By Therese Greenwood

There is something mythic about the city called Fort McMurray.

The stories make it sound like the Emerald City in the land of Oz. Streets are paved with gold, people come and go in a flash, and there are challenges for which you need brains, heart, and courage. There is even a fancy bridge with an arch that lights up in rainbow colours…and a rainbow crosswalk, too.

THIS WEEKEND

Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre -  Chris Leblanc (FRI/SAT)
Paddy McSwiggins - Mychela & Dan Gillies (FRI/SAT)
Blackhorse Pub - Jesse Peters (FRI/SAT)
Short Change Pub - JF Roy (SAT)
57 North - Dan Tulk (FRI/SAT)

COMING SOON

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It's a new year and a new season of trivia at Paddy McSwiggins - come down at 7:30 every Tuesday with your team to start earning points. This season will last eight weeks and our special themed round will focus on Pop Culture and Trending Topics from 2021!

Really cool of Avenue Eatery & Cafe sticking up for the Moms who have to roll with another week of kids so they're offering 50% off all wines for moms and $4 Mimosas, Caesars and Bailey's coffees from 9 am - 2 pm until January 10th. 

FreshCo. is getting close to opening their Fort McMurray location - they will be holding a Job Fair on January 11th and 12th.

Happy release week to M'Guphynn Media as Miles Behind: A Spider-man fan Film is now streaming on their YouTube page! I can't wait to check it out this week! 

Lots of buzz around newly formed local band whenaprilmetjuly - they will be playing their first show at Tavern On Main on February 4th! 3 Fat Daddies will also be on the bill! 

I've been mentioning Prestige Jewellers a lot - but they deserve every mention as they have been INCREDIBLE for the community the last few years. They are partnering up with Jomaa's Pizza for the "no one goes hungry" campaign. If you can't afford a meal, head down to Jomaa's and Prestige will pick up the bill. 

Rehearsals have resumed for Keyano Theatre Company's presentation of Mary Poppins! We had some fantastic singing rehearsals in December with Hilary Hornberger and had our first dance rehearsal with Alexandra Durocher last weekend! Tickets are on sale now - the show opens in February! 

Speaking of theatre - I've signed up for my audition with Swamp Rat Experience for the hilarious farce "Suite Surrender". We did a backyard script reading last winter and it was the hardest I had laughed in a while. If you want to be a part of this show, sign up to audition today! 

It was a strange year for YMM Food Festival but we're proud to announce the winners of the Taste of YMM Eats! Congrats to Jack's BBQ Express for Best Creative, Original Joe's for Best Savory for the Pacific Rim Noodle, Paddy McSwiggins for Best Sweet for Stuffed Carrot Cake, and Surekha's on the Snye for winning Best Overall and Best Customer Experience!

Speaking of the stuffed carrot cake - what a way to go out for Chad Wilson who is hanging up the Chef's hat after 27 years and relocating down to my old stomping grounds of Leduc! Chad has created an incredible legacy here in the Mac and hopefully it will live on with some of his amazing menu creations! We'll miss ya Chad!! 

I hope everyone had an amazing break, and here's to keeping positive and pushing forward with love and compassion in the new year!

Tell me YOUR good news.  Email me at mike@balsom.ca

How do you celebrate New Years?