Author Archives: Stephanie Chai

Blink: The ImMACulate Garden Party

Posted on by
Reply

On August 24, 2014 we lucked out with a beautiful day at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Garden in downtown Edmonton. Thanks to the Mac and to everyone who came out to enjoy this underutilized downtown gem and to Visual Index Photography for the sweet photos!

In addition to the spectacular river valley view and delicious culinary treats from the Mac.

Folks played some classic garden games (bocce ball, lawn bowling, and croquet).

Guests learned about the historical (and modern) curiosities of the hotel and enjoyed the warm sun on the terrace.

The afternoon also featured local art from Lori Frank with delightful musical ambiance from Harpist Keri Lynn Zwicker.

Embedded image permalink

Winner  walked home with a snazzy door prize of a collective art canvas from our attendees of the afternoon (materials discounted from the Paint Spot)! 

Smudge

A lovely afternoon in the sun raising over $500 for Smudge and our furry friends at the Edmonton Humane Society. Heads up – Smudge is turning 7! Celebrate our friendly canine ambassador’s birthday in style on November 29, 2014.

What next? Don’t Blink – you might just miss us!

The ImMACulate Garden Party: Great Expectations

Posted on by
Reply

The weekend is here. We can’t believe the ImMACulate Garden Party is tomorrow! A few things you need to know and what to expect.

WHAT: Blink: The ImMACulate Garden Party!
WHERE: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Gardens 10065 100 Street
WHEN: Sunday, August 24, 2014 from 2-5pm

Rain or Shine

We are hopeful for a sunny feels like 20 degrees tomorrow afternoon. But in case you are wondering, this event will happen rain or shine. An immaculate indoor contingency space (doesn’t roll of the tongue like a garden party) is secured in case of emergency.

Tickets

Tickets will be available on eventbrite until noon on Sunday, August 24. Please purchase your tickets in advance as there will be no tickets at the door (note: if you arrive at the door to donate $100 cash to the Edmonton Humane Society without a ticket – we will not turn you away from the party). Please note, you do will NOT need to print your tickets in advance.

Road Closures

Heads up. Roads will be closed Sunday, August 24 on

  • Jasper Avenue, from 100 Street to 108 Street
  • 108 Street, from Jasper Ave to 102 Ave
  • 102 Avenue, from 108 Street to 118 Street

until 3pm for the 2014 Edmonton Marathon. Please plan accordingly. Sending a friendly garden wave and best of luck to our runners!

Getting There

Walking and Transit are readily available to the Mac. Valet and self parking are available on site for a fee.

What Else to Expect?

Adding to the ambience will be river valley paintings from visual artist mixed media Lori Frank in an exclusive one-afternoon exhibit in the gardens. Lori’s Edmonton River Valley Gallery was part of The Works Art and Design Festival with originals, canvas giclee prints and smaller digital prints.

Background with blank canvas on wooden table

Be inspired by the view, Lori’s impressive work, and collaborate your creative side with other garden partiers on a collective canvas with pastels. We invite you to pick up a pastel and contribute! The supplies supported by the Paint Spot. The final canvas piece will be a unique momento as one of the fantastic door prizes.

Hotel MacDonald

Pick up a scavenger hunt questionnaire on your way in and learn about the gardens. For example, did you know herbs growing in the gardens are used in your Fairmont culinary treats? Answer 8 or 10 questions and qualify for a door prize!

Games on the Green will include Bocce ball, lawn bowling, and croquet. Rules will be available onsite. See our games post here.

Dress weather appropriate and come in your garden best (we’re recommending pastels, linens, whites). See you Sunday!

Top 5 Reasons to Attend

Posted on by
Reply

Been wanting to check out the patio at the Fairmont? Now’s your chance – and to do it in proper style! With less than a couple weeks to go, here are top 5 reasons this event should not be missed:

1) The View

Edmonton’s river valley is our crowned jewel. Enjoy its splendors over a fashioned cocktail or a cheeky conversation on one of the best patio’s in town.

2) The Food

Edmonton Restaurants: Downtown Edmonton Fine Dining at Fairmont

Chorizo sliders, duck confit tacos and mini maple crème brulee are just some of the tasty delights to sample on the terrace. If you haven’t tried the Mac’s culinary treats before, this is a great opportunity to try a wide variety of their well-known cuisine. See our full menu post here.

3) The History

The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is a prized architectural structures of our city, but was once at risk of demolition as recently as the 1980’s.  Don’t miss this chance to join one of 3 tours happening throughout the afternoon and learn about a part of our heritage.

4) The Cause

For Smudge – and his friends at the Edmonton Humane Society. Proceeds from this community building event will support the amazing things this organization does. Check out our post here.

5) The Ambiance

This party is a chance to appreciate one of the most beautiful underutilized spaces in the core of our city. Whether musing to the classic harp strings or playing a round of croquet with your mates, the elegant nature of this event invites an afternoon filled with sunshine and smiles.

Join us August 24th in your Sunday garden best from 2-5pm. Don’t forget to pick up your advanced tickets here, as there will be no tickets at the door.

For media details, please review the press release: ImMACulate-Garden-Party-Engages-Community-Raises-Funds-August-24.pdf.