Each May, Mother’s Day provides an entire day to celebrate the special place mothers hold in our hearts – and events throughout the area offer an opportunity to spoil local mothers a little more than usual.
To mark the occasion, New Horizon Mall in East Balzac will be hosting a free, family celebration May 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Alexandra Winn, the mall's marketing manager, said the event will give visitors the chance to enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment while picking up some last-minute gifts for Mom.
“We've got lots of different stores that have great and unique idea for Mother's Day gifts,” she said. “This is a good way to promote those stores while having some entertainment and hosting families.”
The celebration will feature performances from the Calgary Chinese Music Club, as well as presentations from the Foothills Orchid Society and the Calgary Rose Society. There will also be a family fashion show, craft stations, an art show, prize giveaways and a family talent show – "lots of fun things for everyone,” according to Winn.
“We'll be giving out flowers to the mothers who join us," she said. “We decided it would be a great opportunity to celebrate mothers.”
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, also in East Balzac, will host a Mother’s Day brunch May 12. The venue’s website suggests residents “bring the whole family” for a meal before sticking around to watch the horseracing.
“It’s nice to host families and have them out for events like this,” said Karen Franco, Century Downs marketing manager .
“At noon, the horses will be on the track training and warming up. There are also barn tours if families are interested in taking part in that, too.”
Century Downs will be hosting two brunch seatings – the first is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the second is taking place from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
This year is the first time the venue is having people purchase Mother’s Day brunch tickets online. Franco said this is limit wait times on the day of the event due to participants who did not make a reservation. She added, different pricing is offered based on age, with kids under the age of five eating for free.
Tickets can be purchased on the Century Downs website through Showpass.
Races are set to begin at 1:15 p.m.
