Banana Lily

These day lilies bloom a little later than the previous pink ones and are particularly large and spectacular this year. I must go to bed...so this one is a bit of a filler.

Northlands Park

Northlands is a nonprofit, community driven organization overseen by a combination of approximately 30, either elected or appointed, board members - none of whom receive renumeration. Initially formed to showcase an agricultural theme, the organization now hosts numerous trade, craft and art shows, entertainment and sporting events, rodeo, racing and gaming and the Capital-Exhibition. Northlands generates over 300 million in revenue and is a major employer in Edmonton, however much of the success is due to a large dedicated, as well as, fluctuating group of volunteers working on all levels of the organization.





This view taken from the ferris wheel at Northlands' Capital-Ex fairgrounds looks southwest across the Race Track to city centre (left) and Clarke Stadium (right).

Lilies

We are a city of gardeners - perhaps because we crave a little colour after several months of cool, crisp whiteness. Prolific and avid gardeners are nominated by Canada Postal Carriers and receive an award of recognition. However, I will not be a recipient in spite of these lovely, perennial, pastel, pink lilies' efforts to reach out for the sun in my overgrown yard.

Giant Flower

The MegaDrop: a giant flower with human petals towers above the other rides at Edmonton's Capital-Ex.

Capital-Ex

A ferris wheel is seen through the brain rattling circular track of the Fireball. Empty your pockets and your stomach.

Klondike Mike

Edmonton has held a mid summer festival of one form or another since 1879. In 1962 the 10 day fair held in the latter weeks of July was officially dubbed Klondike Days. Period costumes, sourdough raft races, beard growing contests, gold panning and numerous other Klondike era themes were adopted by by Edmonton's citizens, as was the mascot Klondike Mike. In 2006 , with dwindling participation and decreasing attendance it was felt that the theme had run its course and Capital-Ex was born. Klondike Mike retains his place of honour welcoming attendees to the murky silt and gold ladden stream where they can use their gold panning skills.

Arlington Apartments

The Arlington Apartments located a few blocks from the city core was the first apartment building built in Edmonton. Constructed in 1909 the 49 suite, 5 story building was a favourite with downtown professionals and artists until the 1970's. Its desirability diminished in later years as the area became popular with prostitutes. The Arlington survived a fire in 1990 but then suffered permanent damage in 2005. The building has been designated both a provincial and a municipal historic resource, and thus, the city has demanded that the original facade be used in any reconstruction. In 2007 an agreement was reached, however by 2008 the architect deemed that the plan was no longer feasible. Today, the Arlington stands, as is depicted, awaiting a resolution to the difficult problem and serving as home to hundreds of pigeons.