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 Scenic balloon flights |
102 4215 72 Avenue Southeast Calgary, AB T2C 2G5 Canada +1 403 203 9310 aerodyn@cadvision.com |
Experience the beauty of Calgary's mountains, prairies and skyline from way, way up. This hot air ballooning company offers year round flights over Calgary. Trips are accompanied by experienced and personable pilots and clients spend about one hour floating and drifting high above the city. Upon landing, champagne is uncorked and your flight is celebrated with bubbly and a unique flight certificate. Reservations are necessary and flights are weather dependent. Gift certificates are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Superb live theatre |
220 9th Ave South East Calgary, AB T2G 5C4 Canada +1 403 294 7402 (Box Office) / +1 403 294 7475 (Administration) http://www.atplive.com/ askATP@ATPlive.com |
Located at the Martha Cohen Theatre in the Center for Performing Arts, ATP was founded in 1972 and was originally a forum for Canadian Playwriting. Although the Project still adheres to that mandate, it has extended to include international works. The theatre seats 450 people, loosely based on a "theatre in the round" design so that you are never very far from the action on stage. Check the Web site for current productions and performance times. Ticket prices vary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Cool to be a fool |
750 - 9 Avenue South East Calgary, AB T2G 5E1 Canada +1 403 237 9010 http://www.greenfools.com grnfools@cadvision.com |
Nobody takes the first day of April as seriously as the Green Fools, one of Calgary's wildest and most unpredictable theatre troupes. The festivities begin at Fort Calgary where participants are invited to don their most foolish garb. Then, led by Calgary's Stampede Showband alongside towering stilt walkers, enormous dragons and other benign monsters join the parade through Inglewood. The procession ends at Crump Manor where the Fools treat their charges to a picnic. Join this annual celebration of silliness. It's perfect for children and absolutely free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Purple potatoes |
5600 - 11th Street Southeast Calgary, AB T2H 2G1 Canada +1 403 243 0065 http://www.blackfootfarmersmar... info@blackfootfarmersmarket.com |
Blackfoot is Calgary's best and biggest farmer's market. At this market, local producers are treated like rock stars and it is difficult to enter a stall without being engaged in conversation by one of the friendly merchants. There is everything for sale here, from organic fruits and veggies (don't miss the Hotchkiss tomatoes!), meat pies, cheese, delicious Mennonite sausages, crafts, fresh herbs and flowers. The market offers a great day out for families; a playground and petting zoo keep youngsters distracted while their parents marvel at purple potatoes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Calgary version of Disneyland |
245033 Range Road 33 Calgary, AB T3Z 2E9 Canada +1 403 240 3822 http://www.calawaypark.com/ calaway@calawaypark.com |
Although not quite as large as Disneyland, Calaway Park offers more than enough fun attractions to keep youngsters happy and active for a full day. The vaguely Flintstones-style theme park offers rides to suit all ages, with a special area just for toddlers. A corkscrew rollercoaster, log flume ride, bumper cars, boats and several other whirling, twirling and plunging attractions make kids squeal with delight, and their parents turn green. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Greg Spiers |
 Photo: Tiffany Green |
 Photo: njanzen1 |
 Photo: Peng Wang |
 Photo: Lechelle Burgoyne |
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Calgary Stampede |
Stampede Park Calgary, AB T2P 2K8 Canada +1 403 261-0101(Info) / +1 403 269-9822 (Tickets) / +1 800 661 1767 (Tickets) www.calgarystampede.com reception@calgarystampede.com |
More than a million people pass through the gates of Stampede Park each July to enjoy what's billed as the greatest outdoor show on earth: a rodeo, carnival, midway, agricultural fair and street party packed into the confines of a downtown park. This event really lives up to its billing and absolutely takes over the city, with locals and visitors alike going cowboy for ten days. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Chen |
 Photo: kris krüg  |
 Photo: Michael Surtees |
 Photo: rare_method2007 |
 Photo: Roberta McDonald |
 Photo: lumo2 |
 Photo: bmnichols2007 |
 Photo: nosalitar |
 Photo: stampedeparade |
 Photo: Sean Phillips |
 Photo: Margot |
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A race to the bar |
1111 Memorial Drive NW c/o COAC Calgary, AB T2N 3E4 Canada +1 403 254 9014 http://www.onon.org/asm/ hashmaster@onon.org |
A group often described as "a drinking club with a running problem," the HHH involves groups of fun-loving adults who use a bit of a jog as a means to build up a thirst for drinking. Like HHH clubs throughout the world, the Calgary chapter is extremely informal. To join, simply show up at the next run. There is a nominal fee to take part and for a little more you can get some beer too at the end of the "race". Contact the club for info on the next run. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pipers do it better |
1515 Home Road Northwest Shouldice Athletic Park Calgary, AB T3B 5K9 Canada +1 403 538 3513 http://www.calgaryhighlandgame... info@calgaryhighlandgames.org |
Shouldice Athletic Park in northwest Calgary is the venue for this colourful celebration of Scottish dance, music and sport. The "Calgary Championship" of Highland Games is the focus of the event and the traditional, and sometimes wild events are something to behold. The festival also features earsplitting bagpipe competitions, Scottish dancing, music and traditional Scottish cuisine. What do they wear under those kilts anyway? Admission is CAD8 for adults and CAD5 for children and seniors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Elliott |
 Photo: Michael Hoskin |
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Some of Calgary's favourite places |
Stretching 350 kilometers throughout the city Calgary, AB T2P 2M5 Canada +1 403 263 8510 (Tourist information) |
Calgary boasts the largest pathway system in North America. Nearly every day of the year, regardless of the weather, you can find Calgarians running, walking, riding, rolling and even skiing along 360 kilometres of paths. The network twists its way through countless municipal parks, alongside rivers and reservoirs, past skyscrapers, into valleys and through mini-forests, fields of wildflowers and other surprises. Use of the pathways is absolutely free. Maps are available from several outlets. Contact Calgary Parks and Recreation for information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: debashree_halder |
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River Rafting |
Spruce Drive near 45th Street South West Edworthy Park Calgary, AB T2N 0C0 Canada +1 403 252 2116 http://www.calgaryriverraftrac... info@calgaryriverraftrace.com%20 |
This wet and wild summer event sees bizarre rafts take to the Bow River in a race from Bowness Park to Edworthy Park. The only rule for raft construction is no motors, so the competing craft come in shapes that range from the functional to the ridiculous. The day begins with a pancake breakfast and judging takes place at Edworthy Park, where trophies are awarded for the most creative, the largest and smallest rafts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Explore, Discover & Grow |
1300 Zoo Road NE Calgary, AB T2M 4R8 Canada +1 403 232 9300 http://www.calgaryzoo.org/ trishep@calgaryzoo.ab.ca |
Attractions Canada recently voted this park the top outdoor site in the country. It features more than 1,100 animals from around the world and an ever-growing portfolio of innovative exhibitions, which allows guests to get up close and personal with grizzly bears, moose and wolves. Life-sized dinosaur models lurk in the badlands of the Prehistoric Park, and the more genteel setting of the botanical park includes a butterfly garden. See website for event calendar, educational programs, online ticketing and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Russil Wvong |
 Photo: Beothuk |
 Photo: Beothuk |
 Photo: Russil Wvong |
 Photo: Eric Martens |
 Photo: cakeordeath |
 Photo: Pattie Anderson |
 Photo: Dennise Watson |
 Photo: cunniffe2007 |
 Oh Canada! |
Memorial Drive (Prince's Island Park) Calgary, AB T2G 0C6 Canada +1 403 268 3888 http://www.calgary.ca/ canadaday@calgary.ca |
Each July 1, Canada celebrates its birthday in Calgary with this massive festival at Prince's Island Park. Regardless of weather, the park is always teeming with patriotic Canadians on this day; last year some 45,000 showed up. There are several stages featuring bands and cultural groups, face painting and craft booths for children, countless buskers and vendors dishing out all sorts of summer snacks. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nancy Desai |
 Photo: Travis Gertz |
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Calgary's Olympic site |
88 Canada Olympic Road Southwest Calgary, AB T3B 5R5 Canada +1 403 247 5452 http://www.coda.ab.ca/ info@coda.ab.ca |
These facilities are used both by high-performance winter athletes and by ordinary, adventurous, Calgarians. The bobsled track immortalized by four crazed Jamaican sledders continues to be used for World Cup events. The downhill ski slope is a popular entry-level spot for skiers, while the half-pipe area crawls with local snowboarders. The park also gets steady summer use by cross-country and downhill mountain bike racers. Inside the main COP building there is a restaurant/bar and the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum. Park admission is free; activities vary in price. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Craig James White |
 Photo: Heang Uy |
 Photo: Richard Hawkes |
 Photo: Daryl Mitchell |
 Photo: Wes Devauld |
 Photo: Monty Nicol / CatsFi |
 Photo: Ian Harding |
 Photo: banfftrailrunning |
 Photo: gregsblogyim |
 Photo: Amy M. Manley |
 Photo: Donna Dobbin |
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Serene urban park |
10 Street and 24th Avenue Northwest Calgary, AB T2K 1H2 Canada +1 403 268 3888 |
This stunningly peaceful park is one of the city's most beautiful green spaces. Large shade trees tower over a slow moving stream, and pathways cross over arched bridges and along the foot of a dozen rolling hills. There are picnic tables, cross-country ski trails, tennis courts and playgrounds. Still, aside from the wedding parties that come here on Saturdays for photos, visitors always feel as if they have the park to themselves. It is a mystery why this park isn't packed on sunny days, but the regulars are not complaining. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bernie |
 Photo: pontistang |
 Photo: James |
 Photo: Stick Compston |
 Photo: pixel.builder |
 Photo: Eric Cayouette |
 Photo: Zbigniew Wcislo |
 Easter fun at the zoo |
1300 Zoo Road Northeast (Calgary Zoo) Calgary, AB T2M 4R8 Canada +1 403 232 9367 http://www.calgaryzoo.ab.ca/ annecs@calgaryzoo.ab.ca |
With all these animals, who is going to notice one more bunny? This annual event, hosted at the Calgary Zoo and Botanical Gardens, is a favourite for families and children of all ages. Activities include wild Easter egg hunts, visits with the Easter bunny, a cookie decorating "coop," craft tables and a variety of games to keep the little ones entertained for hours. These fun activities go on all day long. Eggstravaganza events are included with regular zoo admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Expo Latino Festival - Aug. 23-26, 2008 |
Princes Island Park - 100 2 Street SW Office #1, 3360 - 14 Avenue NE Calgary, AB T2A-6J4 Canada +1 403 271 2744 http://www.hispanicarts.com/ hispanic@shaw.ca |
This five-day celebration of Latin American culture provides some of the hottest days of the summer. Opening ceremonies take place on Olympic Plaza featuring Latin American musicians and salsa demonstrations. More music and dance fill the week, with free noon performances on Stephen Avenue Walk and evening concerts. On the weekend, Expo Latino takes over Eau Claire Market with even more dancing, Latino food, handicrafts and, of course, hip-quaking music. There is also a dance party on Saturday night. The opening ceremonies, noon-hour performances and Expo Latino are free events. Concerts and dance party cost between CAD10-25. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Art on the street |
4 Street from 17 Avenue to 26 Ave South West Calgary, AB T2S 1V8 Canada +1 403 229 0902 http://www.4streetcalgary.com/ jenrempel@4streetcalgary.com |
With the plethora of restaurants, cafes and boutiques, Fourth Street is one of Calgary's most popular downtown promenades. Public artwork along the road make a walk along Fourth an even more enjoyable experience. Ten art pieces in all line fourth street from 17th to 26th Avenues. Fun and quirky sculptures such as the strolling cattle of 'Scene and Herd on Fourth' and the giant lounging frogs of 'Hanging Out' make hunting for art fun for both families and art lovers. Self-guided tour pamphlets can be picked up in various businesses along the route. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mighty Aphrodite |
1 Tamarac Crescent South West (Hellenic Community Centre) Calgary, AB T3C 3B6 Canada +1 403 246 4553 http://www.calgaryhellenic.com... info@calgaryhellenic.com |
It's difficult to adhere to the ancient warning "beware Greeks bearing gifts" when those gifts are so wonderful. This three-day festival is an opportunity to enjoy the treasures of Greek culture, including Greek music and dance, lectures on Greek mythology, theatre, and cuisine that is often just as difficult to resist as it is to pronounce. All this Hellenistic hoopla occurs at a festival site that features an outdoor stage and dance floor, as well as a children's area. Children under 12 are free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Calgary's Living History |
1900 Heritage Drive SW (At 14th St SW) Calgary, AB T2V 2X3 Canada +1 403 268 8500 http://www.heritagepark.ca/ reception@heritagepark.ab.ca |
Canada's largest living historical village is divided into a pioneer Northwest Mounted Police outpost and a 1910 Main Street. The latter has a working antique amusement park, with rides that are safe even for small children. Other attractions include a working full-scale locomotive thundering through the park, and on nearby Glenmore Reservoir, a vintage double-decker stern wheeler ship that takes visitors on lake cruises. Shops and restaurants are plentiful in the park, including a turn-of-the-century bakery. All park staff work in costume and character. Entertaining events for the whole family are scheduled year-round, including September's Fall Fair. Check website for full list of events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: uli harder |
 Photo: uli harder |
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Fun for everyone |
5202-1st Street Southwest Calgary, AB T2H 0C8 Canada +1 403 253 8301 http://www.kartworldcalgary.com sales@kartworldcalgary.com |
Just try to be bored in this place. Kart World features Go Karts, an 18 hole computerized miniature golf course (it plays pranks on players at every hole), bumper boats (perfect fun for hot days), and a black-lit maze for Lazer Tag. There is also a picnic area, a video arcade and a snack bar. Kart World is happy to book parties for large groups, including corporate and birthday parties, and barbecues are available on request. This is a perfect venue for children and the childish. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phil Bacon |
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The Lights of the Season |
14 Street Northwest (between 24 and 28 Avenues) Calgary, AB T2M 4P7 Canada +1 403 273 5466 |
For Calgary families, the Christmas season would not be complete without a pilgrimage to the annual light display. Each year The Lions Club, with the help of a variety of other sponsors, adorn the east side of the Confederation Golf Course with thousands of colourful lights arranged in Christmas themes. There are waving Santa Clauses, singing angels, dozens of flashing Christmas trees and holiday greetings spelled out in a variety of languages. Kids love the display, and it makes for a charming evening excursion. This is a free event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Improv Theater |
1235 26th Avenue SE 2nd Floor, Crossroads Market Calgary, AB T2G 1R7 Canada +1 403 269 1444 / +1 403 265 5682 http://www.loosemoose.com mail@loosemoose.com |
The Loose Moose Theatre Company, formed in 1977, has an international reputation for innovation and excellence in improvisational theatre. Techniques for training and presenting improvisation, created by founding Artistic Director Keith Johnstone and developed at Loose Moose, are in use worldwide. Each summer since 1989, performers, directors and writers have attended the Loose Moose International Improvisation School for a two week intensive workshop in improvisation. The Loose Moose produces over two hundred performances a year including children's theatre, Mainstage plays, late night comedy, and - of course - improv. See website for event schedule and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John |
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Marda Loop Street Party |
33 Avenue Southwest (East of Crowchild Trail) Calgary, AB T2T 1Z7 Canada +1 403 750 2361 / +1 800 661 1678 (Calgary Tourism) http://mardaloopbrz.com/mardag... info@mardaloopbrz.ca |
Marda Loop is one of Calgary's trendiest shopping districts, and each year Marda Gras is an opportunity to discover the neighbourhood's charms. The street festival features over 250 artisan tables, 10 amusement rides, food, entertainment on two stages, a unique car show and a beach volleyball pitch. There is also a climbing wall, free hot dogs and, of course, popular beer gardens. A Kid's Corner offers a variety of children's activities including face painting. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Relive Olympic moments |
228 8th Avenue Southeast (Near City Hall) Calgary, AB T2N 1J9 Canada +1 403 263 8510 |
During the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, this city square was the focal point of much of the event, including most of the medal ceremonies and laser and fireworks displays. Tens of thousands of people jammed into the square on any given evening. The square looks much as it did then and is now the focal point for many civic events, particularly for welcoming successful athletes home from recent Olympic Games. The large area in front of the stage is now a wading pool in the summer and flooded for ice skating in the winter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: William Spaetzel |
 Photo: Tavis |
 Photo: Holly Gray |
 Photo: palestrina55 |
 Photo: Heriberto Cortés Bravo |
 Photo: Sarah Williams |
 Photo: Jessica Dergousoff |
 Photo: David Howell |
 Photo: Raquel Zambrano |
 Photo: dioc |
 Photo: Jon Roe |
 Photo: Merritt Lawrenson |
 Photo: Zoey Duncan |
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Bang a drum |
3415b - 26 Avenue Southwest Calgary, AB T3E 0N3 Canada +1 403 217 6790 http://www.one-world-drum.com/ |
Introducing clients of all ages to the joys of indigenous drumming, One World offers lessons and workshops in beginner hand drumming, Afro-Cuban and African styles, didgeridoo techniques, natural voice, "ecstatic" dance, and drum construction. Twice each month the school holds open drum circles where beginners and pros can come and bang away all evening. They even supply the instruments. Other events include regular recitals and jams, and a summer drum camp for kids. Fees for instruction, camps and performances vary greatly. Contact One World for details and schedules. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Leading entertainment and sport facility |
555 Saddledome Rise SE Calgary, AB T2G 2W1 Canada +1 403 777 4636 http://www.pengrowthsaddledome... customerservice@calgaryflames.com |
Seating over 17,000, Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome has a bit of something for everyone from professional hockey to concerts, rodeos, circuses, conventions, and more. The Saddledome is home to the NHL's Calgary Flames, the WHL's Calgary Hitmen and the NLL's (National Lacrosse League) Calgary Roughnecks. For business or pleasure, take in a game luxuriously in the Super Suites or the Seminole Executive Club. The Telus Conference Centre also offers state-of-the-art facilities. Enjoy happy hour specials prior to games and concerts at Dutton's Canadian Lounge or take in great views at the Saddleroom Restaurant. Pengrowth Saddledome has been home to such notable events as the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, the NHL Entry Draft, and the Canadian Country Music Awards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard Lafortune |
 Photo: Richard Lafortune |
 Photo: Tim Stoops |
 Photo: Dave McLean |
 Photo: Jeff Mansfield |
 Photo: Sam Lu |
 Photo: Greg Misener |
 Photo: Matt Cho |
 Photo: Brian McHarg |
 Photo: Stephanie Moore |
 Photo: Andrea Wilkes |
 Photo: Doug Kennedy |
 Photo: stemlimited.com |
 Photo: Mark Yep |
 Photo: neverkilledbefore |
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Beautiful and popular island |
1st Ave and 4 St SW Calgary, AB T2P 4R5 Canada +1 403 268 3888 |
Statistics say that Prince's Island is one of the most used urban parks in North America. Come here on a sunny day and you will not doubt it. Way back when, the Island was used to catch felled trees floating down the Bow River from logging projects upstream. Now this bit of serenity in downtown serves as a favourite venue for joggers, football tossers, family picnics, flocks of Canada Geese, buskers, Shakespearean actors and nearly every major festival that Calgary hosts. This is also a great place for a quiet paddle down the river. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mike.in.ny |
 Photo: James Tworow |
 Photo: Kynan Cheng |
 Photo: Paul Ashton |
 Photo: Randy Peters |
 Photo: Ross Murphy |
 Photo: Jean-Guy Dallaire |
 Photo: Allyn Pul-agan |
 Photo: botten72 |
 Photo: Darrin Ross |
 Photo: Malu Acra |
 Photo: Doug Purvis |
 Photo: Edmund Wang 王春晓 |
 Photo: Lauren Mills |
 Photo: brett ohland |
 Photo: indra kartawidjaja |
 Photo: crack! McCoon |
 Photo: Paul Studiman |
 Photo: Wayne Minnis |
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An idyllic bit of urban green |
800 12 Street Northwest Calgary, AB T2N 1W3 Canada +1 403 221 3955 |
Kensington is adored for its hip shops and cafes, but if you are looking for something a little more tranquil nearby, visit this urban park. Riley Park features vast expanses of green space (perfect for throwing around a football or just lying in the sun), a cricket pitch, picnic tables, a refreshment stand, playgrounds and well-tended flower gardens. On sunny days, children find excitement in the popular wading pool, splashing around with the neighbourhood kids while parents and baby-sitters watch wearily on. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Breitkreutz |
 Photo: Roland Ferrer |
 Photo: Paul Smith |
 Photo: Vanessa V |
 Photo: wjiang_calg |
 Photo: wjiang_calg |
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Boldly go where NASA's gone before |
2000 Airport Road Northeast Calgary International Airport Calgary, AB T2E 6W5 Canada +1 403 717 7678 http://calgaryspaceport.com/ sport2@yyc.com |
Bring the kids to Calgary International Airport for high-tech educational fun. This interactive museum is an excellent destination for families interested in the final frontier. Exhibits include motion and flight simulators, space shuttle and control tower models, and, perhaps most exciting of all, a piece of moonrock on loan from NASA. Whether you need something to entertain the kids while waiting for a flight, or if you're looking for a unique birthday party venue, SpacePort is great fun. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Portigall |
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Sun and Salsa |
Kensington Road North West (10 Street to 12 Street) Calgary, AB T2N 2P3 Canada http://www.visitkensington.com/ visitkensington@shaw.ca |
No matter what the weather, you can be sure that things will be hot in Kensington during this celebration of salsa. Buy a bag of chips, and the money goes to charity. Wander from booth to booth sampling the salsa served up by teams from various Kensington merchants. Cool off your mouth in the beer and wine tents, and dance off the calories to the Latin sounds of salsa music and steel drums performing on two stages. Roaming buskers and an area for children's activities make this an ideal outing for families. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |