SUMMER 2021 I t7xmagazine.com
GET COMFY! Athflow Takes On Casual Wear THE WHOLE SCOOP
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2 SHADES TO SHARE
Pantone’s Colours For 2021
RAIN OF LIGHT
The Bright Side of Fireworks
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T7X MAGAZINE
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 Summer 2021 PUBLISHER
EDITOR
Rob Lightfoot
Gene Kosowan
ART DIRECTION
Brenda Lakeman, Correna Saunders
Contents
DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
B. Timothy Keith PHOTOGRAPHY
Brenda Lakeman CONTRIBUTORS
Paula E. Kirman, Markwell Lyon, Corbin Stewart, Shima Zonneveld OFFICE MANAGER
Janice Lightfoot CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES Image page 16 ©Viktor Birkus/Adobe Stock Image page 43 ©Riko Best/Adobe Stock
For editorial inquiries or information, contact T7X magazine at info@t7xmagazine.com. Have something to say? Letters, suggestions or ideas can be sent to letters@t7xmagazine.com. FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Rob Lightfoot rob@t7xmagazine.com 780 940 6212 or visit t7xmagazine.com T7X magazine is published by T8N Publishing Inc. Copyright ©2021 T8N Publishing Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Content marked by the Sponsored Content icon was produced in partnership between content producers and T7X magazine.
Culture 3
Just Add Air How inflatable movie theatres can project the ideal family night outdoors
4 Loungewear’s Latest Look
Athflow leads the ultra-casual pack in time for summer
PRINTED IN CANADA
Living
T8N PUBLISHING INC
8
PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT
Rob Lightfoot: rob@t7xmagazine.com
FOOD & GATHERINGS Slide into Summer Snacks designed to put family night into a spin
20 THE 7S
Tints Times Two
CONNECT WITH US
/t8nmagazine
Light and dark shades share the stage for 2021
City
24 THEN & NOW
An Equine Love Affair A passion for horses and a pivotal romance shows its roots at Killerney Farm
Spotlight 17 Lighting up the Night
Pyro-musical fireworks make for a panoramic summer evening
26 Don’t Look Down
Defy gravity and vertigo in the river valley at Alberta’s first aerial park
Down Time 28 Search For Summer
Here’s a reminder of what the sunny season was like and could be again
22 MEET YOU THERE Just Desserts
A local ice cream operation scoops its way to success T7X Summer 2021 1
I FROM THE PUBLISHER I FINALLY, AFTER WITHSTANDING a year and a
Rob Lightfoot
half of the worst health scare in more than a century, a reason to cheer. With more than 70 percent of Albertans getting at least one vaccine jab, the provincial government officially lifted almost all restrictions in response to the pandemic. That means not only can businesses—from restaurants to retail—finally open their doors for good, but the rest of us can finally embrace a summer that was taken away from us the previous year.
That first means finding some nifty threads to wear, such as apparel that reflects the athflow fashion movement blending quarantine chic with sun-friendly attire, which is featured in this edition’s photo essay (page 4). Also be prepared to get illuminated by products adhering to this year’s Pantone colour selection that features two shades this time (page 20). Highly recommended is getting outside in small groups and to that end, we have several options for you. Catch a few fireworks displays, while going behind the scenes of how folks pull off those ballistic attractions (page 17), get the family together to sample some awesome ice cream (page 22), venture to the province’s first aerial park (page 26), or get the lowdown on the history of Killerney Farms (page 24). There’s nothing wrong with staying home either, especially with a novel way to watch flicks outdoors (page 3) or creating some novel snacks to share with the family (page 8). While the light at the end of this pandemic tunnel is starting to get brighter, there’s still a long way to go. So enjoy the summer; after all, you’ve earned it.
2 T7Xmagazine.com
On the Cover That’s model Brittany LeGlace who highlights our photo essay feature on the athflow fashion movement that blends comfort with class. Her apparel includes a BB Dakota “Dream Girl” dress ($193), a C’Est Moi Kint “Kimono” cardigan ($97) from Bella Maas Boutique, Vans “Old Skool” Skate Shoes ($80) from Legit Kicks and “Dawn” earrings ($130) from Seven Praire. The photography was by Brenda Lakeman with makeup by Ashley Skrocki.
I ARTS & CULTURE I
How inflatable movie theatres can project the ideal family night outdoors
BY CORBIN STEWART
DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATRES have
been a summertime staple in Canada dating back all the way to 1946 when the first facility of its kind swung open its gates. After their glory years during the ’50s and ’60s, the popularity of driveins has since lost its sheen, due to the arrival of multiplex cinemas in malls, making it convenient to shop and catch a flick in one stop. But the pandemic has sparked a revival of sorts, with social distancing allowing for passenger-packed vehicles to flock to spots occupied by everything from outdoor concerts to political rallies. Additionally, a crafty bunch of entrepreneurs have been operating for years realizing that you don’t need to own a patch of land to operate a drive-in as long as the infrastructure can be portable via an inflatable giant screen. All you have to do is contract out your services to anyone with a large yard and a hankering to catch flicks the old-fashioned way: outdoors and with eager friends and families attending. That’s how Twilite Music has been operating all across Alberta the past several years, although they have added a few sideshows to the mix. “One thing that we do that no one else does is that we do a lot of entertainment before and after the movie,” says CEO Ron Waterfield. These add-on packages are
delivered in the form of pre and postmovie entertainment such as dance parties, photo-booths, and game shows with prizes handed out. Along with the entertainment, Twilite Music provides popcorn machines, professional stereo systems, inflatable couches, and even an usher to guide you to your seat. This is all featured in their “open-air cinema” package. While classic Disney fare is popular for children-themed movie nights, Twilite Music also offers themes such as drivein-style ’50s car nights with a screening of American Graffiti. Sports nights and musical nights are also featured in the theme packages, where the likes of Field of Dreams and The Sound of Music are screened. Waterfield says that although children-themed packages are the most popular events, even adults want to get in on the fun and transport themselves to the nostalgic times of their youth. “I’m getting a lot of parents where they’re sitting in the car with boxes of popcorn and saying, ‘Jeez, I haven’t done this since the ’70s, and they’re just tickled pink waiting for the movie to start up.” However, it’s not as easy as inflating the screen and pressing play on the projector. Under Canadian copyright law, most commercial films viewed in public spaces require a public performance license. These licenses can be obtained through Audio Ciné Films (ACF) and cost anywhere from $275–$400 for single usages, depending on the movie and crowd size. Smaller backyard bashes with family
and friends don’t apply. When it comes to choosing which films to screen, only home video releases and pre-releases (films in the gap between theatre and home release) can be shown. Films still in their theatrical run do not apply. TeeBreeze Entertainment is another company that specializes in inflatable movie screens, catering to an assortment of events such as weddings, graduations, company seminars, and even celebrations of life. “Our job is to make the clients’ job easy,” says event coordinator Ryan Fosteradding that their entertainment packages include clowns, hypnotists, magicians, and bouncy castles for the kids. Along with the screen and entertainment, concession items like cotton candy, hot dogs, candy apples, and old-fashioned popcorn machines are offered to clients. However, Foster says that the real credit deserves to go to the organizations and volunteers that hire TeeBreeze. “Everyone loves a party, and these people work tirelessly to provide the best for their organizations and guests.” t7x
Twilite Music 780-444-4874 (toll-free 1-888-343-3318) twilightmusic.ca
TeeBreeze Entertainment 780-429-3088 teebreeze.com T7X Summer 2021 3
Loungewear’s I ARTS & CULTURE I
Latest Look
Z Supply cinched waist overall $89 and Z Supply racer back tank top $45 from Diverse Boutique with “Nostalgia” Series earrings $48 from Bang Bang Bijoux 4 T7Xmagazine.com
Athflow leads the ultra-casual pack in time for summer PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING BRENDA LAKEMAN MODEL BRITTANY LEGLACE MAKEUP ASHLEY SKROCKI
Gentle Fawn “Amelia” cardigan $149 and Gentle Fawn “Wesley” dress $140 from Bella Maas Boutique with Gailbelle Cork sandal $46 from Diverse Boutique and “Edith” earrings $80 from Seven Prairie
A YEAR OF quarantine has no doubt
been a challenge for the fashion-conscious. But with the summer heat promising to mitigate the threat of the virus and vaccinations going full throttle since the spring, this extended period of flopping around in gym shorts, pajamas and sweatpants is about to end. That means adding a touch of class to your outdoor attire, but not by sacrificing comfort. That’s the message Pinterest Business is delivering by dubbing the latest trend in summer wear as “athflow”−athletic wear with a bit of flowing grace to the wardrobe. Adds Pinterest about the wardrobe shift, “Athflow is professional enough for the ‘office,’ stretchy enough for the yoga mat and comfy enough for the couch.” Dex Clothing panelled wide-leg jumpsuit $80, Bella Dahl round hem pocket button-down $205, Piranha “Elys” sneaker $249 and Lack of Color “Zulu” fedora $119 from Bella Maas Boutique with “Nostalgia” Series earrings $48 from Bang Bang Bijoux
More specifically, the focus will be on soft and oversized fashions that effortlessly glide across barriers between business and casual, such as loose dresses and wider pant legs with a push towards more natural fabrics. With that in mind, here’s what’s in store to ensure comfort is priority whether at home or at work. t7x T7X Summer 2021 5
Mink Pink “Kellie” cardigan $99, “Fray Edge” Cami $158 and Fidelity Design House “Jasper” jogger, $309 from Bella Maas Boutique with “Nostalgia” Series earrings $48 from Bang Bang Bijoux
6 T7Xmagazine.com 6 T7Xmagazine.com
Kuwalla double cargo sweatpants $69.99, Champion hoodie $84.95, and Vans “Old Skool” skate shoes $80 from Legit Kicks
Bella Dahl “Pocket” jogger $198 and JSlides “Rollie” slide sandal $180 from Bella Maas Boutique with Z Supply “Britton” offset tie dye top $87 from Diverse Boutique and “Nostalgia” Series earrings $45 from Bang Bang Bijoux
T7X Summer 2021 7
I FOOD & GATHERINGS I
GAME NIGHT a nd movie night are all
fun ways to spend time together and connect. Well, we have another retro inspired idea…a slide show! Why not pull out those slides and photo albums and stroll down memory lane while snacking on raspberry-lemonade popcorn and a make-your-own soda bar? Go retro, set up the screen and get that projector on!
Sliding Into Summer Snacks designed to put family night into a spin BY SHIMA ZONNEVELD
8 T7Xmagazine.com
Pink Lemonade Popcorn Kettle corn is yummy all on its own. However, adding in a mixture of lemonade powder and crushed freeze-dried raspberries elevates the sweet and salty of kettle corn and adds in a hit of pucker power! Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. ⅓ c. un-popped popping corn ⅓ c. avocado oil ¼ c. white sugar
1 tbsp. crushed freeze-dried raspberries 2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. lemonade powder (not sugar-free)
In a small dish, combine the lemonade powder and the crushed freeze-dried raspberries and set aside. Place the first three ingredients in a hand-crank popcorn maker (alternatively, you can buy microwave kettle corn to skip this step!). Over medium heat, keep turning the popcorn until all the popping has stopped and remove from heat immediately. Pour the kettle corn into a bowl and sprinkle the lemonade/freezedried raspberry mixture over top of the hot popcorn and stir to combine. Continue to stir until not much of the lemonade mixture is left at the bottom of the bowl. Toss in the kosher salt and do a final stir. Spread the popcorn onto the lined baking sheet and let cool completely.
Bacon, Gouda and Strawberry Skewers Anything with melted cheese is a win. Combine melted Gouda with salty, maple bacon and the sweetness of strawberries and these skewers are a tasty treat to enjoy during your trip down a memory-lane slideshow. 4 slices of good bakery bread 8 slices of cooked bacon, chopped in half Gouda cheese, sliced (quantity depends on cheese to bread preference)
A handful of whole, small strawberries, washed, dried and tops removed Butter 3 large skewers or 6 miniskewers
Pepper
Assemble the two sandwiches in the following order: bread, followed by cheese, bacon, pepper, a bit more cheese and bread. Butter the outside surface of the bread for both sandwiches. In a large frying pan over medium heat, place the two sandwiches in the pan and fry on each side until golden brown. Remove the sandwiches onto a cutting board. Cut the sandwiches up into cubes and skewer alternately with the strawberries. Each bite should have a sandwich cube and a strawberry for maximum flavour!
T7X Summer 2021 9
Brown Butter Chocolate Bar Squares Rice cereal treats are a nostalgic snack item that lends itself well to new techniques and different add-ins other than the traditional marshmallows. This recipe browns half of the butter first and uses a classic chocolate bar to hold everything together. Sweet, gooey and crispy—a delicious, reinvented rice crispy treat. Line and spray an eight-inch by eight-inch baking pan and set aside. 2 c. crispy rice cereal ⅓ c. butter, split in half
¾ c. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 tbsp. Maldon sea salt
4 Mars bars, regular-sized chocolate bars,chopped
In a medium saucepan over medium/medium-high heat, add in half of the butter. When brown flecks appear and the butter smells nutty, pull the pan off the heat and set aside to cool slightly. In a large pot over medium heat, add the other half of the butter and the chopped chocolate bars. Stirring the mixture every few minutes, the butter should melt along with the chocolate and nougat of the chocolate bars to form a caramel-like substance. Pull the pot off the heat and add the crispy rice cereal and the cooled browned butter. Stir to combine everything together evenly. Scoop mixture out of the pot and place into the prepared baking sheet. Using either a spatula or your fingers, press the cereal mixture evenly throughout the pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over top. Under the broiler, set on high, melt the chocolate chips, 35–40 seconds. Using an offset spatula, spread out the melted chocolate to cover all areas of the cereal underneath. Set aside for 30 minutes and then sprinkle the top with the sea salt. Finish cooling, slice and enjoy! These bars also freeze well, so can be made ahead of time.
10 T7Xmagazine.com
Pesto and Sundried Tomato Pull Aparts Serving these pizza rolls in a pretty pan makes this recipe great for oven-to-table service! Pizza pull-aparts serve a crowd and are easily adaptable to many kinds of ingredients. Not a fan of pesto? Try pizza sauce and salami!
Basil Pesto
Pizza Pull-Aparts
2 c. fresh basil leaves
1 recipe of the basil pesto
¼ c. toasted pine nuts
½ c. oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, chopped
¾ tsp. kosher salt, more if desired at the end
1 c. Monterey Jack cheese, grated
½ tsp. freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling on top
½ c. good olive oil
1 batch of homemade pizza dough or store-bought, which has already risen
½ c. grated Parmesan cheese
In a food processor or blender, add in the basil, pine nuts, salt, pepper, and cheese. Do a quick blend and then slowly pour in the olive oil. Scrape down the sides of the food processor or blender once and then do a final mix. Taste test and decide if more salt is needed at the end. This can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen and then defrosted when needed.
1 tbsp. kosher salt 1 tbsp. olive oil All-purpose flour to dust work surface
Spray a nine-inch by 12-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into approximately a 16-inch by 14-inch rectangle. Spread the pesto across the entire rectangle. Place the sun-dried tomatoes across only half of the rectangle and then cover everything with the cheese.
Roll up dough, jelly-roll style starting with one of the long ends. Slice rolls into 16 rolls. Place rolls in the pan in a checker pattern, alternately between plain pesto and pesto plus sun-dried tomato. Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with the kosher salt and Parmesan cheese. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. While the oven preheats, the pizza rolls will rise a bit more which is fine. Bake the pizza rolls until golden brown, approximately 25–30 minutes. Take them straight from the oven and serve warm.
Ice Cream Float Bar The retro vibe of an ice cream float pairs well with the idea of a slide show. Once all the additions have been made it will entice both adult and child alike. Treat this fun idea as both a cool drink and/or dessert! Cream soda, root beer, orange pop Vanilla ice cream Sprinkles Animal crackers Cotton candy Glasses and fun straws
Chill the pop of your choice. Pour pop into a glass of your choosing. Top with a scoop or two of ice cream and dress it up with sprinkles, an animal cracker and a few strands of cotton candy. Enjoy! t7x
12 T7Xmagazine.com
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I SPOTLIGHT I
LIGHTING UP the Night Pyro-musical fireworks make for a panoramic summer evening BY CORBIN STEWART
PICTURE THIS. I t’s July 1, the
pea k of su m mer ti me. You ’re lou ng i ng out side w it h you r friends, enjoying the hot weather with burgers and hot dogs on the ba rbecue. Nighttime rolls around and it’s time for Canada Day fireworks. Suddenly bright, beautiful displays of fireworks jet into the night sky, leaving all those viewing them in a state of euphoria. Whether it be watching fireworks twinkle from a distance or going out to the lake and shooting Roman candles, fireworks of all shapes and sizes have the wondrous ability to bring people together. Extensive setup and preparation are essential when dealing with fireworks in a professional capacity. Ken Goosen, producer of Calgary’s GlobalFest, says that their fireworks setups can take weeks or even months to complete. “What we do is not typical for a lot of other [fireworks] shows, because all of our shows are pyro-musicals.” Pyro-musicals are fireworks shows perfectly choreographed to music, combining the visual grandeur of exploding colours with famous songs. When they shoot up into the sky, fireworks are one of the most enjoyable spectacles you can witness.
Ultimately, safety is paramount when dealing with pyrotechnics. Professional fireworks companies are governed by Natural Resources Canada under the Explosives Regulatory Division, which requires anyone working with professional fireworks to carry a license. All Canadian pyrotechnicians must also undergo a safety and legal awareness course. For some in the business, the brightest part of the job is sharing their passion for fireworks with those who watch them. “You can lose a hockey game, but how can you lose in a fireworks show? Everyone wins with a fireworks show,” laughs Rob Kowalyshyn, owner of Thunder F/X Fireworks in St. Albert. “I like listening to people after the show and I love people walking away smiling.” Goosen echoes a similar sentiment when it comes to creating great fireworks shows. “We can blow stuff up, we have a lot of fun doing that, but unless somebody is there to see it and to enjoy it, it’s a really self-serving thing.” Even though the majority of people aren’t familiar with the lingo, everybody surely has a favourite type of firework that stands out above the rest. Kowalyshyn says some of the most popular fireworks they use for shows are the brocade crown shell and the Spanish titanium weeping willow, which explodes into a shower of raining light. “They’re hot, they’re pricey, but they’re gorgeous.”
Kowalyshyn and his crew at Thunder F/X complete a wide array of different events such as weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, and large-scale municipal showings all over the province. Like GlobalFest, they also produce pyro-musicals as well as water shows. According to Goosen, other fireworks popular with crowds include smiley faces, hearts, flying saucers, and a certain type of shell that shoots from under the water and explodes at the surface. Typical projectiles have lift-charges that shoot straight up into the air, whereas more complex fireworks, such as the flying saucer, use what Goosen describes as a “bicycle wheel with four spokes.” The fireworks are mounted on the outside of the wheel, and as the intensity of the spin increases, it causes the fireworks to lift up in the air. What’s also special about this type of firework is that it’s all done electronically by a computer. “The science and engineering behind it is very unique,” explains Goosen. Fireworks have come a long way since their origins in China roughly 2,000 years ago. And no doubt fans of these exploding light displays were as multigenerational back then as they are today. “There are so many different things that people love about fireworks,” says Goosen. “The wonderful thing is that if you’re three years old or 100 years old, everybody has that same enjoyment of fireworks.” t7x T7X Summer 2021 17
Reclaim your house from COVID-19 O
ver the past year, we have all had to find ways to make the best of a bad situation. One of the most common sacrifices has been to give up part of your house to either a work or study area. We have given up the kitchen island where we used to gather, talk and cook to the clutter of books, papers, computers, charging cables, and all the bits and pieces that go with them. On top of all of that, our houses have all seen about five years worth of wear and tear in just about one year!
18 T7Xmagazine.com
Caruana Interiors and Contracting has been focusing on helping families get more from their homes for over 14 years now. By pulling together all the specialized people needed to make a renovation successful they let you, the homeowner, keep doing what you need to do. That might be working without the added distraction of managing a construction project or it may mean being able to spend more quality time with the kids. As spring is starting to poke out from around the corner, now is really the time to reclaim your house from the sacrifices of the last year. It’s not likely we will ever go back to
“the way it was,” so let’s make the best of the new normal. Take your kitchen or family room back and make it the place it was before–the place where the family gets together to spend time with each other, not just with their heads down on their devices and trying to cope. A springtime renovation to make that kitchen workable, or to rearrange and even enlarge the family room, will help take us to a new mindset about the future. Now is the time to start the planning, interviewing a contractor, and looking to the brighter days ahead.
Flexibility is the name of the game! The new normal at many workplaces is going to be the flexibility to work from home when needed. Whether it is by choice or necessity, chances are, it’s a lifestyle change that every family will have to consider. The best way to reduce stress around this issue is to be prepared. Having a place in the house that can safely and easily be used for either full-time office space or study space is the way of the future. Changing up part of your house is never an easy decision, and it doesn’t mean that the space can’t be used for other things in the meantime. Is there a corner of the living room that no one ever uses and where the furniture just collects
dust? Is there a closet or storage area in the basement that is just full of junk? Many places can be turned into safe and effective work and study spaces. All you need is a little inspiration. At Caruana Interiors and Contracting, we have made finding and developing these spaces a new priority. “Safe and effective” isn’t just a catch phrase. Having a space to work on a computer that is ergonomically designed, well lit, with proper ventilation and hard-wired internet, is not a luxury anymore. It really is a necessity, and it is very doable in most homes. All of these things will help the worker or student focus on the task at hand and not get distracted by a slow connection or being too hot or cold. And on top of that, there is much less worry of a
sore back, neck, eyes, or arms, from an uncomfortable setup. Having this dedicated space is truly going to be an inevitability for most people in the coming months and years. Making the space now will help you and your family make the most of the time they need to spend at home. 780.935.5831 caruanainteriors.ca 9, 8 Riel Drive, St. Albert, AB Licensed & Insured for your protection Alberta Prepaid Contractor License 320821 Serving St. Albert & Edmonton since 2007
This sponsored content was produced in partnership between Caruana Interiors & Contracting and T8N magazine. T7X Summer 2021 19
I THE SEVENS I
Vans “Blazing Yellow Gingham” classic slip-on $65 from Legit Kicks
“Sunshine Yellow” handmade ceramic mug $40 from Heart and Home Designs
Estelle chunky yarn $9.99 each from Jo’s Yarn Garden
Tints Times Two
Light and dark shades share the stage for 2021
20 T7Xmagazine.com
Charlie B grey denim jacket, $89 and Charlie B yellow V-neck top, $59 from Diverse Boutique
High Tails YYC scrunchies, $7 each, and Haircloud Co. scrunchie, $12 from The Makers Keep
COLOURS OF THE YEAR 2021
PANTONE®
11-5104
13-0647
“SonderElla” handcrafted concrete planter $24 and “Small Cube” handcrafted concrete planters $15 each from Grey Shed
“Love Knot” earrings $40 each from Bang Bang Bijoux
FOR ONLY THE second time in
history since the Pantone Color I n st it ute st a r ted pic k i ng it s annual shades, the organization has selected two hues to represent 2021. The two selected colors, Illuminating (a shade of what civilians might call yellow) and Ultimate Grey mark a departure
from the bolder shades in recent years. Fittingly when combined, the shades are supposed to represent positivity and strength, something we can all agree is what’s badly needed today, considering the sobering events of 2020. As for how these two colors jibe, these displayed items fit the bill. t7x
T7X Summer 2021 21
I MEET YOU THERE I
Just
Desserts A local ice cream operation scoops its way to success BY GENE KOSOWAN
YOU DON’T NEED an original
idea to spark a business venture. Sometimes that opportunity has been staring at you in the face all this time. Or in the case of Stony Plain residents Kirsten and Cameron Schriever, conspicuously absent until they decided to do something about it. What they did was create a cleverly- titled operation called The Whole Scoop, a humble ice cream parlour that since 2017 has been dishing out dollops of cone-topped desserts to a community hungry for something cold and flavourful. But it’s not just a small-town success story. The Whole Scoop has since expanded, first establishing a stand in Spruce Grove in 2019 and at Edmonton’s Riverview Crossing by Rundle Park in May. 22 T7Xmagazine.com
It’s hardly a small-scale replica of a chain establishment. The Whole Scoop is mom and pop to the core, offering traditional ice cream in 43 flavours that include basics like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. But this adventurous couple has since introduced some more daring options that include banana fudge swirl, black raspberry bugaboo, moose tracks, rainbow sorbet and a attention-grabbing selection dubbed superhero. “We try to offer unique flavours that you just can’t find in stores and hope that people find that they sound interesting enough to try them,” added Kirsten. The Schrievers don’t make their own ice cream, but have it shipped from a Vancouver Island company called Island Farm. But the rest of The Whole Scoop is purely local with all the stands built by Cameron and every other duty split
This summer, the Stony Plain outlet will open an inflatable amusement park and mini-golf course to add to the draw. And while one can assume the Schrievers have wondered why no one else had previously tried to run an ice cream business in their area, suffice to say that going this route was previously a guessing game for the couple. “It’s been fun,” said Kirsten. “We had no idea how it would go over, but we’ve been really happy to have a place for people to go get ice cream.” t7x
Where To Find The Whole Scoop between the couple. What makes the whole operation all the more endearing is the down-to-earth service and the folksy interaction they have with customers on Facebook, their primary publicity vehicle. Little did they realize when they were examining business options a few years earlier, that filling cones would also fill a void in the community. “We always wanted to do a business here but were looking for an idea that would fit,” recalled Kirsten. “We were on a camping trip close to where we typically camp. There was a gas station that had ice cream and that was our outing. We realized that there were no ice cream stores, no old-fashioned simple ones that were around. So we thought why not build an ice cream stand in our front yard? That’s essentially what happened.”
4410-50 Street, Stony Plain 1 Hawthorne Gate, Spruce Grove 34 Street & 118 Avenue, Abbotsfield Shopping Mall parking lot, Edmonton
All locations operate seasonally from May to September Open during good-weather days Weekdays 3pm–9pm Weekends noon–9pm Cash sales only Correspondence: facebook.com/TWSstonyplain
That was in 1987, when Cameron was still running a construction company he owned for 20 years, while Kirsten, a stay-athome mom, was working to get her Bachelor of Commerce degree. Both of them realized they needed a change, and being entrepreneurially-oriented tipped the scales towards an ice cream venture. It also helped that their home was on commercially zoned land, so permits and licenses weren’t an issue. If anything, it seemed that the locals were almost begging for a unique food outlet. “The town was eager to have something different for families and the community, so there was no problem,” said Kirsten.
T7X Summer 2021 23
I THEN & NOW I
An
Equine
Love Affair
A passion for horses and a pivotal romance shows its roots at Killerney Farm BY CORBIN STEWART
KILLERNEY FARM , a n eques-
Pre-1980s
trian site near Spruce Grove, is one of the oldest stables currently operating in Edmonton. With a legacy almost 50 years old, the space has a mellow and welcoming atmosphere that may be part of why it has been voted one of the Edmonton area’s favourite equestrian facilities. And regardless of skill level among the riders on the premises, Killerney Farm has a rather engaging vibe. That might have something to do with the spot’s reputation for a glowing passion for horses, and in the case of its founders, a love for each other.
Killerney Farm’ was the brainchild of Colin and Erika Crone, drawn together by their infatuation for showjumping. Colin Crone—nicknamed “Irish”—was training with members of the Canadian Equestrian Team, which at the time included James Elder, a showjumper who won the only gold medal for
24 T7Xmagazine.com
Canada in the 1968 Olympic Games held in Mexico City. While Crone never competed in Mexico, he was featured with the team at other major jumping competitions held in famous venues like Madison Square Garden. Around that time, Erika Steinborn rode at a local stable in Ontario, where she cared for the horses and educated visitors. Soon after, Crone and Steinborn married and had one child together. The pair decided to turn their love of horses into a viable career path, operating training and boarding staples in Edmonton and Ontario during the 1970s. Afterwards, they moved to Ireland, operating stables in the hamlet of Killerney, where they trained and sold horses. The couple also competed at such prominent meets
as Strokestown and the famous Royal Dublin Society Horse Show. They eventually wanted to open and operate their own stables. That dream became reality after they moved back to Canada.
Late 1980s – 1990s Opening their doors in 1989, Killerney Farm has always been a family-operated business that prides itself on the excellent treatment and education of horses and their riders. Shortly after opening, Crone gutted the barn, cleared the surrounding trees, and developed new stalls and outdoor rings. Throughout the 1990s, Killerney Farm hosted an abundance of horse shows. In 1997, they started their regular dressage shows (best described as “ballet on horseback”), where riders from across the country competed in events ranging from beginner to Olympic-level riding.
2000s Being one of the oldest stables in Edmonton has given Killerney Farm a certain rustic charm. “We’re not a big, lovely, or fancy facility, but the horses are very happy and content here,” says Kathleen Schirmaier, daughter of the Crones.
regularly compete on the A circuit— the second-highest equestrian level—in Spruce Meadows, where provincial, national and global horse events are held. Although there are some semi-professionals, most of Killerney Farm’s clientele are pleasure riders. “They enjoy coming out and getting away from it all by riding their horses,” says Schirmaier. The farm loves to facilitate entry-level, grassroots horse shows, where people of all ages can practice their riding skills. Schirmaier says that Killerney Farm act as that stepping-stone for the riders who want to move onto bigger shows. “It’s recognizing that we fill a niche market that allows people to practice, and it’s that development that I’m most happy with,” adds Schirmaier. Today, Killerney Farm accommodates 44 individual heated stalls, along with an indoor riding arena, tack rooms, and an amazing outdoor facility. The outdoor jumps are where patrons can best enjoy the experience of pleasure riding with the horses. “If we were to focus on something we would want to focus on the experience of the rider,” says Schirmaier. “It’s not a big fancy barn, but it’s laid-back and that’s what we offer.” t7x
In 2001, another massive dressage competition was held at Killerney Farm. The farm hosted the Western Canadian Regional Dressage Championships and welcomed judges from across the world to take part in the event. In 2008, shortly before his unfortunate passing, Crone sold the farm when it was at the height of the real estate market. The new owners then leased the farm back to the family and Erika Crone ran the business.
2010s – Today First and foremost, Killerney Farm is a boarding facility for horses. To be able to take lessons, people either have to own or lease their horses. Most of the riders at Killerney Farm are at beginner and intermediate levels, although some
Killerney Farm 51303 Range Road 262, Spruce Grove, AB 780-470-0260 killerneyfarms.com
T7X Summer 2021 25
I SPOTLIGHT I
DON’T LOOK IN A WOODED oasis just off the
Whitemud , a n u nusua l tower barely pokes through the canopy, no doubt missed by the thousands of commuters who drive by it every day. And in a way, that overlooked protrusion is symptomatic that Snow Valley Aerial Park might still be one of the city’s best kept secrets. The adventure park and ropes course gives the vertically inclined a chance to test their climbing skills—and challenge their fear of heights—in a beautiful river valley setting.
The Name of the Game Surrounding the park’s 50 foot-high tower are some 100 elements, or “games” as staff call them, that taken together sort of resemble a supersized playground. These games lean heavily toward the acrobatic, though. Imagine tire tubes, rope ladders, steps and lines suspended in the air, which participants use to move from one elevated platform to another. Besides dealing with gravity, participants also need to rely on their strength, agility and imagination to complete each game.
26 T7Xmagazine.com
Like the runs on the nearby ski hill, the games are colour coded: green means easy, blue intermediate and black hard. They’re also arranged at different heights and typically increase in difficulty with elevation. Aerial park manager Ben Evoy describes the games as “challenge by choice,” meaning there’s no set route one must follow. “You’re not forced to do anything you don’t want to do,” he says, before joking, “unless you’re with a bunch of friends who peer pressure you.”
DOWN
Defy gravity and vertigo in the river valley at Alberta’s first aerial park
BY MARKWELL LYON
First of Its Kind Adding to the fun is the variety of elements, including a few custom-made for the park. As the park is operated by the same not-for-profit organization that manages Snow Valley Ski Club and the Rainbow Valley campground, many of these fit a ski or outdoors theme. One game is made up of a horizontal rope ladder affixed with slalom gates. Another, near the very top, features a canoe that you step in and out of; oars hanging above the canoe provide something to grasp onto with your hands. All while doing your best not to look down, of course.
NEW ATTRACTIONS In June, Snow Valley patrons will be further preoccupied with the addition of some new attractions on the premises. One is a sluice dubbed the Whitemud Creek Mining Company where kids will be able to extract gold nuggets from the earth via the lost art of gold-panning. And for duffers, a target golf site with a dozen teeoff boxes will be up and running. On top of all that, two new play areas are slated to open.
RESTRICTIONS The minimum height is 125 cm (four feet, one inch). The ground-level Kids Course is for
While aerial parks like this one aren’t new—they’re already well established in Europe and Asia—the concept is just starting to take hold in Canada, with most parks based in B.C. and Ontario. “We’re the only one in Alberta,” Evoy says. The park’s centrepiece KT90 Tower is also unique, being the first of its kind in Canada and only the third in North America. The patio topping the tower features great views of the surroundings and is a choice locale for alcohol tastings on summer evenings.
Safety Matters As for the games, naturally it’s all perfectly safe. While taking a wrong step
technically means falling off an element, one doesn’t fall far. All participants wear a harness and a specialized lanyard with two connectors, at least one of which is always attached to a cable. Before every adventure, participants attend a short “ground school” showing them how to use the system to navigate the park and its network of safety cables. Additionally, all staff are certified rope course practitioners, at the ready if someone gets unnerved while mid-air. “It’s just as safe as any regular playground,” Evoy says. “There’s just the bumps and scrapes that happen to anybody when they’re having too much fun.” t7x
those between 125 cm and 140 cm (four feet, seven inches) and can get full tower access only if accompanied by a chaperone taller than 140 cm and at least 14 years of age. For admission, only bookings online at snowvalley.ca/aerial-park will be accepted; no walk-ups.
RATES Individuals 125–140 cm: $29 (Mon.–Thu.) $34 (Fri.–Sun. & holidays) Individuals 140 cm & taller: $37 (Mon.–Thu.) $42 (Fri.–Sun. & holidays) Twilight All Heights: $29 (Mon.–Thu.) $34 (Fri.–Sun. & holidays)
Snow Valley Aerial Park 13204 Rainbow Valley Road, Edmonton 780-434-3991
T7X Summer 2021 27
I DOWN TIME I
Search for Summer
WE REMEMBER SUMMER, don’t we? Forgive yourself for not recalling any
highlights of the season in 2020, since our lives were compromised by a major health issue. But while awaiting a recovery arriving soon, try this word search to rekindle those summer moments. Just one catch: We don’t provide a list this time. Your job is to come up with as many summer words or phrases and see if they exist in this puzzle. Let us know how many you’ve found via Twitter using the hashtag #T7X. Those who find all 40 are eligible for a prize! t7x
28 T7Xmagazine.com
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EDMONTON | CALGARY | SHERWOOD PARK - OPENING SUMMER 2021
