Some Free, or Moderately-Priced, Activities for Mother's Day in Edmonton, Alberta

Mothers do more than we can possibly imagine. Besides the cooking, cleaning, washing, and working, there's the worrying when you are late coming in, the provision of an understanding shoulder when your love-life goes wrong or you have lost your job. Mothers may also darn your socks, take your laundry to the dry-cleaners, or house-sit when you are away. So yes, do something for your mother on her special day; show her your appreciation.

If your mother likes tea or coffee then The Tin Box at 10508 - 82 Avenue is the place to visit for mugs and gift mug sets. Two modestly priced sets are "Serenity" and "Tranquility" at $14.95, while the "Pacifica," "Tymes," and "Rocky Mountain" gift sets sell for between $20.00 and $50.00 each. Handcrafted jewellery and house-hold items, such as lamps, mirrors, or knickknacks are also sold here at reasonable prices.

Le Gnome at West Edmonton Mall, (#1814, 8770 - 170 Street), specializes in kitchenware and kitchen articles. The bright, colourful store displays everything from can openers, ($17.00 to $32.00,) to melamine mixing bowls, ($40.00), to teapots, ($15.00 to $75.00.) In the case of a child's limited budget, Le Gnome offers cream and sugar sets for between $11.00 and $25.00.

If the day is nice, why not go for a family outing? Edmonton boasts one of the greatest park systems in the world. Following the North Saskatchewan River, Hawrelak Park, Buena Vista Park, and Laurier Park are inter-connected with trail connections leading to Emily Murphy and Kinesman Parks. Pets are not allowed in the park system. Picnics sites, though free, must be booked at (780) 496-4999.

A unique park in the city is Fort Edmonton Park at Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive. Showing the growth of Edmonton from the time of the 1846 fur-traders, through the 1920's railway era, to the more modern city, Fort Edmonton is composed of three streets. Costumed guides and "citizens" wander the old fur trading street, complete with the fur-trading post that was the hub of the early city. 1905 Street exhibits the growth of the new prairie capital, with citizens of the growing city ready to answer questions. Finally, there is the 1920's street showing the progress of the young city out of the gaslight years into the nucleus of the metropolis of today. Throughout the display there are activities and sites for everyone. Entrance fees are $5.00 for children six to twelve, $7.25 for youth and seniors, and $9.25 for adults.

If the weather does not permit outdoor activities, why not give Mum a day at the spa? Edmonton offers many choice spas, but two offering reasonably priced Mother's Day packages are Spasation and A Matter of Body Works. Spasation, which has branches throughout the city, suggests one of three plans: the Revive for $75.00 consisting of aroma therapy, steam treatment, and massage; the Just for You package, ($130.00), comprising a pedicure, manicure, and a hot paraffin treatment, and; Spring at the Spa, ($160.00), composed of aroma therapy, steam treatment, a thirty-minute massage, and a pear or green apple scrub. These scents may be changed if the customer desires.

A Matter of Body Works Spa, located at Centre 104, 5241 Calgary Trail, reduces the price of their regular packages by 10 to 15 percent for Mother's Day. This spa caters to those with foot problems or complaints, such as diabetics, and takes great care to ensure that all metal instruments used in their procedures have been through four levels of cleaning. In addition, the staff is composed of trained professionals. The regular manicure package is $32.00, and a pedicure is priced at $60.00. For Mother's Day, the spa serves fruit and sparkling drinks or a light lunch to its clientele.

Another choice for a Mother's Day activity is the Royal Alberta Museum. This large museum, found at 12845 - 102^nd Avenue, is home to a large number of differing displays, films, galleries, and lecture series. The museum is open 9:00 to 5:00 each day, but on Saturdays and Sundays between 9:00 and 11:00, patrons may enter for half price. Regular admission prices are: adults, $10.00; students, $7.00; youth, $5.00; seniors, (65 and over,) $8.00, and children under six are free. The family rate is $28.00.

The theatre scene is very important in Edmonton, and for Mother's Day the Citadel Theatre, (9828 - 101A Avenue,) is presenting "The Wizard of Oz." Though tickets for the theatre may be a bit expensive for the younger set, maybe Dad can help. Adult Sunday evening tickets are $80.00, while student, (5 and up,) and seniors' tickets are $70.00. Matinees are $5.00 more for each category. Tickets can be ordered from the Citadel Theatre box office, (780-425-1820 or 1-888-425-1820.)

It's not nice to expect Mum to cook on Mother's Day, so take her out either for brunch or for dinner. The Blue Plate Diner at 10145 - 104 Street has a very broad menu, and is a great place for kids. The brunch menu tends toward breakfast fare, such as pancakes, French toast, but also serves tofu dishes and is aware of vegetarian and gluten-free needs. The dinner menu is wide-ranging from Indian food to burgers, sandwiches and fries. Once again, there is a wide choice for children. Prices range from $10.00 to about $13.00 for an adult brunch, while children may eat for $6.50. The most expensive adult dinner item is $18.00; nine dollars for children.

If buffet or piazza is more the family's style then the Buffet Royale or Zambelli's Prime Rib Steak and Pizza are available. There are two Buffet Royales in Edmonton at 3318 Gateway Boulevard and 12866 Fort Road. The charge for children 0-4 years of age is $2.99 and from 5-12, $6.99. The adult's week-end brunch is $14.99, while lunch is $10.99 and dinner is $16.99.

Zambelli's Prime Rib Streak and Pizza is a friendly restaurant with a home-style menu. With its two locations at 17925 Stony Plain Road in Edmonton and 6210 - 50^th Street in Leduc, Zambelli's offers a comprehensive menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. Prices for both lunch and dinner are moderate, with the most expensive item being the 12 ounce New York Steak sandwich served at lunch for $18.50.

There are many activities in Edmonton for Mother's Day. Take Mum and the family to one of them.