“August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.” – Sylvia Plath_

August sees summer sneaking away, while autumn approaches. The days gradually get shorter, the sun rises later, but still: August is a beautiful, lively month!

Of course the amazing Edmonton Heritage Festival, which gets bigger every year, takes place August 3-5 at Hawrelak Park. Admission is free, but a donation to Edmonton’s Food Bank is suggested and encouraged. This is usually the Food Bank’s largest donation drive!

There are ETS shuttles that leave many locations around Edmonton, as there is no parking on site. Contact ETS at 311 to get updated information for the Heritage Festival Shuttle.

I call the Heritage Festival, “taking a trip around the world without a passport!” Our city and community is known for diversity and this is an opportunity to taste international cuisine, experience traditions, see artwork, and more!

Now, to view more culture, from August 9-11th is Cariwest! Friday night from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. they have a Costume Extravaganza. Saturday is an amazing musical, colourful parade that starts at noon on Jasper Avenue and 97 Street, winding down to 107 Street where it turns left to the Cariwest site at Capital Plaza. There, you will find a Caribbean Village with live music all day Saturday and Sunday: food, drink, and fun! If you have never seen the parade, I highly recommend it. For more information: cariwest.ca.

So, get the most out of summer and see how our city is a great, diverse community!

See you in September!