As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers and with that typically comes Mother’s Day celebrations.

Whether its breakfast in bed, a glamorous brunch in Calgary – or a spa day – this holiday is often spent with loved ones. 

With the strict public health measures in Calgary, this Mother’s Day is going to be quite different than most. 

Most Mother’s Day weekend events have been canceled due to COVID-19. That includes the annual Mother’s Day Run and Walk. It’s left many wondering how they’ll celebrate. 

No brunch kits, but curbside still available

Heritage Park’s restaurant, the Selkirk Grille, has put on a Mother’s Day brunch and dinner for many years. Scott Matheson, Director of Marketing and Communications, said this year will be very different for everyone. 

“It’s one of our busiest days of the year. It seems to be a tradition for many families and something that we love to do,” said Matheson. 

Unfortunately, along with most restaurants in Calgary, the Grille is not able to accommodate guests inside the establishment. One of the Grille’s chefs created a Mother’s Day Brunch kit, which includes ingredients to make breakfast at home. The kits sold out after three weeks.

While you may not be able to purchase the Mother’s Day kits, customers are still welcome to order from the bakery and lunch menu. 

“People’s favourite bakery items like cinnamon buns, butter tarts, cheese buns whatever your kryptonite is, we’ve made that available”, said Matheson. 

Items are available for curbside pickup on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Lilies, carnations, daisies

Also commonly associated with mom’s special day are flowers. Daniel Lim, the owner of Red Rose Florist, explained that their shop has done things differently this year and they’re seeing a definite increase in orders.

“We’ve been offering aggressive discounts and aggressive deals to make sure people know we’re around,” said Lim. 

Sadly, a lot of people aren’t able to see their loved ones this year due to COVID-19 and safety restrictions. This means a lot of people are opting to send flowers to the loved ones they can’t see in person. 

While there are some restrictions on where they can deliver, including certain assisted-living residences and hospital wings, Lim said delivery is a priority and they will try their hardest to accommodate everyone.

“Don’t let social distancing and restaurant closings and all those negative factors affect the ability to show love to your loved ones,” said Lim. 

Lately several artists have been putting on free performances to help people feel connected.

Cue the symphony

The Calgary Philharmonic will be presenting a virtual performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s fifth symphony this Sunday, May 10, just in time for Mother’s Day.

Each of the musician’s have recorded their parts from home and music director Rune Bergmann will be conducting on video. The free concert will be available at 2pm on AlmightyVoices.ca.

“It takes an Orchestra performing in harmony to bring this great symphony to life, just like it takes all of us across Canada and around the world to come together to overcome the challenge we’re facing today,” said Bergmann. “We’re excited to be part of a project that celebrates music while supporting musicians. Together, we’re stronger.”

For more information on the performance visit the Calgary Philharmonic’s website.