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In This Issue
Event Calendar
Welcome!
On Stands Now!
Win Tickets to Country Kickback!
Planning the Perfect Picnic
Win 4 Tickets to Globalfest!
A Magical Vacation
Summer Screen Time
Accidental Poisoning
Win Tickets to the Home + Design Show!
Academics + Art = Balance
Alberta Farmers' Markets
Win 4 Tickets to Bubble Guppies!
Summer Family Fun & Travel Guide
Win Tickets to The Scorpions' Sting
Communication Strategies for Parent-Teen Connection
Love Our Contests?
Summer Fun in Calgary!

Find out What's Up! Click on the icons below to check out our Events Calendar.
  Events 

 

  

  


 

Events with * are free to the public. 

 

August 1, 10am to 5pm; Inglewood Sunfest. There is an activity for all ages. This could mean a jump in the bouncer for kids, discovering a great new band, being wowed by cool street performers, choosing a perfect summer patio or searching for trendy fashion. inglewoodsunfest.ca

August 1 to 3; Canmore Folk Music Festival. Featuring performers, children's concert, downtown street dance and kids' area full of fun crafts and activities. Takes place at Centennial Park. Tickets: canmorefolkfestival.com

August 3, 9:30am to 5pm; Heritage Day Celebrations, Heritage Park Historical Village. Start your day with a complimentary pancake breakfast, and then discover how the west was once! Ride the train, visit the old-fashioned candy store, paddle with the voyageurs and more! heritagepark.ca

*August 3; Heritage Day Celebrations, Fort Calgary. Free admission and activities! fortcalgary.com

August 4 to 7, 12Noon to 1pm; The City of Calgary Parks: Music in the Park. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and go to Calgary's oldest park to enjoy live music! Spend the hour singing, dancing, participating in nature-themed activities and learning about our cultural history. All ages welcome! Takes place in Central Memorial Park.

August 5 to 8; Afrikadey! Festival. A celebration of the music, food, dance, theatre, film, literature and visual arts of Africa and her descendant cultures. Tickets: afrikadey.com

August 5 to 9; Calgary Young People's Theatre Presents, Richard III, a Steampunk Shakespeare. Richard III is Shakespeare's most deliciously villainous character and this summer, CYPT is setting his story of ambition and murder in a futuristic, steampunk universe! Takes place at West Village Theatre. Tickets: cypt.ca

August 8, 1 to 2pm; Western Rodeo, Heritage Park Historical Village. Get right into the action with a thrilling Western Rodeo! The Rodeo is included with park admission and includes everything from barrel racing to bronco riding - even mini chuck wagon races. Round up the kids and prepare yourself for a truly unique experience. heritagepark.ca

*August 9, 10am to 5pm; Marda Gras Street Festival. The streets of Marda Loop come alive with this New Orleans themed festival. Enjoy high-quality dance groups, a pet pageant, musicians, a fun-filled kids' quarter and a variety of delicious cuisine. mardagras.ca

August 13, 6 to 10pm; Adults Only Night, TELUS Spark. The Perseids Meteor Shower is active this month - what better moment to celebrate all things in outer space? What are we learning about the deepest of deep space? What breakthroughs are driving researchers' imaginations? Is there anyone out there? Included with membership/admission. Advance tickets: sparkscience.ca

August 13 to 15; ReggaeFest. Experience why this family event has become the premier summer Reggae festival in Canada. Hang with the kids in the zone, savor the flavors of island spices and more. Tickets: reggaefest.ca

August 13 to 16; Taste of Calgary. Discover Calgary's global cuisines from a mix of unique restaurants and beverage companies. tasteofcalgary.com

August 13 to 22; Opera in the Village. 10 days filled with beautiful music, and a host of other fun-filled activities and surprises. A great introduction to the opera experience. Takes place at the East Village RiverWalk™ Plaza. Tickets: calgaryopera.com/festival

*August 15, 12Noon to 9pm; 8th Annual Spaghetti Western Music Festival. This year's festival features 3-time WCMA songwriter of the year and Juno nominee, Romi Mayes, Stony Plain recording artist and Canadian honky-tonk legend Tim Hus and elegiac Montreal songstress, Kandle. Takes place at Olympic Plaza. swfestival.ca

*August 20, 8 to 9pm MST; Free Live Webinar, "Communication Strategies for Parent-Teen Connection." Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine. Register today!

August 20 to 29; GlobalFest. Join for cultural pavilions, ethnic food, performance stages, a night market, an international bar, children's activities, a Tipi Village and world-class fireworks! A friends and family oriented multicultural affair. Takes place at Elliston Park. Purchase tickets at Calgary Co-ops, Marlborough Mall, London Drugs or globalfest.ca

August 21 to September 12; StoryBook Theatre Presents, RENT - School Edition. Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provide the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets: storybooktheatre.org

August 22; Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic and Recreation Centre's 40th Anniversary Party. Join for an assortment of indoor and outdoor activities such as fitness classes and a bounce castle, skate park, rock wall, soccer game and a swim with a DJ!

August 22 & 23; Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival. As Calgary's premier sports festival, it draws over 1,850 competitors, over 4,000 spectators, and an abundance of excitement and cultural experiences. Takes place at North Glenmore Park. Web.

August 22 & 23, 9:30am to 5pm; Calling all Families to Country Kickback at Heritage Park Historical Village! Proudly Sponsored by Calgary's Child Magazine. Relive Alberta's rustic rural history with a weekend of special events and activities. Guests of all ages will have the chance to see how the west was once with hands-on activities such as ice cream making and butter churning, live entertainment, farming exhibits, demonstrations and much more! Web.

August 28 to 30; Expo Latino Festival. Your ticket to all things Latin! Takes place at Prince's Island Park. Tickets: expolatino.com

August 29, 10am to 5pm; Sweet Corn Festival, Calgary Corn Maze & Fun Farm. There will be free pony rides with admission, corn decorating for kids, a corn eating contest, Farm Bingo and try delicious Taber corn on the cob or buy some fresh Taber corn to take home and cook yourself! calgarycornmaze.com

 

Global

CALGARY'S CHILD MAGAZINE & GLOBAL MORNING NEWS - WHAT'S COMING UP? 

  


Saturday, August 1
Guest: Sonia Okamoto, Making Changes Association
Topic: "My Best Friend's Closet" is the Youth Program at Making Changes Association, a vibrant organization that provides relevant programs, services and resources to empower women and girls in transition. "My Best Friend's Closet" program provides teen girls from low-income households with clothing and accessories to meet their school and recreational needs for the upcoming year - at no cost to their families! Tune in for all the fashionable details and how you can make a difference!

Monday, August 3
There will be no Global Morning News Show.

Saturday, August 8
There will be no Calgary's Child Magazine segment. Global Morning News will be broadcasting the Shaw Charity Classic Golf Tournament.

Monday, August 10
Guest: Simone Brown, McMan Calgary & Area
Topic: McMan Calgary & Area's Foster Care program provides residential placements for children and youth, birth to 17 years, where foster parent(s), along with the support of the McMan team, provide physical and emotional care for children and youth unable to remain in their natural homes. McMan is currently looking for singles, couples and families who are willing to open their hearts and homes to a child in need. Tune in for important on this highly crucial initiative and how you can change a child's life today!

Saturday, August 15
Guest: Beth Thompson, Bricks 4 Kidz
Topic: Building and creating with Legos is a favorite pastime for many kids. But did you know playing with Legos is also educational and great for building your child's STEM education for the upcoming school year? What is a STEM education and how does this type of learning benefit your child? Tune in for all the details.

Monday, August 17
Guest: Rep, Heritage Park Historical Village
Topic: Calling all Families to Country Kickback at Heritage Park Historical Village! Country Kickback takes place on August 22 & 23, 9:30am to 5pm. Proudly Sponsored by Calgary's Child Magazine! Relive Alberta's rustic rural history with a weekend of special events and activities. Guests of all ages will have the chance to see how the west was once with hands-on activities such as ice cream making and butter churning, live entertainment, farming exhibits, demonstrations and more! Kick back and watch this segment for more details!

Saturday, August 22
Guest: Mark Muchka, Calgary Corn Maze & Fun Farm
Topic: Looking for some family-friendly fun?! You will be aMAZEd at what this Fun Farm has to offer! Tune in to find out more details about the upcoming Sweet Summer Corn Fest on August 29, their ever-popular Friday Flashlight Nights, winding and fun mazes (of course) and more!

Monday, August 24
Guest: Gail Bell, Parenting Power
Topic: It's that time of year again: Back to School! Kids are heading back and now's the time to get them ready. Whether it is their first day ever or just the first day for this grade, tune in for 5 important things to consider.

Saturday, August 29
Guest: Dr. Joanna Phillips, Doctor of Optometry
Topic: Every child's back-to-school checklist should include a trip to the eye doctor. Vision is critically important to a child's ability to learn, and problems often show up in unexpected ways. Alberta optometrists recommend kids have their first comprehensive eye exam between the ages 6 and 9 months, their second between the ages of 2 and 5, and one every year after that. Dr. Phillips will provide expert tips on what's involved in a comprehensive eye exam and more.

Monday, August 31
Guest: Ruth McCosh, Long & McQuade
Topic: What are the cognitive, emotional and physical benefits of including music in your child's education? Pump up the volume and listen in for expert advice. It will be music to you and your little treble maker's ears!

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Welcom e
 
sunny-tree-boughs.jpg
Just as quickly as it began, summer feels like it's already winding down. Just one more month of having the kids at home! Make the most of this family time with great activity ideas, events, last-minute vacations, and much more to keep everyone smiling. 

We also have some great contests and articles to get you back in the swing of things as we look towards the new school year!  For more, visit calgaryschild.com

Make the most of the good weather while it lasts and enjoy!
 
Happy Reading! 
On Stands Now

Calgary's Child Magazine's July-August 2015 Issue! 
 

T his issue's pages are full of summer fun ideas and events, vacations, last minute camp suggestions, birthday party planning as well as our Early-Bird Fall Class & Program Feature!

Read our digital edition, click on the link at calgaryschild.com 
 


Coming Soon! 

Calgary's Child Magazine's September-October 2015 Issue!

Our Fall issue is all about autumn fun and focuses on getting the kids back to school and into Fall classes and programs! 

Featuring hundreds of extracurricular choices for children, our Back to School issue has all the gear, gadgets and services they'll need to send them back to class - with class! 

This issue also includes our  Home Central Feature. Once Fall arrives  and the kids are back in school, parents can begin focusing on  getting their homes back in tip-top style and function before the  snow flies. 

On stands and online the third week of August, 2015.
ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY PACK OF 4 TICKETS TO COUNTRY KICKBACK AT HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE!

Heritage Park

Calling all Families to Country Kickback at Heritage Park on August 22 & 23, 9:30am to 5pm. 

 

Proudly Sponsored by Calgary's Child Magazine. Relive Alberta's rustic rural history with a weekend of special events and activities. Guests of all ages will have the chance to see how the west was once with hands-on activities such as ice cream making and butter churning, live entertainment, farming exhibits, demonstrations and much more! For more information, visit www.heritagepark.ca!

 

For your chance to win a Family Pack of 4 Tickets to Country Kickback at Heritage Park Historical Village, enter here (contest code: County Kickback). Entry deadline is Monday, August 17.

 

Planning the Perfect Picnic

by Allie Percival-Wightman, BA, B.Ed. 

  

picnic-family-portrait.jpg
image: fotolia.com

Picnics are a great way to get your family outside and exploring the city on a warm summer day. Here are our tips to make the most of your picnic adventure!

 

The Perfect Spot 

The City of Calgary maintains a number of picnic and BBQ areas with garbage cans, fire pits, tables, and often toilets. If you're looking for a picnic on "easy mode," these are great spots:

Do you have a big group or need a specific site? You can book ahead online for a small fee. 

 

The Kit
  • Keep it Simple: it's tempting to go out and buy one of those adorable wicker "all-in-one" picnic sets, but they often include full place settings that are rarely used when enjoying a picnic lunch. Don't give yourself too much to carry! Reusable plastic plates and cutlery can be packed into a cooler with the food, and go right back in once you're finished. No fuss, no muss. If you've made a real mess, just spray it all down with a hose when you get home. Everybody wins! 
     
  • Keep it Comfy: The traditional picnic blanket is a simple tablecloth spread elegantly on the grass. This is fine if you're eating on your front lawn, but if you're planning to enjoy any of Calgary's parks, you'll want something a little more substantial. Consider a roll-up bamboo mat (or similar) which is firm enough to balance plates on and won't bunch up from restless kids squirming around. Otherwise, a cheap comforter will do the trick, or a few layered sheets. Always think about how far away the car is when you choose your blanket! Pack light!
     
  • Keep it Green: It's tempting to pack paper plates and plastic cutlery which can be thrown away after you're done picnicking. We've been there. Take a minute and think about what you want your kids to get from the experience of the outdoors - if the goal is to educate them about the importance of nature and to help them love being outside, consider taking this opportunity to teach them about the importance of sustainability by packing reusable items.
     
  • Keep it Safe: Make sure your cellphone is charged and has signal and bring tons of sunscreen! Don't forget any allergy medication or first-aid items which might be necessary. 
Read more...

ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY PACK OF 4 TICKETS TO GLOBALFEST, THE PHILIPPINES!

GlobalFest takes place August 20 to 29 at Elliston Park. Join for cultural pavilions, ethnic food, performance stages, a night market, an international bar, children's activities, a Tipi Village and world-class fireworks! A friends and family oriented multicultural affair. 


 

Purchase tickets at Calgary Co-ops, Marlborough Mall, London Drugs or visit www.globalfest.ca

 

For your chance to win a Family Pack of 4 Tickets to GlobalFest, the Philippines, on August 22, enter here (contest code: GlobalFest.) Entry deadline is Monday, August 17.

 

A Magical Vacation: Disneyland Resort vs. Walt Disney World 

by Allie Percival-Wightman, BA, B.Ed. photo: Courtesy of Disney Parks

You know you want to take your kids on a Disney vacation - maybe they've been begging and pleading for years, or maybe you loved it as a kid and want to share the magic with them. 

 

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim, California are the two most popular choices for Disney vacations. What's the difference? How do you choose? 


 
We have the lowdown on all the facts you need to know to pick the best Disney vacation experience for your family's needs!

 

Read more...


 

Summer Screen Time

by Julie Freedman Smith and Gail Bell

laughing-child-laptop.jpg Do you feel like your child has become a zombie, constantly in front of some device? There's still time left to get your kids outside this summer and to stop the arguing about screen time.

Why bother? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "In general, while watching television, your child is probably not doing any of the following:

  • Asking questions
  • Solving problems
  • Being creative
  • Exercising initiative
  • Practicing eye-hand coordination
  • Scanning (useful in reading)
  • Practicing motor skills
  • Thinking critically, logically, and analytically
  • Practicing communication skills
  • Playing interactive games with other children or adults (helpful for developing patience, self-control cooperation, sportsmanship)"

So what do we do about it? Decide on the absolute limits and then involve your kids in working out the details within those limits. Here are some points to consider:

  • Amount of screen time per day (phones, computers, devices, TV, movies)
  • How that time should be used - all at once? 30 minutes at a time?
  • How will they keep track of their screen time (timer, check list?)
  • What are the consequences if they don't track their time or go over time?
  • Do they need to play outside prior to being on the screen?
  • Are there chores to complete prior to screen time?

Read more...


 

Accidental Poisoning
Provided by Alberta Health Services EMS

Alberta Health Services EMS would like to remind parents about precautions they can take to prevent childhood poisonings. 

 

Ingesting medications, prescription, or over-the-counter products, is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in children.


 
Even small amounts of adult medications can be seriously harmful, or even fatal to your child if swallowed. Other causes of poisoning are household products, such as dishwasher tablets and personal care items (mouthwash, nail polish etc). 


Medication Storage 

  • Store all medications in a locked container and place in an area inaccessible to children
  • Keep medications in their original child-resistant packaging.
  • Do not mix multiple medications inside one bottle
  • Install child locks on all cabinets, or drawers where medications are stored

Safety Tips

  • Ensure visitors to your home keep their personal belongings out of children's reach, as they may contain unsafe items 
  • Take extra precautions with medicines that appeal to children such as chewable vitamins, or flavored cough and cold syrups
  • Properly dispose of any medications or toxic household products no longer in use.

Prevention 

  • Store household products, car supplies, and cosmetics in locked cupboards, or drawers.
  • Apply child safety latches to drawers and cabinets, if they are within a child's reach.
  • Know and label all plants in and around your home and garden.
  • Antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and pesticides are extremely poisonous. Even small amounts of these can cause serious illness when ingested.
  • Poisoning information can be obtained by calling the Poison and Drug Information Service (PADIS) at: 1-800-332-1414.
  • In case of a poisoning emergency, call 9-1-1. 
  • Provide the name of the product ingested or, if it is safe to do so, a sample of the substance for EMS to inspect on their arrival.

 

WIN TICKETS TO THE CALGARY HOME + DESIGN SHOW!

The Calgary Home + Design Show is the ultimate authority on all things design, entertaining and home improvement. 

 

With big names like Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, stars of HGTV's House of Bryan 3, design duo Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock, founders of Parker Barrow, and the winner of Western Canada's Next Home Stylist, plus more than 350 exhibitors and a slew of sensational new features, there's expert insight, innovation and inspiration for stylish living at every turn. 


 

Takes place September 17 to 20 at BMO Centre, Stampede Park. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.calgaryhds.com; check them out on Facebook, www.facebook.com/homeandgardenevents and Twitter, @HomeShowsAB

 

For your chance to win 2 tickets to The Calgary Home + Design Show, enter here(contest code: Home). Entry deadline is Monday, August 24, 2015.

 

Academics + Art = Balance
Written by Dr. Harriet N. Johnston, R. Psych., and Dr. R. Coranne Johnson, R. Psych.; Photo: Fotolia.com

As parents, we sometimes put so much emphasis on our children's achievement and progress in one or another core academic subject  (language arts, maths, science, social studies) that the importance of participation and achievement in complementary subjects (art, music, languages, physical education) may be undervalued. 

 

In an effort to give our children an edge, some parents encourage early specialization in some area of learning. When parents put so much of a focus on core academics, there is a trade-off: increased time focusing on core academic subjects rather than spending time on complementary subjects and interests.

 

Psychologist, professor and researcher Howard Gardner (2007), known for his theory of Multiple Intelligences, has identified five minds students will need to cultivate to thrive in the future world of work and personal development. Gardner's view emphasizes that to prepare for the future, a student will not only need to develop a mastery and depth of knowledge (disciplined mind), but also be exposed to a breadth of knowledge and opportunities for integration (synthesizing mind), develop the flexibility and stretch to solve new problems (creative mind), gain an awareness and appreciation of differences (respectful mind), and to serve a purpose beyond yourself (ethical mind).

 

Putting emphasis and importance on a subject like science will be sure to cultivate the disciplined mind, but on its own falls short of tending to the four other minds important for your child's future in their work and personal life.


Alberta Farmers' Markets

Written by Bev Yaworski; Photo: Fotolia.com
 

The sweet smell of newly baked bread. The tangy taste of freshly squeezed lemonade. The spirited sound of a frisky fiddle tune! These are a few of the attractions that may greet you on a visit to a Farmers' Market. 

 

These days, Alberta Farmers' Markets offer a rich mosaic of choices. The Alberta Farmers' Market Association believes in supporting local and even gives awards to their vendors who 'bake it, grow it or produce it.' They encourage products that are local and unique. For example, Andreas and Mary Ellen Grueneberg operate their Green Eggs and Ham Farm in Leduc where they focus on unusual and heritage vegetables. Depending on the season, shoppers will find multicolored beans, carrots, beets - and even golf ball shaped carrots along with duck eggs and turkey products sold at their Calgary and Edmonton market stalls.


Farmers' Markets are a great direct source of local fare. Whether near or a little bit far, there is a plentiful harvest of markets to choose from:

Airdrie Farmers' Market - Open 3:30 to 7pm, June to Thanksgiving, 2015; airdriefarmersmarket.com 

 

Bearspaw Lions Farmers' Market - Sundays, 10am to 2pm, June 7 to October 4, 2015; bearspawlions.com

Calgary Farmers' Market - Open year-round. Check website for hours of operation; calgaryfarmersmarket.ca

 

Cochrane Farmers Market - Saturdays, 9am to 1pm, June 1 to September 28, 2015; Cochrane Ranche Historic Site, east of intersection of Highways 1A and 22.

Crossroads Market - Indoor/Outdoor Market, open year-round, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 9am to 5pm; Boutique Market, Saturdays and Sundays, 9am to 5pm; crossroadsmarket.ca

 

Read more...

 

ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY PACK OF 4 TICKETS TO BUBBLE GUPPIES LIVE! READY TO ROCK

Put on your water wings and dive into a fun musical underwater adventure! Koba Entertainment and Nickelodeon present their first ever theatrical production: Bubble Guppies Live! Ready to Rock. 


 

Join Mr. Grouper, giggly little fish, Molly, Gil and the whole gang at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on Saturday, October 3. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.BubbleGuppiesOnTour.com

 

For your chance to win a Family Pack of 4 Tickets to Bubble Guppies Live! Ready to Rock on October 3, 1pm show at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, enter here (contest code: Bubble Guppies) Entry deadline is Monday, September 28.

 

Summer Family Fun & Travel Guide
photo: fotolia.com

Sunsational Summer Fun - 100's of Activities Here, There and Everywhere!

Enter to Win Tickets to The Scorpions' Sting: An Egyptian Myth at Calgary Opera's, Opera in the Village!

The Scorpions' Sting: An Egyptian Myth by Dean Burry is a 45-minute family opera set in the midst of an Egyptian sandstorm. 

The opera follows the time-traveling adventures of Professor Hornsby and his students. When a poisonous scorpion stings Professor Hornsby, his students must find the cure hidden in ancient hieroglyphics in the Lost Temple of Iset. To save their professor, the students use Iset's ancient wisdom and learn the power of forgiveness. 

Opera in the Village is an 8-day festival, including free activities like movie nights, interactive games and activities, roving performers and more! Opera in the Village takes place at the East Village Riverwalk Plaza, 618 Confluence Way SE. For the full festival schedule, visit www.calgaryopera.com/festival

For your chance to win a family pack of 4 tickets to The Scorpions' Sting: An Egyptian Myth at Opera in the Village on Saturday, August 15 at 3pm, enter here (contest code: Opera.) Entry deadline is Monday, August 10, 2015.

Communication Strategies for Parent-Teen Connection - Free Webinar with Judy Arnall 

Photo: fotolia.com

 

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*August 20, 8 to 9pm MST; Free Live Webinar, "Communication Strategies for Parent-Teen Connection." Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine.
 

Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine.
 

Register today!

 

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Our Facebook and Twitter followers look to us for details on upcoming events, information about the latest issue, see what's new & notable; they connect with parents around Calgary and even get help with dinner! Check out our "Enter to Win" Facebook Tab and our wall posts and tweets every day for new contests and giveaways. Join us!