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Backpacks Kids Actually Love Carrying
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Ready for day one
Good morning, Edmonton and surrounding areas! Happy Monday!
Skies clear out today after a soggy, windy long weekend, finally a dry start to the week.
Heritage Festival got knocked around by Sunday's high winds, Meta wants to build a massive AI data centre in Sturgeon County, and WestJet flyers can breathe easy again this morning now that a deal has ended the strike. Here is what is making news across Edmonton and the surrounding areas today.
💨 High Winds Cut Heritage Festival Short
What happened when the wind picked up?
High winds swept through Hawrelak Park Sunday afternoon, forcing organizers to shut Heritage Festival down early for the day.
Gusts strong enough to rattle tents and signage prompted the early call, with safety cited as the reason.
The festival wraps up its final day today, weather permitting.
If you are headed down today, keep an eye on the sky and dress for anything.
🖥️ Dozens Protest Meta's AI Data Centre Plan Near Morinville
What has Sturgeon County residents concerned?
Albertans gathered in Morinville Sunday to protest Meta's proposal for a one gigawatt AI data centre in Sturgeon County, the tech giant's first planned facility in Canada.
Protesters raised concerns over water use, power demand and how much say the community actually gets.
Meta has not yet said when a final decision on the project is expected.
If this lands in your backyard, it is worth watching closely.
⚾ Rainy Summer Delays the Cactus Rats' New Ballpark
Why are home games getting cancelled?
A soggy summer has pushed back construction on the Cactus Rats' new ballpark, forcing the team to call off its remaining home games this season.
Persistent rain kept crews off the site for weeks at a stretch, stalling the build.
The team says it is now aiming to have the field ready in time for next season.
A tough break for a young team, but the diamond will be there when it counts.
A Backpack They'll Love All Year
Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to be a battle. Give your kids a backpack they'll actually be excited to carry every day.
Sprayground backpacks combine bold designs, premium quality and smart storage to handle everything from the classroom to after-school activities. Built to last and made to stand out, they're designed for students who want to express their personality while staying organized. Start the school year with a backpack they'll be proud to wear.
✈️ WestJet and Flight Attendants Reach a Deal, Strike Over
What does the deal mean for flyers?
WestJet and the union representing its 4,400 flight attendants reached a tentative agreement early this morning, ending the strike and lockout that grounded dozens of flights over the weekend.
Both the union's strike notice and the airline's lockout notice have been withdrawn following talks in Calgary.
Terms of the deal have not been made public, and normal operations are expected to resume as flights get rebooked.
If you have a WestJet flight coming up, check your status before you head to the airport.
🚢 Indonesian Ferry Fire Kills Five, Dozens Missing
What happened aboard the Mutiara Sentosa 2?
A passenger ferry carrying 271 people caught fire off Indonesia's Madura island Sunday, with at least five people confirmed dead and 41 still unaccounted for.
Nearby vessels and the Indonesian Navy rescued 225 passengers and crew as flames spread through the ship.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Sending hope for good news on those still missing.
Own The Hallway This Year
Forget basic. The latest Sprayground collection brings together premium craftsmanship, bold artwork, and statement-making style in backpacks built for every school day. Whether you're walking the halls or heading across campus, carry something that stands out from the crowd.
YOUR TURN 💌
What does Edmonton need more of right now? Hit reply with one word or a full paragraph. I read every single one and it genuinely shapes what we chase next.
Think of our sponsors as silent partners in this newsletter. They show up every day so you do not have to pay a dime to read it. The least we can do is give them a moment of our attention. You will find them outside the purple frames.
Edmonton local Weather
Day ⬇5° lower than historical avg. Night ⬇2° lower than historical avg.
Edmonton Weather: Monday August 3
Skies clear out today with mostly sunny conditions and a high near 19C, a welcome break after the weekend's wind and rain. Overnight lows dip to near 10C under clear skies, so enjoy the dry stretch while it lasts, more unsettled weather returns midweek.
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Events Happening in Edmonton and Surrounding Areas
Monday, August 3
🌍 Edmonton Heritage Festival 🎟️ Details
🗓 Mon Aug 3 · ⏰ 10 a.m.–8 p.m. · 📍 William Hawrelak Park / Edmonton Exhibition Lands, 9330 Groat Rd NW
Festival finale with global food, dance, music, and culture.eventeny+1
🏀 FIBA 3x3 Hoop City 🎟️ Details
🗓 Mon Aug 3 · ⏰ Daytime · 📍 West Edmonton Mall Ice Palace
Final day to catch free international basketball.dailyhive+1
🌸 MuslimFest Edmonton 🎟️ Details
🗓 Mon Aug 3 · ⏰ 12–7 p.m. · 📍 Riverfront Park
Free celebration with performances, culture, food, and family activities.edmontonmama
🥣 Try Lawn Bowling at the Legislature 🎟️ Details
🗓 Mon Aug 3 · ⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m. · 📍 Royal Lawn Bowling Club
Social lawn bowling event that’s easy for beginners and families.edmontonmama
🍵 Chinatown Strong Roots Tea Workshop 🎟️ Details
🗓 Mon Aug 3 · ⏰ Daytime · 📍 Chinatown
Cultural tea workshop exploring Indigenous and Chinese traditions.edmonton
🥟 Dim Sum Workshop 🎟️ Details
🗓 Mon Aug 3 · ⏰ Daytime · 📍 Chinatown
Hands-on food workshop focused on dim sum.edmonton
🚣 River Otter Kayak Adventures 🎟️ Details
🗓 Mon Aug 3 · ⏰ Daytime · 📍 North Saskatchewan River
Outdoor river adventure for active readers.edmonton
Tuesday, August 4
🌍 Edmonton Heritage Festival (final day) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Tue Aug 4 · ⏰ 10 a.m.–8 p.m. · 📍 William Hawrelak Park / Edmonton Exhibition Lands, 9330 Groat Rd NW
Last day of the big multicultural festival with global food, dance, and music.eventeny+1
👧 Kids Summer Camp at Milner Library 🎟️ Details
🗓 Tue Aug 4 · ⏰ 9 a.m.–4 p.m. · 📍 Stanley A. Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Inclusive summer camp for kids 6–12 with sight loss; registration required.cnib
🎸 Corb Lund (and more) at Folk Fest 🎟️ Details
🗓 Tue Aug 4 · ⏰ Festival hours · 📍 Gallagher Park, 9505 96 Ave NW
Pre-festival or warm‑up vibes as Folk Fest sets up for Thu–Sun.cbc+1
Wednesday, August 5
🎤 Open Mic Comedy at Grindstone Theatre 🎟️ Details
🗓 Wed Aug 5 · ⏰ 10 p.m.–12 a.m. · 📍 Grindstone Theatre, 10019 81 Ave NW
Free stand‑up open mic with short sets from new and seasoned comics.showpass
🏒 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Canada vs. Sweden 🎟️ Details
🗓 Wed Aug 5 · ⏰ 5 p.m. · 📍 Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave NW
U18 international hockey with top NHL draft‑eligible prospects.spectaculos
🚶 Downtown Nightlife Walking Tour 🎟️ Details
🗓 Wed Aug 5 · ⏰ 7–8:30 p.m. · 📍 10124 104 St NW
Free tour revisiting historic queer bars and clubs in downtown Edmonton.edmonton.taproot
👧 Kids Summer Camp at Milner Library 🎟️ Details
🗓 Wed Aug 5 · ⏰ 9 a.m.–4 p.m. · 📍 Stanley A. Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Day two of the inclusive summer camp for kids 6–12 with sight loss.
THIS OR THAT 🗳️
Monday's pick: how are you spending the day?
Free international hoops on the final day of FIBA 3x3 Hoop City at West Edmonton Mall, or MuslimFest's food, culture and performances at Riverfront Park, both wrapping up today.
Hit reply and tell me which one you are picking, or if you are somehow doing both.