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

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.

The ImMACulate Garden Party will be filled with the sights, sounds and sports of a proper vintage affair. We have curated an afternoon of delights for the most well manicured gardens in Edmonton. We invite you to get dressed up in your garden best (e.g. pastels, linens, whites, or your classic summer style) and enjoy a sunny Sunday on August 24th.

The Sights

Did you know it will be the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald centennial celebration next July? Built in 1912 by the Grand Truck Pacific Railway and talks of demolition in the 1980s, the hotel has an intriguing history we welcome you to discover through the Macdonald Tours. There will be three tours offered throughout the afternoon with a glimpse into this architectural gem.

The Sounds

You will be engulfed by a classical ambiance well suited to the Mac Patio.

Photo from Baconhound (click to link!)

Keri Lynn Zwicker is the chameleon harpchick about Edmonton who will fill the air with the classic folk-inspired harp music. From Celtic to Classical, from Irish pub to the Winspear, Keri Lynn has a breadth of versatile experience with an ARCT in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory, and a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts from the University of Alberta. Her fantastic musical presence and Alberta-built carbon fibre harp are a treat to have on the patio. We are happy to welcome Keri Lynn to the ImMACulate Garden Party. We know you’ll enjoy the unique performance in this special setting.

The Sports

What would a garden party be without lawn games? Try your hand at these classic games:

Croquet: Try challenging some new friends to a round of croquet! Perhaps you have played once-upon-a-time or you may have never tried to get that colourful ball through the wicket before – here’s your chance to try your hand. Don’t worry if you’re concerned about skill, we hear the Sommelier’s Blend white sangria with fresh summer fruit is the drink of croquet champions.

Lawn Bowling: We know Edmontonians have a knack for curling, so why not try out curling’s warming, greener cousin? Combine bocce ball with curling rocks and a dash of summertime spirit and you’ve got a great lawnbowling game. We encourage you to test out the Garden green with this classic summer game.

Scavenger Hunt: Join the outdoor scavenger hunt and satisfy your curiosities with natural and historical highlights of the hotel sights. Winners qualify for a sweet door prize.

Enjoy the summer sunshine and learn about Edmonton’s heritage – complete with sights, sounds, and sports for your afternoon delight! Don’t forget to grab your advanced tickets here!

The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has many stories to tell and many unique features. We hope you will discover more of this Edmonton gem at the ImMACulate Garden Party on Sunday, August 24th from 2 to 5 pm.

We also are excited to introduce you to the Hotel Macdonald’s Canine Ambassador. Yes, you read that right.

Meet your co-host, Smudge:

In honour of our esteemed co-host, the ImMACulate Garden Party will be in part a fundraiser for the Edmonton Humane Society. Proceeds from this event will be support the important work they do for Edmonton’s furry friends with homes less snazzy than Smudge’s.

Without further ado, we cordially invite you to purchase your tickets here.

This week, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s patio was identified as one of the five must-visit Canadian patios by EnRoute Magazine.

Our August 24, 2014 ImMACulate Garden Party will give you a good excuse to explore the patio for yourself and to take in the grand view of Edmonton’s spectacular river valley on one of the final weekends this summer.

But what would a garden party be without a signature cocktail and nibbles? Chef Serge Jost and his talented team at the Hotel Macdonald have designed a menu that highlights fresh, seasonal flavours, and includes the tacos that found a following at the recent Taste of Edmonton.

• Mini BBQ chicken wrap
• Cherry tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil skewers
• Summer vegetable salad rolls
• Chorizo sliders with lime aioli on brioche buns
• Cherry-glazed duck confit tacos with Asian slaw
• Compressed watermelon with goat cheese
• Seafood ceviche with lime zest
• Mango and raspberry panna cotta
• Mini maple crème brulee spoons

And in addition to their extensive bar menu, attendees will be welcomed with a Sommelier’s Blend white sangria with fresh summer fruit.

I can taste it already. Tickets will be on sale later this week – stay tuned.

The team behind last year’s Blink: Parkade Party cordially invite you to the ImMACulate Garden Party, a sophisticated celebration of summer at one of the most enchanting locales in Edmonton: the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.

Expect nibbles, signature cocktails, entertainment and activities that will help you explore the terrace and learn more about the hotel.

And did we mention the view?

Tickets and more details will be released next week.