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.



The Union Pacific Caboose Cabin - Legend & Luxury

Union Pacific

If you have been to the campground you might have noticed an old red caboose sitting on its own set of tracks next to the shower building. This early 1920's caboose was moved to Aspen Crossing all the way from Salt Lake City. This authentic Union Pacific caboose will serve as another cabin along with its sister, the stunning Canadian Pacific caboose cabin.

Union Pacific - before construction 

Currently the Union Pacific Railroad is the largest railroad network in the United States. It has more than 44,000 employees, more than 8,000 locomotives, and runs on 31,900 route-miles in 23 states west of Chicago and New Orleans. For more history on the Union Pacific go to www.up.com.

The Caboose Legend

Sandblasted

A peculiar word for a unique railroad car that’s been around for more than a hundred years- from the days of oil burning lamps right into the age of computers. The origins of the caboose and the name “caboose” are surrounded as much by legend as by fact. One idea dates the word back to a derivation of the Dutch word "kombuis," which referred to a ship's galley.

According to the Union Pacific,
"The caboose served several functions, one of which was as an office for the conductor. A printed "waybill" followed every freight car from its origin to destination, and the conductor kept the paperwork in the caboose.

Painted back to original colours

The caboose also carried a brakeman and a flagman. In the days before automatic air brakes, the engineer signaled the caboose with his whistle when he wanted to slow down or stop. The brakeman then would climb out and make his way forward, twisting the brakewheels atop the cars with a stout club. Another brakeman riding the engine would work his way toward the rear. Once the train was stopped, the flagman would descend from the caboose and walk back to a safe distance with lanterns, flags and other warning devices to stop any approaching trains.

Once under way, the trainmen would sit up in the cupola and watch for smoke or other signs of trouble from overheated wheel journals (called hotboxes)

It was common for railroads to assign a caboose to a conductor for his exclusive use. Conductors took great pride in their cars, despite the caboose's many derogatory nicknames, including crummy, doghouse, bone-breaker, snake wagon and hearse." - www.up.com

Authentic logo being added

But as you may know the caboose was much more, it was a home-away-from-home for railway men. They decorated the caboose with many homey touches, from family photos to beautiful curtains.

Interior of the Canadian Pacific Caboose Cabin

Now that the exterior of the Union Pacific caboose cabin is complete, we have begun to work on creating a marvelous and cozy interior. By June this second restored caboose will serve as a home-away-from-home for up to 4 people. It will be equipped with luxurious amenities, however featuring remarkable pieces of railway and Union Pacific history.



For more information on Aspen Crossing or for bookings go to www.aspencrossing.com or call 1(866)440-3500.

The 2nd annual Lane of Lights was a great success!

On February 2, Aspen Crossing and other Lane of Lights participants took down their light displays and celebrated a successful year of the Christmas light display in the Aspen Crossing Campground.

This year’s Lane of Lights was a great success and pivotal in creating interest for this year. Not only did we get over double the amount of visitors, but we also had many inquires on how to get involved next year!

The Lane of Lights opened November 17, 2012 and wrapped up New Years Eve. This free Christmas light display was open to the public and featured local businesses from Vulcan, Mossleigh, Carseland, High River, Chestermere and Strathmore.

The only expense to participators was the creation of their displays and it is a fantastic way that we can all get together to express our Christmas spirit... while advertising at the same time!

On Fridays and Saturdays businesses also volunteered in the gingerbread house, created from a campground group shelter, to hand out free hot chocolate and collect food bank donations from visitors

The gingerbread house was very well received. Between the Aspen Crossing dinner theatre and the Lane of Lights we raised over $2652 for our local food banks.

Aspen Crossing would like to sincerely thank the following businesses. The 2012 Lane of Lights would not have been possible without them.

Carseland Fire Department - Awarded with the Most Community Spirit

Heartland Group - Awarded with the Visitor’s Favourite Display

Sunshine Gas - Awarded with the Most Creative Display

AM 1060 

Carseland School 

The Anchor Weekly 

Fehr Construction 

High River Autoplex & RV 

Ian Donovan 

Market Street Vulcan 

Mossleigh Bar 'n Grill 

Strathmore Times 

Vulcan Trek Station 

United Auto Refinishing 

Vulcan Business Development 

Vulcan Chamber of Commerce

If you are interested in becoming involved in the 2013 Lane of Lights or would like more information you can contact Leslie Benner at 1(403)534-2129, info@aspencrossing.com or visit www.aspencrossing.com. The 2013 signup deadline is October 11, 2013. 

Patrick's Story - Sir William Whyte (1843-1914)

On October 19 Patrick Vokes visits the dining car at Aspen Crossing after hearing from a friend that his great grandfather was mentioned in our history. This is Patrick’s Story...

Sir William Whyte was the front man for Canadian Pacific Railway during the time of Van Horne and Shaughnessy. Whyte would travel to towns and would negotiate building the railway through that area. Some of the more famous projects were the High Level bridge in Edmonton and the High Level bridge in Lethbridge. Sir William Whyte also negotiated the first labour contract.

Among Aspen Crossing’s historic literature Sir William received a letter from David Hysop about creating CPR gardens to help settle the west. Sir William would have been responsible for implementing the gardens.

Sir William Whyte had many achievements throughout his life including having a Mountain near Lake Louise named after him. He was also knighted in 1911 for his work with the settlement of Canada. Upon Sir William’s death in 1914 all trains stopped for 3 minutes in his honour.

We at Aspen Crossing would like to sincerely thank Patrick for telling us this remarkable story about his great grandfather. If you have a story or incredible Aspen Crossing experience you would like to share you can email us at info@aspencrossing.com or call at 1(866)440-3500.

For more information about Aspen Crossing or to make reservations call 1(866)440-3500 or go to www.aspencrossing.com.

Loco Motive - What people are saying about this 'nail biting' dinner theatre

"Hold on as Wayne Hvingelby's thriller "Loco Motive" takes you on an unforgettable and emotional ride!"  -Donna Biggar

The Thickening Plot

Wealthy industrialist, Benedict Malarbor married Gwendolyn in 1927. Together, they had two daughters, Judith and Abby.  The Malarbor family lived contently in their manor estate in Lethbridge, also taking care of Benedict's ailing aunt, Lilith.  But, five years into the marriage, a child of Benedict's from a previous relationship came into their lives.  Five years older than the sisters, Michael had difficulties fitting into the family.  Then, things got increasingly complex a few years later when dead animals started to show up in Michael's bed without explanation.  All suspicion reared upon Michael.  Then one final tragedy.  And Benedict had no choice but to send Michael to the Brathwaite Mental Hospital in Calgary, Alberta.  

Twenty years have passed and Benedict Malarbor has been found dead in horrible vehicle accident close to their estate.  The bereaved family has been summoned to Mossleigh to meet with Benedict's Calgary based lawyer, Ron Finkle, for the reading of the will.  Little are they aware that an unexpected guest has been invited as well.  

The Malarbor family has many secrets.  Dead animals.  A murdered aunt.  A fifteen year old boy lost in a pool of madness.  Twenty years pass and with the recent death of the father, focus turns to the will.  This will be one family reunion you will not be able to forget.  All aboard.  Next stop:  intense insanity in "Loco Motive".

Wayne Hvingelby

What People Are Saying About Hvingelby's "Loco Motive"

 "My first experience at Aspen Crossing's Dinner Theatre was memorable. Loco Motive has laughs and some good twists in the story. Great job by local playwright Wayne Hvingleby. The cod dinner and service were superb. Wonderful intimate environment and you get to meet new people. Love it and will be returning." -Marcy Field

"It was all excellent!!! The acting, the food and the timing of it all... perfect! Wonderful evening out." -Barb

Please, write your own review below in the comment section. 

If you've never been to an Aspen Crossing Theatre, watch our video of our first play of the season "The Perils Of Pauline" to get a peek of our dinner theatre experience.

As always, if you enjoyed this article share it with your friends!
For Dinner Theatre tickets and dates call 1(866)440-3500 or go to www.aspencrossing.com.

The New Caboose

On September 24th, 2012 Aspen Crossing moved a caboose from the now closed Ogden Legion in Calgary, Alberta. This video highlights some of the history, the move and the future plans for this caboose.