5 family-friendly things to do this weekend in Calgary

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Expo Latino; Friday, Aug. 5 to Sunday, Aug. 7. At Prince’s Island Park

The gates open Friday at 6:30 p.m. and for one night only the price of admission is a donation to the food bank. Once inside the grounds, you can catch a little salsa fever, as the festival opens with a celebration of the sultry dance.

The fun continues over the weekend with more music than you can shake your hips at. Naturally, there will also be plenty of good food and eye-catching art for sale.

Tickets are available at the gate or online. A weekend pass is $30 ($20 for seniors and youth). A single-day ticket is $20 ($10 for seniors and youth).

Annual Show and Reunion; Friday, Aug. 5 to Sunday, Aug. 7. At Pioneer Acres

A little road trip out to Irricana will take you back in time this weekend.

For its 47th annual show Pioneer Acres is once again rolling out the antique cars, trucks and farm equipment.

There will also be pancake breakfasts each day as well as tractor pulls, slow races and a trade fair.

Admission is $8 (those aged 6 – 12, $5; kids under 6 get in free). For more information and directions, check out the website.

Cochrane Classic Bull Riding; Saturday, Aug. 6. At Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park

The annual hoedown celebrates its 16th birthday the only way it knows: with 30 of the country’s top bull riders and at least as many angry bulls.

The fun also includes food trucks (try the beef) and a wrap-up dance.

James Jordan Vaudevillian; Saturday, Aug. 6, 12:30 p.m. At Lantern Church Sanctuary,
1401 10th Ave. S.E.

The title sells James Jordan somewhat short. In addition to being a vaudevillian, the local entertainer is a magician, comedian and a great emcee.

For his Fringe show, he contents himself with the roles of writer, director and performer and promises a solid variety show that will showcase his many talents in a single hour.

This one is aimed at kids five and older. Tickets are $14, and you must have a Fringe button ($5) to buy a ticket.

(If you’re reading this early, the show also runs Thursday, Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m.)

Bowness Park Mini-Train, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Admittedly, we are playing catch-up on this one, but as the object in question is a slow-moving kiddie train, we feel we are justified. The Bowness mini-train made a triumphant return to the tracks at the end of July.

The train and boat house are being run by the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre. It’s a happy confluence of options, meaning visitors can take a ride on the train then head out for a refreshing trip around the lake in a pedal boat, canoe or, for those looking for a little alone time, a kayak.

More details are here.