I Heart Edmonton

So much has happened over the last 12 months, and 'I Heart' is here to revisit the best (& worst) moments... BY EMIL TIEDEMANN I T'S been another exceptional year for the city of Edmonton, despite some unseasonably cold & record-breaking temperatures, an Oilers losing streak (or two), and that recession that everybody's been talking about. But, as is our intention, " I Heart Edmonton " is gonna try and stick to the good that has graced our growing metropolis...more or less. So, before I ramble on any further, let's recap some of my favourite or most memorable moments and experiences in my hometown during 2009! (Part 1 of 3): Best Fest of the Year There's literally dozens to choose from in " Festival City ," but one stands out for its record-setting season that was full of innovation and community spirit. The Fringe ! The 11-day live theatre event (August 13-23) recaptured its title as North America's #1 fringe festival, with ticke...

Hit after hit, Adams gave an adoring crowd exactly what they wanted...and then some! BY EMIL TIEDEMANN "Let's make a night to remember," insisted a 49-year-old Bryan Adams , and although these words were simply lyrics to one of the Canuck rocker's seemingly countless hits, they easily could've served as the tagline preluding one of the most entertaining concert nights Edmonton has put on all year. Friday night's show had the potential of falling victim to Edmonton's unpredictable and inconsistant weather, as the hours preceding it had been wet and dreary, similar to last month's AC/DC downpour at Commonwealth . Fortunately, not a drop of rain spoiled Adams' outdoors bash at the city-owned Telus Field , where 7,500 fans, all with at least one thing in common, merged to forfeit their inhibitions to the pop-rock chords of one of Canada's most fortunate musical talents. The night started off on a slightly soured note, as tedious traffic and proble...