10 Years of Celebrating our Railway Ties!

Aspen Crossing opened its doors May 1st, 2004, with one greenhouse attached to a replica of a CPR Train Station, a Caboose and 3 staff members.  The owner, Jason Thornhill, chose the train theme for his retail business, partly for his love for trains and also for the connection between CPR and horticulture.

History states CPR created beautiful gardens at some of their Railway Stations to show that the soil was fertile and to entice settlers to this new civilized country. In doing so many CPR agents became horticulturists and CPR greenhouses and research centers became a part of railway history.

By 2006 Aspen Crossing added another Greenhouse, a museum and a very unique gift store. We moved forward and chose our mission, “To provide the ultimate quality of product to our customers, using superior assistance, while preserving history of the railway, agriculture, and gardening. “

Aspen Crossing, in the last 10 years, has successfully grown and expanded into a rural destination. The business had to build and grow a unique shopping experience in a community of only 65 people, in an area that most had never heard of, or had any idea where it was located, and then convince these customers it was worth the drive.

One of Aspen Crossings best finds, and fitting to the theme, was an 1887 Pullman dining car.  This treasure was once John Diefenbaker’s business car and also the famous Sidetrack Cafe in Edmonton. It now serves as a place for a great home cooked meal and in the evening people can enjoy the fine dining that the cars elite cliental from the past enjoyed. Finding it challenging to bring people out to the dining car during the winter, Aspen Crossing put together a one of a kind train themed dinner theatre. The theatre was such a hit, Aspen Crossing decided to do an entire season starting in fall 2010. The six dinner theatre productions not only sold out, but encore productions were necessary to meet the high demands. The dinner theatre will begin again for its 5th season in the fall 2014.

In the summer of 2010, Aspen Crossing completed the 85 site campground. The campground includes a shower house, laundry, convenience store in the venue of another replica railway station.  We’ve also converted Cabooses into luxury cabins, which include a full size bed, kitchenette, living area, bathroom, fire place and a private deck & outdoor fire pit.

Looking back on our 10 years we’ve not only accomplished an immeasurable amount of growth, but have also been greatly recognized for it. In 2011 we were honored to receive SouthGrow’s ‘Growth and Expansion Award’ as well as the ‘Alberta Growing Rural Tourism Award’. Aspen Crossing has been featured in may magazines, newspapers, on Dragon's Den, Shaw TV, the Prairie Farm Report and CBC Radio. In 2013 our team also received ‘Marketing of the Year’ and ‘Excellence in Diversification’ from Vulcan Business Development.

It’s been quite a fascinating ride, which could not have been possible without all our amazing customers. Thank you for being part of our business and we hope that you take part in our next 10 year journey!  - Donna Biggar

We invite you to join us in celebrating 10 years of our business on Saturday May 3rd!! 

2:00PM ~ Wine & Cheese
3:00PM ~ Presentation

RSVP on Facebook!

For more information about Aspen Crossing visit www.aspencrossing.com or call 1(866)440-3500.

Royalty Rides The Railroad

- by  P. Gail Whiteford

Once the railway spanned Canada, it was easy for the monarchy to visit right across Canada, including many small towns.  That way, the royals could see Canada, and the population could see the visiting royalty.  But, the actual trips took up to a year to organize.

One of the most famous visits across Canada was that of the Prince of Wales, who became Edward VIII, in the late 1800’s, but it was the Royal Visit of 1901 that set the pattern for royal visits even through to today.

When Prince George and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, later King George V and Queen Mary, visited Canada in 1901, they went across the whole country from Quebec City, where they landed on 16 September 1901, to Victoria, and then back again.  They left Canada in October of 1901.

The Royal party consisted of two sections.  The first, a pilot train, travelled about ½ hour in advance of the Royal Train.  This was not only for security but to protect the Royal Train from any problems on the track or with the crowds who flocked to see them.  Every foot of track was patrolled by track-workers, RCMP and local police.  Each stop on the way was examined and diagrams of the station buildings and surrounding areas were closely checked.  Security checks were carried out on anyone who would come in contact with the Royal visitors.

A year before their visit, an envoy was sent to review each stop along the route and to check security.  As well, the Canadian Pacific Railway built the Royal Train especially for the visit.  There were three cars with bedrooms, parlors and bathrooms just for the royals, as well as cars for their staff.  There was even a medical car, in case of any emergencies.  The cars were connected by telephones a marvel at the time.

The day coach “Cornwall” and the night coach “York” were specifically for the use of the royals.  The two coaches were mahogany exterior and fully electric with lights.  The Cornwall was the last coach, with an observation deck, so that their Royal Highnesses could have an uninterrupted view of Canada, and also be seen easily by the public.  The Cornwall had a Reception Room, Bedroom, Dining room and Kitchen, all decorated in walnut and enhanced with antique gold and blue trim, in the style of Louis XV.  There was even a piano in the Reception Room.  Paintings and the coats of arms of the Royal couple adorned the walls, and the ceilings had latticework to provide ventilation. The dining room was green and gold, with all furniture in velvet with gold trim.

A day car, “Canada” and a sleeping car “Australia” were specifically for the use of other dignitaries including the Prime Minister, Governor General, and other family members, while “Sandrinham”, a dining car, and “India”, a sleeping car were for their staff.  “South Africa” was the car for the press and others invited on the journey.  As well, there were two cars for luggage and another for accommodation of the railway employees.

The train travelled to Alberta (then the Northwest Territory) and stopped in Laggan, where the Royal couple admired the evergreen decorations of the station.  While travelling through the Fraser Canyon, they and several of their staff rode on the cow catcher on the first engine.  While the Royal couple enjoyed their trip through the Northwest Territory, they commented on the weather.  When they were in Calgary, they experienced terrible heat in the morning, followed by an afternoon hailstorm, a cold wind and a fall of over 50 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature.  The Royals returned to England with praise for Canada and their loyal subjects.

Royalty Rides the Rails, the first show of Aspen Crossing Theatre, takes its story from this visit.  It explores the nefarious goings-on during the Security Visit a year before The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrive in Canada.  With the disdainful Sir Snively Sicophant-Smythe in charge of the visit, and a famous outlaw close-by, only dastardly deeds can be the outcome.  A murder mystery, the show allows the audience to enjoy a 3 course served dinner, and then decide who dunnit. For more information on the Aspen Crossing dinner theatre or tickets visit http://www.aspencrossing.com/#!dinner-theatre/c1m5v.

The first annual Southern Alberta Music Festival ROCKED!

"Great job Jason! You and your staff and all the volunteers did a great job. It was a fantastic event, can't wait for next year. We are so lucky to have businesses in this county that are willing to give us great events in our own backyard." - Linda Love

"Great campsite, awesome weekend, great show, looking forward to next year." - Bill Szabon

"Great first annual Southern Alberta Music Festival!! Great venue, organization & performers. Job well done" - Charlotte Watson

"On Saturday August 24, 2013, over 400 people enjoyed an entire day of Southern Alberta’s hottest live music at Aspen Crossing. This first annual music festival set out to celebrate southern Alberta music. The 13 talented artists and bands were from all over southern Alberta, from Medicine Hat to Langdon, from High River to Standard, and even right here in our own backyard in Vulcan. Of course we could not have put this all together without help. We would like to give a huge thanks to all our event partners, media sponsors, volunteers and musicians."
- Larry Vannatta, Musician from Milo, AB
- Jason Thornhill, Aspen Crossing

We would like to thank all the artists and their bands:

• Tanya Ryan
• Eva Levesque and Long Haul
• Robert Larrabee
• Over The Moon
• Drew Gregory
• Steve Coffey and the Lokels
• Larry Vannatta
• Lyndsay Butler
• B.B. Jaru
• Melinda Bailey
• Tin & The Toad
• Free Beer Band
• High Steppin' Daddy

volunteers:

• Arrowwood Ag Society
• Arrowwood 4-H Beef Club
• Mossleigh Lions
• Calgary Stampede
• Cindy & Mike Schappert
• Curt Emde
• Jonathan Lomenda
• Gordon Wainwright
• Katie Walker 

and sponsors:

• Mountain View Credit Union
• Vulcan Auto Truck Stop
• Louis Dreyfus Commodities
• UFA
• Strathmore Times
• AM 1060
• Golden West
• The Anchor Weekly

Thank you all for participated in this first annual event. We had over 400 people in attendance throughout the day and raised $4,370 for local charities including the Town of High River Disaster Relief Fund. Thank you to all those who came out and we hope to see you next year on August 23, 2014!

Train Days

Story and photos by Glen Brosinky.

www.aspencrossing.com

A train without a caboose...unthinkable.  It’s like a car without doors, a boat without a propeller.  Yes, I come from an age of riding with the conductor in a train caboose, so whenever I see a train it brings back fond memories, but alas the train is never complete as the caboose is now gone.  A train caboose, a van, a crummy, really a mobile office……a whole variety of names for the conductor’s business car that traditionally rode on the tail-end of almost all freight trains.  No longer though – times and technology have changed.  Aspen Crossing has cabooses!  Whoohooo!  But, Aspen Crossing has so much more, especially on Father’s Day.  Not only do they have a tree farm, nursery, an incomparable train dining car, a petting zoo, a fishing pond, a campground, but they have trains galore.  On this special day, they have trains!  Lots of trains, all sizes!  And more, for everyone.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, this nostalgic note is about the sheer enjoyment of spending Father’s Day at Aspen Crossing, whether you bring your family for a couple hours or for the whole weekend as we do. What boys (and some girls I know) haven’t had affection for trains at some point?  For me, the affection for trains never left.

Last year, we camped at the Aspen Crossing RV campground on the Father’s Day weekend and had a whopper of a good time.  The campground was full, attesting to the popularity of the location just outside Calgary, although we spent little time actually camping since there is so much more to take in throughout the property.  Accordingly, Aspen Crossing’s theme for Father’s Day is always…..trains….railway (railroad in US parlance).  On Father’s Day, the great staff at Aspen Crossing make a special effort, with miniature train rides including all the bells, whistles and noises in their parking lot. Large garden-scale (G-Scale) model trains that run, toot, ring, and just plain amaze the kids, not to mention the kids within us adults.
Each year, their displays and activities grow.

Aspen Crossing also presents a  humdinger of a breakfast
honoring Dads  that is cooked from scratch by staff and volunteers, an incredible brunch in the dining car (reservations are necessary or you’ll be on the outside, looking in….wishing!)  But don’t forget Mom….there is an incredible greenhouse full of flowers too. Back in the campground, there are authentic cabooses (is the plural cabeese?) to see and touch, and other railway rolling stock….it’s impossible to not be amazed. Remember, that the cabooses are reservable for overnight
accommodation too as Jason has finished them inside and out to exceptional standards.  In the evening, there are fireworks.

In our family, Father’s Day at Aspen Crossing has now become tradition, with our boys and friends also joining us.  The real enjoyment of being here comes from watching the kids eye’s absolutely light up at all the train action,…..riding them or watching them operate in one of the greenhouses.  I wish I could show you the photos I took just last year, of the totally enthralled children running alongside the scale models, or just watching the model trains go by,….again and again.  Absolutely priceless!   What a hearty and memorable weekend for everyone.  Do yourself and your family a favor…spend Father’s Day with us at Aspen Crossing….see you there.

For more information about Train Days visit www.aspencrossing.com.

The Southern Alberta Music Festival

Update: 
Portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Town of High River Disaster Relief Fund!

Get together with friends and family and enjoy an entire day of Southern Alberta’s hottest live music!

August 24, 2013. 11:00 am - Midnight.

Kick back and relax while you listen to a variety of country, blues and good old fashioned rock n’ roll. While at the music festival explore different vendors, relish a delicious meal from one of the concessions or unwind in the beer gardens.

“Wonderful setting with all the trains surrounding the festival area, 85 camping sites and a garden centre. Jason Thornhill from Aspen Crossing has been working very hard to set up this event. He is a great support of Southern Alberta Music, giving artist this opportunity to perform a one hour showcase with a professional festival atmosphere. We have hired a professional sound man complete with full production sound stage recording and lights.” - Larry Vannatta

General admission - $40
Reserved section - $59

Click here to buy your tickets now!

or call Aspen Crossing at 1(866)440-3500

Event Partners:

       

Meet The Artists:

Tanya Ryan
Okotoks, AB
Recently showcased on CMT’s new series Big in a Small Town, Tanya Ryan is a singer/songwriter and bass player, born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, now residing in Okotoks, Alberta.
www.tanyaryan.ca

Eva Levesque and Long Haul
Longview, AB
Eva Levesque is the winner of Alberta Country Group of the year 2011 with Traveling Mabel’s.
http://westernshowcase.com/wow-performers/2011bios/Longhaul.html

Robert Larrabee
Medicine Hat, AB
In 2012 Robert wrote a number of songs with noted Nashville song writer Jess Cates, who has written or co-written Billboard 100 hits for many artists. Robert also wrote three songs with Chad Cates, brother of Jess.
 The material, collectively, became Middle of Something, Robert’s accomplished and polished country album released in 2013. Middle of Something now available on iTunes and Amazon.  http://robertlarrabee.org/

Over The Moon
The acoustic folk duo "Over The Moon" is made up of Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell. Both Suzanne and Craig have spent their careers backing up other artists and continue to do so, but have recently felt the calling to venture out with their own musical ideas. These two create a sound true to their hearts for the pure joy of it. By drawing on a wide range of musical influences, they've come up with unique instrumental combinations and two part vocals that leaves them, and hopefully you, "Over The Moon".

Drew Gregory
Standard, AB
Kicking off into 2013, Drew was honored to be among many talented Alberta artists on the ballot for Male Artist at the ACMA banquet. There, it was announced that he had made the top five nominees.
www.drewgregorymusic.com

Steve Coffey and the Lokels
Nanton & Stavely, AB
Western Canadian Singer/Songwriter Steve Coffey & his band The Lokels (Russ Baker, Dave Bauer, Lance Loree & Ray McAndrew) have been writing, recording & performing for years. They have released 5 dynamic albums of original songs to date.
www.reverbnation.com/stevecoffeythelokels

Larry Vannatta
Milo, AB
Larry Vannattais a country-music recording artist and award-winning songwriter from Milo, Alberta, Canada. He is a two-time, Canadian Juno nominee and was awarded the songwriter of the year award by the European Country Music Association (ECMA) in 2011.
www.larryvannatta.com

Lyndsay Butler
High River, AB
She recently won the Ranchmans, Country 105, Lammles Rising Star contest in Calgary. She regularly sings the national anthem at Seaman Stadium in nearby Okotoks.
lyndsaybutler.com

B.B. Jaru
Calgary area
Playing a collection of original selections influenced by the Blues and written by seasoned musicians who share their experiences with intriguing lyrics, hard driving rhythms and sensitive melodies.
www.bbjaru.com
www.reverbnation.com/bbjaru/songs

Melinda Bailey
My Roots are small country Hamlet. Large is my desire to share my music. Writing is a strong aspect of my music, it’s how I express myself. I wish to learn everything I can about the music Industry and recording. Graduated from Harbourside Institute of Technology for audio Engineering in 2009. I live for music, and it’s apart of my everyday life. Singing is my passion in life, and I always have a tune playing in my head. “Just listen” the title of my song, will tell you apart of what I have to say to the world, and how I feel about music. All you got to do is “Just Listen”
http://www.youtube.com/whoiammusic

Tin & The Toad
Vulcan, AB
If you’ve ever driven south from Calgary through Vulcan and Champion to Lethbridge, then you are familiar with the music of Tin & The Toad. Their songwriting speaks of coulees and wildflowers, bourbon and trains in the distance… and they’ve quietly made names for themselves, honing their craft at jam nights and open stages throughout the south, and by playing with many of Southern Alberta’s most renown folk and country artists including Dave Mccann, Steve Coffey, and Steve Pineo.  Their debut album, “Roots to Ramble On”, is due out in the fall featuring a collection of original material from all band members and a raw, rich, and overtly Rural Albertan Sound.
tinandthetoad.com

Free Beer Band
The Free Beer Band were formed almost 40 years ago, when Arne Berger, (guitar and horn) Doug Broomfield, (bass and piano)and Larry McIntosh, (drums) along with other area musicians, (Blackie, Nanton, Stavely) began playing for parties, dances andyes, free beer.   They were joined in 2002 by George Blake, (pedal steel and guitar) veteran of several other local bands, and have enjoyed a long career of music and travel together.

They like to think of themselves as primarily a dance band, with many influences, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Ray Price, Tex-Mex music, and classic country and rock and roll.  Their sets are sprinkled with instrumentals as well as vocals, along with some original material. They all share vocal duties as well as harmonies, and have developed a solid following with their distinctive sound.  In short, a "good time dance band" with "music for all occasions.

High Steppin' Daddy
Based in Calgary, this group of high-energy musicians are always ready to ROCK. Whether they are touring with some of Canada’s premier country music artists or playing at your local dance hall, High Steppin’ Daddy always puts on a great show.  Their music includes New and Classic Country as well as a mix of Rock, R&B, Oldies, and whatever is required to keep your toe tappin’.
www.highsteppindaddy.com

Click here to buy your tickets now!

or call Aspen Crossing at 1(866)440-3500

In The Greenhouse

With Donna Biggar

More Verbena!

Verbena has always been a favourite to gardeners because of its hardiness to wind and its beautiful nonstop blooms. This year in the garden centre you’ll find new and hardier varieties like ‘Tamara Patio’ and ‘Tamara Trailing’.

Better Begonias!

People have always had to be careful with begonias, they are as fragile as they are beautiful. However, that’s all beginning to change. This year’s begonias are not only hardier and more sun resistant, but come in more vibrant colours than ever before. One of our favourite Begonia is the ‘Golden Picotee’.

New Petunias!

We love Petunias here in Alberta. They are a drought resistant and hardy annual for our sometimes unpredictable climate. So we are happy to introduce new petunias to our greenhouse including the marvellous cascading ‘Violet Skirt’ Petunia.

Patio Gardening

So good you could eat it...

Nothing makes a patio more calming than fresh fruit and vegetables or the enchanting scent of real herbs. Try adding small gardens or vegetables containers to your outdoor oasis. If you are looking for something relaxing and delicious try strawberry hanging baskets or herb containers full of mint and lavender. Always be careful that you are choosing your plants according to the amount of sunlight on your patio.

Just another room...

Patio furniture selection has definitely increased and they’re not only durable and comfortable but increasingly more trendy. Also, take advantage of adding decorative accents, water features, wall art, candles and other home decor concepts, making your patio a beautiful extension of your own home!

For More info about Aspen Crossing call 1(866)440-3500 or go to www.aspencrossing.com.

And don't forget about our Mother's Day Weekend - 2 for 1 Hanging Basket Sale!

The New Dinner Theatre Season!

This season’s shows include stories about the Prince of Wales, an old west Saloon and a Diefenbaker thriller! At Aspen Crossing’s railway themed dinner theatre you’re not watching a show, you’re part of an exciting time in history! With an intimate atmosphere, you play the important role of a passenger aboard an 1887 Pullman rail car or railway traveller situated in a train station.

To get a look behind the scenes of an Aspen Crossing dinner theatre watch this video of last season's "The Perils of Pauline."

 

Upcoming Shows

"ROYALTY RIDES THE RAILROAD"

... A murder mystery based in history.

​

September 14 at 6:00PM

Show & Buffet in the Greenhouse

$55

 

October 3, 4 & 5 at 6:00PM in the Dining Car

Weekday - $65

Weekend - $75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "WAR SONGS OF THE RAILS"

... A Remembrance Day musical matinee.

​

November 7 & 8 at 1:00PM in the Greenhouse

$55​

 An encore production of:



"TROOP TRAIN"

... A Remembrance Day drama.

​

November 7 & 8 at 6:00PM in the Dining Car

Weekday - $65

Weekend - $75

 "CHRISTMAS AT THE LUCKY CABOOSE"

... A Christmas comedy set in 1890.

​

November 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 & 30

December ​5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21

6:00PM in the Dining Car

With a matinee at 1:00PM on December 14

Weekday - $65

Weekend - $75



Perfect for Christmas parties!

 "PASSION ON THE PULLMAN"

... A love story of untamed rivalry.

​

2014 February 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 & March 1

at 6:00 PM in the Dining Car

Weekday - $65

Weekend - $75

 

Gift This!

 "DERAILING DIEFENBAKER"

... A historical thriller.

​

2014 March 13, 14 & 15 at 6:00 PM in the Dining Car

Weekday - $65

Weekend - $75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more details on our next dinner theatre season and our accommodation packages call 1(866)440-3500 or go to www.aspencrossing.com.