A few things in Edmonton seem to be irrefutable: the gardening season isn’t long enough and there aren’t enough adult-only neighbourhood events. The solution: a garden party.

On June 25, the Alberta Avenue Community League is holding its third annual Rubber Boots and Bow Ties Garden Party. The event is a way for people in Alberta Avenue to get to know each other, but all area residents are invited.

Karen Mykietka, the lead event organizer said, “We have lots of family-oriented festivals and events and wanted an event where adults could have a fun night out, meet and get to know their neighbours.”

In past years, the event was held the same weekend as the Bloomin’ Garden Show and Art Sale. This year, event organizers wanted to separate the two events.

Mykietka said, “The benefit of having [this event] at the end of June is that gardens are going to have more than just dirt.” And hopefully the weather will be warmer.

For $20 (or $10 if you buy tickets in advance), the Garden Party is a relaxing way to spend an evening. The party features live music, appetizers, a cash bar and is held in the fenced yard behind the community centre which is surrounded by over 40 community garden plots.

The Sculptors’ Association of Alberta is holding a sculpting workshop beforehand and will have cement sculptures on display and for sale during the event and throughout the rest of the summer. Local artwork will also beautify the garden and be for sale. For those who enjoy hands-on activities, join in garden games such as bocce ball or ladder golf or add your touch to the garage door mural.

For anyone interested in gardening, art, or decor, there is a call for garden installations again this year. Enter your DIY creation in one of two categories: creative gardening (creating pieces to showcase flowers, herbs, or vegetables) or garden decor (creating an art piece to beautify a garden). Everyone attending the party can vote for their favourite pieces. The grand prize winner in each category will get $100, and there is a $50 for each runner up.

Last year, John and Margaret Larsen won a prize with their entry The Tower of Flowers, which layered large flower pots filled with flowers on top of one another. The Larsens will enter the competition again but under separate entries. They loved seeing everyone’s entries last year and hope more people will enter the competition this year. Margaret’s advice is for everyone to have fun with their entries.

People are encouraged to wear bow ties and rubber boots, although it is not required. Prizes will be given for the best rubber boots and the best bow tie. As a bonus, wearing rubber boots means you are prepared for the outdoor party no matter the weather.  

For more information about buying tickets or submitting an art installation, visit www.albertaave.org or call 780.477.2773.

RUBBER BOOTS AND BOW TIES GARDEN PARTY

Alberta Avenue Community Garden
Where: 93 Street and 118 Avenue
Tickets: $10 in advance, $20 at the door.
When: June 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Header Image: Some of the garden installation features at last year’s Rubber Boots and Bow Tie Garden Party. Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt