Indulge in holiday and winter fun
Area leagues have plenty of plans for the holidays and winter season.
Alberta Avenue Community League is running its Hub Night through December, so stop by for meals and a variety of activities, such as crafts and holiday movies.
Take in a live theatre broadcast on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. with Enchanted Antlers 4 – The Fast and the Furry: Us. Attendance is free. Sign up at albertaave.org. Proof of vaccination is required for people 13 years of age and over.
On Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., the league is holding a pub night with live music from The Give ‘Em Hell Boys. Tickets are $10 at albertaave.org, or at the door. Proof of vaccination is required.
Alberta Ave’s Hub Nights include food and company. | Ali Hammington 
Alberta Ave’s Hub Nights include a variety of different activities. | Ali Hammington
Delton residents can look forward to skating on the Walter Gurba Rink. It will likely be open in mid-December, weather permitting. When open, public skating is 5:30 to 7 p.m. and shinny hockey is 7 to 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday. On Sunday, public skating is 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. for shinny hockey. On Dec. 24, the hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m., on Dec. 26 from 3 to 7 p.m., and on Jan. 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. The rink is closed on Dec. 25 and Dec. 31.
Eastwood Community League is participating in a Youth Outdoor Hockey League, which will begin in early December, although the start date is dependent on weather.
Kate Wilson, facility coordinator, says, “Youth from U7 to U17 [players under the age of 7 to 17] are invited to register on the league’s website. This is a non-competitive, fun league to utilize our outdoor community rinks, give kids an opportunity to play the great Canadian sport of hockey, and to bring community members together. It’s in partnership with Delton and Spruce Avenue Community Leagues and Hockey Edmonton. People can get more information by emailing one of the three community leagues.”
On Dec. 17, the league is hosting the Jingle Jammin Christmas Celebration. Arts on the Ave (AOTA) is organizing the event, in partnership with the league and Edmonton Police Services (EPS). Everything will be centred at the league.
It will be a full day event from 3 until 10 p.m. Sauvé MacBean, AOTA administrator, says from 3 to 5:30 p.m., there will be 3 on 3 shinny hockey with EPS and 3 on 3 road hockey.
“All ages, all skill levels are welcome,” says MacBean.
From 3 to 7 p.m., watch holiday movies, make crafts, go on a carriage ride, and roast marshmallows. The chili dinner begins at 6 p.m. Register for dinner by visiting eventbrite.ca and searching for Jingle Jammin.
“Vaccination proof will be required for indoor activities, as per AHS,” says MacBean.
Carolling throughout Eastwood begins at 6:30 p.m.
Elmwood Park Community League is treating residents to an outdoor Christmas event at the hall on Dec. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Morgan Wolf, league president, says, “Special guests include Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as the Grinch and an elf! There is a Christmas backdrop available for photos with or without Santa, and fire pits and snacks and crafts for the kids.”
Parkdale-Cromdale Community League is continuing to host Capoeira lessons. Sarah DeLano, program coordinator, says, “The Capoeira Academy will be running their programming from the hall during [November to January]; registration info on their website.” Classes are offered to youth ages 5 to 16, as well as an introductory class for adults.
The league will hold a pub night on Dec. 17 from 7 to 10 p.m. with snacks, drinks, and trivia.
“[There will be a] New Year’s Eve party with live music (details TBA, but the band is both local and epic),” says DeLano.
On Dec. 2, a free womens’ fitness class begins and continues for the first three Thursdays of every month from 6-7 p.m. “It’s called Body and Movement, loosely based on the martial art Capoeira.”
Proof of vaccination is required for all events.
“The rink schedule will be posted at the rink and on social media [facebook.com/PCCLYEG]. We do hope to host a few rink events, but details are not yet worked out.”
Spruce Avenue Community League is keeping events low-key with a rink schedule for those who wish to use the community’s ice rink. Visit facebook.com/SpruceAveCommLeague for updates.
In Westwood, residents can participate in a holiday cookie exchange on Dec. 11 from noon to 3 p.m. at the league. According to Westwood’s newsletter, “Participants are asked to bring a few dozen of their favourite holiday treats and the recipe. And don’t forget a container to take home a sample of everyone’s goodies!”
Participants older than 12 must have their QR code ready or proof of a negative COVID test.
And on Jan. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m., Westwood is holding its Winter Fest. Food and beverages include hot dog roasting, s’mores, coffee, and hot chocolate. Don’t miss tobogganing and snow painting.
