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What to do this weekend: Events, Mother’s Day and a recommendation from Josh Classen

What to do this weekend: Events, Mother's Day and a recommendation from Josh Classen


We’re finally out of winter and things are looking…well, not sunny and hot, exactly, but it’s still going to be a great weekend to get out there and enjoy our city. Not sure what to do? Here are a few ideas to get you started:


Featuring over 70 local vendors, expect to see an incredible selection of unique creations by some of the best artists from in and around Edmonton. You can pick up some art prints, books, jewelry, ceramics, and much more.


It runs from Friday to Sunday at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre at 8426 Gateway Blvd. and you can plan your day by taking a look at the full vendor list on their website.


If you’re in the market for markets, the Spring Festival at Manchester Square runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, and features flower vendors, door prizes, food trucks, outdoor music, a beer garden, and more!


Mother’s Day brunch


In case you forgot: yep, it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8. Mother’s Day brunch is an all-time classic and Edmonton has a variety of options ranging in price. If you’re looking to impress, the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has an impressive, albeit pricy, Mother’s Day version of its famous Sunday brunch.


More standout options include Chateau Louis Hotel, the River Cree Resort and Casino, and Fort Edmonton Park.


Oilers-Kings


Game 3 takes place Friday night at 8 p.m. and Game 4 on Sunday night — also at 8 p.m. Whether you’re watching it with other fans at Rogers Place or the River Cree, at one of the many local pubs, restaurants, and sports bars, or even at home with friends, cheer loudly and keep up with the coverage from our friends at TSN 1260.


What’s Josh Classen up to this weekend?


We also asked our own Josh Classen what he’s up to this weekend! Here’s what he had to say (and he even included a tip about what to wear):


If you’re looking for a great way to spend Mother’s Day this weekend, the U of A Botanic Garden just west of Edmonton opens its gates for another season this weekend (Grand Opening Saturday).


Wander through the 240-acre property including the spectacular Aga Khan garden. Plus, the indoor showhouses (like the tropical garden house) are back open for the first time in two years. Pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat and a specialty coffee from the Patio Cafe. Throw in a sweater or spring jacket (high near 10 C Sunday) and immerse yourself in nature this weekend. 


What else? Of course, you could always finally get around to that spring cleaning you’ve been putting off.

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Farmhand jailed for raping sleeping women at horse-riding events

Rapist Joshua James David Slape with two horses.

A man who raped two women as they slept in swags and horse floats at South Australian equestrian events has been sentenced to 11 years in jail, but could be eligible for parole in just over half that time.

Joshua James David Slape, 24, from Glenburnie near Mount Gambier, was found guilty in the District Court of rape, attempted rape and indecent assault over the incidents in 2017 and 2018.

The horse breeder and farmhand raped and indecently assaulted one of his victims as her child slept just metres away in a horse float following a riding event in the state’s south-east.

Slape had claimed that the mother had initiated the incident and then made up a false story against him.

Six months later, he raped another young woman as she slept in her swag next to friends after a rodeo in the south-east.

During sentencing, Judge Gordon Barrett said Slape was aged 19 at the time of his offending and had no prior convictions.

A grand building with columns with a tall building behind and a tree with blossoms in the foreground
Slape was found guilty in the SA District Court.(ABC News: Michael Clements)

He sentenced Slape to 11 years in jail, backdated to November 2020 when he was taken into custody, with a non-parole period of seven years.

The court previously heard Slape’s crimes had turned his victims’ worlds upside down, destroyed their trust in men and left them with lasting trauma.

“He sexually offended against them when they were in situations of vulnerability, in that they’d both been consuming alcohol in the hours before the attack, and they’d both gone to sleep in their swags in locations that were somewhat isolated from other people.

“The defendant has not accepted the verdict and therefore he’s displayed no contrition or remorse.”