & Kids’ World, 403.931.3411 Fair Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm www.MillarvilleRacetrack.com

NOV 7-9

eventsmanager@millarvilleracetrack.com millarvilleracetrack.com/event/millarville-races

Join us for a country Christmas market with fabulous art, craft, decorations, artisan food, gifts and more. Indoor and outdoor events. Family fun with free hay rides, Santa’s workshop, pony rides and photos with Santa (no dogs please).

SANTA PHOTOS HAY RIDES DECORATIONS HOT CHOCOLATE BAKED GOODS ARTISAN CRAFTS 403.931.2404

NOVEMBER 7th - 9th 2014

marketmanager@millarvilleracetrack.com millarvilleracetrack.com/event/millarville-races

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November 7 - 10 am – 9 pm November 8 - 10 am – 5 pm November 9 - 10 am – 5 pm $10 /vehicle or $5 /person

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Monkey Metal COVER STORY

Little

By Sandra Wiebe Photos by Neville Palmer

You will find a lot of wonderful, tasty and unique items at the Millarville Farmers’ Market every summer and among them are a couple of monkeys.

M

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

ichael and Claire Perks consider themselves the ‘brain monkey’ and ‘worker monkey’ behind Little Monkey Metal Works. For the past seven years they have been a regular vendor of the Market selling custom cut metal art.

“I start of with something ugly, just blank sheet of metal and then I get to make something that will last for a very long time,” says Michael.

Michael studied art for a very brief time at one point. “I didn’t like it and it doesn’t pay bills but a trade does. My father was a master welder at SAIT and he told me I had to go get a trade.”

So he did. Michael became a millwright and while working at Lake Louise Ski Resort Michael did his four-year apprenticeship and became a Red Seal millwright (a millwright with the highest honors).

Although Michael ended his full time gig as ‘monkey’ as they are called on the hill he still spends about 20 per cent of his time working there in winter overseeing

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ski hill start up, Men’s World Cup Downhill, snowmaking production and outside operations.

Claire Perks has her MBA and is the ‘brain monkey’ of the operations. “We discuss everything but if it falls under his role he makes the final decision, and vice versa,” she says when asked their secret to living and working so closely together every day.

The couple got the company off the ground while living in Calgary and today they work and live on an acreage, fittingly called the Little Monkey Wranch, located just outside of Okotoks.

In the beginning Claire was sometimes hands-on in the shop but now they have grown the company enough to hire some staff and Claire can focus on the business side of things.

The Perks intend to remain balanced, grow organically and not mass-produce products overseas. “We are highend-custom, not mass producers, we want to continue to make to order,” she said.

Although having a trade gained Michael income and valuable experience, it wasn’t until someone bought

some of his artistic pieces that he began to consider doing this as a living and adding fine art works to his current metal work of railings, gates and fire pits.

In 2011 Michael was juried into the illustrious Calgary Stampede Western Art Show and took home a buckle for the Best New Artist. He was selected to show again in 2012 and this year the Stampede commissioned Michael to make their major sponsorship recognition awards (36 statues).

Last year Michael was back at Stampede again and this time was awarded another buckle for Best In Show.

Aside from the Calgary Stampede or commissioning a piece, Michael’s fine art work can be purchased at Galleria Inglewood and DaDe Art and Design Lab in Calgary, Three Bears Gift Shop in Invermere, and at About Canada Gallery in Banff.

Michael’s first public installation art can be seen outside at West Canadian in Calgary. This summer a commissioned statue is in the works for Hamlet of Carseland for their 100-year anniversary celebration in July.

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COVER STORY

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Exhibiting contemporary art from Alberta and beyond.

Take the back roads to fun 2014 Turner Valley Events

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June 7

• Black Diamond Parade & Turner Valley Discovery Days

June 21

• Dog Days – Family Fun with Fido

July 1 July 5

• Canada Day, Turner Valley Triathlon • Stampede Breakfast Turner Valley Legion

October 24-31

• Spook House - Turner Valley Legion

December 6

• Children’s Christmas Party Turner Valley Legion Christmas Market & Light Up Black Diamond

December 31

• New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

Event Information: turnervalley.ca

leightoncentre.org

403.931.3633 routes media special publication

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E X PLORE THE MARKET

in season… wait, that’s the only 5 Buy option here!

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It’s always tastier and healthier to buy food at the peak of its season. Check out the seasonal guide on page 14 for a list of when your favorite local fruits and vegetables are in season. We all have cravings for foods outside of their peak season so learn how to preserve your produce for enjoyment year round.

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the whole market.

1 See Take the time to stroll through the whole market

before you get started. You’ll have a chance to scope out all the new products, fresh veggies and plan your shopping attack. Remember, we have a lot of parttime vendors that attend on random market days, so visit often and take the time to explore.

2 The early bird gets the worm and the best products.

For the very best selection, get to the Market first thing in the morning. You’ll get first choice on food that was in the ground sometimes only hours earlier.

Market vendors do a great job of having lots of stock and try their best not to run out.

3 Make your Market visit an experience.

Take the time to chat with vendors because they love their customers and like to teach you about what they do. Where else can you talk directly with the grower/ rancher/producer? It’s also great to bring your out-oftown visitors; friends from out of town will love having a coffee or some delicious local treats. For the best social experience go mid-morning through lunchtime and take in demonstrations, live music and the happy sounds of kids frolicking in the grass.

4 Plan, plan, plan. www.millarvilleracetrack.com

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Starting with a market plan each time you shop will avoid over purchasing. It’s tempting to go overboard and go home with way too much food. It’s such a tragedy if it goes to waste. Keep your fridge stocked with the freshest produce by shopping the Market weekly.

If you get a little over zealous with your purchases and over-buy try freezing, preserving or having a big party. We have a wagon service from the info booth to help take all your purchases to your vehicle.

You can preserve by freezing, canning, fermenting and drying/dehydrating. Different techniques lend themselves best to different foods. Take a class, find a friend to teach you how, go to the library or check the Internet for ideas. Your family and friends will thank you in the winter for sharing your Alberta-grown treats.

6 Ask questions.

Farmers are happy to engage and it helps if you know which questions to ask. For example you may want organic produce. Many farms are growing their food organically but opt out of the expensive certification.

Instead of opening with, “Is it organic?” try asking, “Do you use pesticides?” or “How do you raise your animals?” Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

If you see something that looks interesting but you don’t have a clue how to prepare it, ask the farmer.

Need a gluten free recipe? They are likely have one!

Don’t know how to cook a perfect sausage? They’ve probably got a few tips! Remember nobody knows food better than the people who grow it, make it, or bake it themselves.

the story, straight from the horse’s 7 Get mouth.

Artists, crafts people, farmers, bakers, cooks and food artisans all have a story behind what they do and why.

Inviting them to share their stories makes your Market experience that much more satisfying; you go home with wonderful products and a dose of inspiration.

Our vendors are the real deal and are happy to share their stories with customers.

Giving back. Your money goes a long way in this community.

The $3 admission fee goes to support facility maintenance and programming. The MRAS supports many local youth, agricultural and non-profit organization. When you shop here you help support an entire community.

So, are you ready to hit the ground running?

Don’t forget your cash and your re-usable shopping bag. Happy shopping! routes media special publication

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MARKET MAP

VEGGIES AND FRUIT

BARNS

Public Parking

LEGACY PICNIC AREA

N D E SPECIALTY CRAFTS

Handicapped Parking

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Public Parking

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FOOD ARTISANS

BC FRUIT TRUCKS

Handicapped Parking

GRANDSTAND

MEAT ALLEY

RACE TRACK

Public Parking MARKET VENDORS FRUIT TRUCKS

FOOD ARTISAN

GARDEN

MEAT ALLEY

ARENA

BARNS

QUONSET

LEGACY PICNIC AREA

MARKET SERVICES

REST ROOMS

ATM FIRST AID

ATM

i

INFO

FOOD

FIRE PIT

CAMPING

AED

CAMPING: ISLAND AND CREEKSIDE CAMPGROUNDS

Rustic unserviced camping facilities featuring large treed campsites, firepits, and picnic tables.

First come first served: $20/night/unit. Group reservations available on select weekends. Call 403.931.3411 for details. routes media special publication

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HEATED TENT

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WHAT’S IN SEASON

Hig

When to find your favourite fruits and vegetables and where they come from!

GREENHOUSE

AUGUST

Butter Lettuce Eggplant English Cucumber Greenhouse Mini Cucumber Peppers Pole Beans Potted Herbs Tomatoes

Early Apples Apricots Yellow Beans Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Cucumbers Garlic Green Beans Hot Peppers Melons Nectarines Peppers (field) Pickling

JUNE Asparagus Beet Greens Cherries, early Radishes Spinach Rhubarb Strawberries Bedding Plants JULY

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Beets Blackberries Blueberries Saskatoons Carrots Peaches Peas Plums Raspberries Sweet Onions Baby Potatoes Baby Zuchinni

h River

Artisans Market

June 14th to August 30th Local Designers, Makers, & Growers with Live Music & Family Activities Downtown High River Saturdays 10am - 4pm

DON’T EVER FEAR A CONTRACT.

SEPTEMBER Apples (all varieties) Grapes Pears (Bartlett and Anjou) Pumpkin Squash

getrealinrealestate.ca

OCTOBER Parsnips Potatoes (storing) Onions (storing) Beets (storing) Carrots Garlic (hard neck) Winter Squash

Lainey Luft MaxWell Capital Realty 403.803.7298 laineyluft@gmail.com Buying and Selling in your Local Market

102A Centre Avenue East Black Diamond routes media special publication

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www.centeredoncentreave.com 205 Centre Ave, Black Diamond

Variety of Classes

All Levels of Yoga

D I A M O N D VA L L E Y C H I R O P R A C T I C & H E A LT H C E N T R E 205 Centre Ave, Black Diamond 403.933.3088 www.dvchiro.ca

Dr. Natalie Carrington & Dr. Greg Morris

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

CHIROPRACTIC, ACUPUNCTURE, ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE, MASSAGE, COUNSELLING SERVICES, SHOCKWAVE THERAPY, REFLEXOLOGY

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OUR VENDORS

FLOOD AFFECTED & FIGHTING BACK On June 20, 2013 massive floods devastated many parts of southern Alberta. Here are a few quick follow-ups to some of our market vendors who were affected and how they couldn’t have done it all without the support of you, the loyal customer.

Alberta Whisky Cake

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he massive flood of 2013 ripped through High River destroyed the bakery that made our cakes. The entire inventory, supplies, equipment and the entire building were annihilated. Our whisky producer in High River, Highwood Distillers, was also closed for a few months.

Unexpectedly, I received an enormous number of adamant demands from many past and potential AWC consumers to ‘get those cakes back!’ These much-appreciated requests provided the emotional energy, clarity and courage I needed to pick up and start over again.

AWC stopped producing cakes on June 20, but the behind the scenes action didn’t stop. We co-hosted a very successful contest with Western Horse Review for the next featured artist, made a number of changes to the labels, seals, delivery containers and got some processes worked out to ensure cake quality consistently remains at the very highest.

The baker equipped and restocked her initial Calgary in-home commercial bakery. We worked out details with new retailers and, since November, the cakes are available at Calgary Co-op stores in Calgary, High River, Airdrie and Strathmore.

Exactly four months after the flood closed AWC, we picked up 24 test cakes from the interim bakery. Looks like we’re back in the saddle.

As I look back at 2013, we were completely closed for a third of the year, yet our annual sales were almost exactly 50 per cent more than in 2012.

Thank you to our fellow Albertans for their unwavering and loyal support.

– Kamla McGonigal, albertawhiskycake.com

Greidanus Honey

W

e have experienced the rising waters of the Highwood River over the years, but we had never experienced, nor thought possible, the power and devastation we saw on June 20, 2013.

We took up residence at our current farm, just west of the town of High River in 1978. We saw an amazing potential to grow strong beehives in the river bottom of the Highwood River due to the microclimate created by the Highwood River.

In the spring there is an abundance of pollen that comes earlier than in other parts of the prairies, there is shelter from the winds and the spring temperatures are usually a few degrees warmer than on the prairie.

With these advantages, however, living in the floodway of the Highwood comes with risk. Despite our best efforts, we were not able to reach all the hives we had located in the flood plains of the Highwood River and Little Bow canal. routes media special publication

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OUR VENDORS

On June 20 we lost approximately 300 hives and experienced flooding inside the processing plant.

With help from family, friends and fellow beekeepers, we have cleaned up. With the support of insurance and the DRP, we have recovered from these losses and will continue to operate out of our current location.

In the future we hope to reduce the number of hives that we keep near the Highwood river, but to accomplish this we need the support of farmers. Bees need flowers and flowering bushes - and we all need to forage on.

– Graham Strom, honeymill.ca

Highwood Valley Ranch

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– Jaimie and Wade Nelson, highwoodvalleyranch.com routes media special publication

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NATURALLY RAISED MEATS

FINE CHEESES

LOCAL PRODUCERS

403.921.2811

116 GOVERNMENT RD NE, BLACK DIAMOND

www.kloibersmeats.com

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

ike many people and businesses our ranch and business was affected by the 2013 flood.

Fortunately all our animals at home on the ranch were safe from harm as we had already moved our cowherd into the hills west of Longview and our remaining yearlings were mostly out of the valley and well away from any true danger.

Unfortunately we lost a very significant amount of product as we had beef being held under refrigeration in High River.

We are very lucky to have such a wonderful customer base that fully supported us and understood our struggles through the summer as we fought to resume markets and continue again to process our cattle.

There were points during the summer when we would come to a market with a mere 20 per cent of the beef cuts we would normally have in stock. Due to this lack of product we began to offer other sources of protein brought in from local producers. We are happy to now be offering, not only our ranch raised beef, but also Tiny Springs lamb and chicken, Winter’s Turkeys, and Spragg’s pork.

We have now become nearly a one-stop-shop for all our customers’ protein needs. There is often a silver lining to any tragedy and ours was that we truly realized what a wonderful and supportive customer base and community we have and live in.

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Reward yourself with delectable dining, unique shopping, a vibrant arts and culture scene and exciting events: June

21: Spirit of Okotoks Parade

& Children’s Festival

28: BuskerFest & Summer

Saturday’s Festival

July 1: Canada Day Events 19: Summer Saturday’s Festival 26: Taste of Okotoks

August 9: Summer Saturday’s Festival 17: Olde Towne Okotoks Show & Shine 23: Foothills Highland Games 29-31: Okotoks Professional Rodeo 30: ChiliFest & Summer Saturday’s Festival

September

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1: Sheep River Road Race 14: Terry Fox Community Run 26-28: Alberta Culture Days 27: Harvest Fest

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.ca

403.818.3184 routes media special publication

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...remember to decorate your life...

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The Town of Black Diamond

NOW OPEN YOUR SOURCE TO EXPLORING THE FOOTHILLS DIAMOND

alley

Chamber of Commerce

diamondvalleychamberofcommerce.ca

“Come Get Diamondized”

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

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40 minutes south of Calgary & 5 minutes south of Millarville, our Town has it all: - Stunning scenery - a 1930’s historic downtown - the largest black diamond in the world - Many unique stores you won’t find anywhere else - Many popular events www.visitblackdiamond.ca 403.933.4348 routes media special publication

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ROOT CELLAR

P L A N T S E E D S HARVEST CHANGE

By Sandra Wiebe Images provided by Sage Permaculture

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ust peruse Pinterest for a few minutes and you’ll see endless posts of wood pallets turned herb gardens… it’s more than a pack rats dream of repurposing, it’s a undeniable trend and desire to take back a little earth for ourselves, to nurture it, watch it grow and to teach our children where food really comes from. This is permaculture.

Buzzwords like sustainability, carbon neutral, organic, wholistic and diversity are a growing part of our vocabulary and lifestyles but like many things, everything old is new again and the way we eat, grow food and care for the earth is no exception.

Referring to a local grass roots movement, led by people like Evonne Smulders, a permaculture designer explains the philosophy.

“It’s a systems design, looking at everything encompassing our life, the food we eat, how we grow it, the energy we use, the people that surround us and how we connect with nature. We can integrate into our lives how natures works symbiotically.”

Evonne, an avid gardener for over 34 years, former midwife, potter and business owner (Terra Cotta Gallery in Black Diamond, now Bluerock Gallery) has turned her energies to being a permaculturalist. “I have no formal biology or horticulture background - anyone can do this.”

And she dove in with a passion, organizing the 2011 Western Canadian PC Convergence and now offers twoday introduction classes to teach others how apply the principles to their own life and gardens.

The Convergence offers hands-on workshops, teaching skills that will serve you whether you’re camping in the wilderness or rebuilding after a major disaster. Specifically, participants swap tips and learn techniques for such functions as composting, cob oven building, and even composting toilets.

For some, permaculture is an ethos for living with lofty goals of a means to saving our planet. But for others, finding the permaculture connection just comes naturally and with practicality.

“Everything we know about permaculture (and recycling) we learned from Claude’s mom,” says Judy Kolk, co-owner

with her husband Claude, Kayben Farms in Okotoks.

She explains that this resurgence is not new - these ideas tend to recycle themselves over time. “In the past many of these practices were followed for practical reasons rather than for philosophical reasons, they serve both purposes now.”

Kayben farm is home to acres of fruit bushes, greenhouses, and a café. The pigs and chickens are fed the scraps from the café. There is no need to pay to haul garbage to the dump.

Many of these practices save money, but in the end Judy says that if its not done with practicality it won’t be sustainable.

People want to grow their own food but on their own terms. Judy suggests integrating fruit trees into your landscape, add some cabbage and lettuce to the flowerbeds.

Think: less grass - more edibles.

Although Evonne’s enthusiasm is to use the principles of permaculture to change our world, she is also practical.

Evonne organizes permaculutre work days with a group of people who wish to integrate the principals into their yard.

“It’s like an old fashioned barn raising,” says Evonne.

The group rotates from yard to yard working together, learning and doing, all the while fostering community and friendships. What could be more soul satisfying then knowing you’ve made a small step to help your neighbour, your yard, your health and your planet.

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Take the back road…

An adventure – only a 20 minute drive from SW Calgary

144 St

274 Ave

266 Ave

32 St

306 Ave

Who’s Sunny Girl?

Along most highways in Alberta you can see the "Sunny Girl" logo announcing the existence of an Alberta Approved farmers’ market nearby. The Alberta Approved Farmers' Market Program supports farmers, food artisans, entrepreneurs, and artists who make, bake, or grow the products they sell. In order to be an Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market, 80 per cent of our vendors must make, bake or grow their products. The remaining 20 per cent is to allow for BC fruit and other items that add to the market mix. Resale of product is not allowed.