Each autumn, leagues host a Community League Day with events for members and sometimes the public. Typically held on Sept. 16, this year the date varies depending on the league.

Parkdale-Cromdale: Harvest Dinner, Sept. 16, 7 pm

Eat a meal made from community garden produce and generous donations from local businesses.

“We just finalized the menu. Lazy perogies (two varieties), borscht, Greek salad, and bread,” said Kevin Wong, the league’s communications director.

Expect pie for dessert, baked using rescue fruits from neighbours’ backyards and free fruit from city trees. Stay tuned for a pie-baking event shortly before the dinner. The event is free for members and includes live music, a cash bar, and fireworks.

On Oct. 14, the league is hosting an annual Rummage Art and Craft Market, featuring artists, handcrafters, collectibles, plants and vegetables, on-site spa treatments, and baked goods.

Buy a $5 membership by visiting www.parkdalecromdale.org, www.efcl.org, or by attending a community event.

Spruce Ave Harvest Fest & Membership Drive: Sept. 16, 2 to 5 pm

Attend the Harvest Fest’s free barbecue and meet local Front Yards in Bloom nominees.

“We will have a horse-drawn hayride. Free for all,” added Verna Stainthorp, league secretary. Membership is $7 per person or $15 per family. Visit www.spruceavenuecommunity.com.

The Spruce Ave Celebrates History project is ongoing and will host drop-in auditory events in the coming months. Due to funding for the Historical Home Plaque Project, the league will produce and distribute 25 plaques for the front of neighbourhood homes and buildings.

Elmwood Park’s Third Annual Chili Cook-Off: Sept. 16, 3 to 6 pm

Got some serious chili game or simply a connoisseur?

“We have invited residents to bring a crockpot full of chili and then we have everyone come and sample the various chilis and vote and we give away some great prizes,” said Gillian Daley-deGroot, president of Elmwood Park Community League.

Contestants receive incentives such as gift cards or City of Edmonton attraction passes. Anyone can participate, but contestants must bring their own crockpot.

That day is also the membership drive. “We offer free memberships to anyone who is interested,” said Daley-deGroot. Free associate memberships, which have the same benefits as a full membership, are available to anyone living outside of their boundaries.

Elmwood’s AGM is Sept. 27 at 7 pm at Sands Inn & Suites.

Alberta Ave’s Neighbour Connect & Membership BBQ: Sept. 9, 11 am to 1 pm

During this event, enjoy a barbecue in the community garden, listen to music, play games, and receive a facility tour.

On top of their community garden and fully-equipped kitchen, Alberta Avenue offers various programs. But Karen Mykietka, facility manager, said, “We need to know what you want to do.”

The goal is to showcase the facility and garner interest in programs.

“People hear that we can accommodate things like badminton, and people get excited. If you want to do something here, contact us.”

Membership is $10 per person or $20 per family (two adults and children under 18). Seniors’ memberships are free. Benefits include access to free borrowing of various resource and block party kits, as well as free printing, photocopying, and faxing. Visit www.albertaave.org.  

Eastwood’s Harvest Family Celebration: Oct. 1, 2 to 5 pm

Celebrate at Eastwood rink by playing lawn games, eating some great food, and meeting your neighbours.

“This year we are celebrating the art of fresh food, and how food brings us together as a community,” said Lenn Wheatley, vice-president of Eastwood Community League.

Starting Sept. 12, the league will offer Zumba Fitness classes on Tuesdays from 7-8 pm. In the spring, they will develop their co-op gardening program for neighbours to join. Garden registration is in February.

Or take singing lessons. “This year, we have partnered with Etown Vocal Music Society to offer professional training for becoming an acapella vocalist for all ages, throughout the school year.” Eastwood youth under 18 may be eligible for a fully paid scholarship.

The board welcomes hearing from members interested in leading a social program or community-centred workshop.

Memberships are $5 per individual and $15 per family. Purchase memberships by visiting www.eastwoodcommunity.org or by calling the league at 780.477.2354.

Westwood Community League’s Big Bin event: Sept. 16, 9 am to 4 pm or until full

Check out Westwood Community League’s Big Bin event on Sept. 16. Due to ongoing construction, there is no pancake breakfast this year. Membership fees are $20 per family, $15 per individual, and $10 per senior. Visit www.westwoodcl.ca for programs such as yoga classes beginning in September. Westwood’s AGM is Oct. 27 at 7 pm. Fountain and spray park construction continues through October.

Delton Community League’s Membership Barbecue: Sept. 16, 11 am to 2 pm

On Sept. 16 at Delton Community League, attend the membership barbecue, buy discounted memberships, and sign up for late soccer registrations. Soccer registration is Sept. 7. Memberships are $25 per family, $15 per single-parent family, $10 per adult, and $5 per senior (lifetime). League members can swim for free at Commonwealth Rec Centre on Saturdays from 5 to 7 pm. www.deltoncommunity.com

Featured Image: Parkdale-Cromdale’s Harvest Dinner includes a meal made partly from vegetables grown in the community garden. | Supplied