McClelland Minute - May 16, 2010

Summer Fun in the Midwest

There was a comment recently in a local newsletter where the author stated how boring she found it was to live in the Midwest.  Now I am no tourist booth operator, but I actually think there are an extraordinary number of affordable activities to keep families busy all summer long. 

Let’s start with the great golf courses we have in the area, from Northern Meadows at Lac des Isles to Blueberry Hills at Turtle Lake, Loon Lake, Silver Lake, Mervin, St. Walburg, Lashburn, Atton’s Lake, Manitou, Vermilion, Kitscoty, Lea Park, Rolling Greens, and Lloydminster.  Golfing not your thing?  How about camping?  There are literally hundreds of available camp sites in NE Alberta and NW Saskatchewan to try out, most of them within walking distance of swimming beaches.  The best family memories are built with marshmallows around a fire.

If you like action based events, how about chuckwagon racing weekends at Dewberry, St. Walburg, Little Pine, and Lloydminster?  One of the most authentic pro rodeos in Western Canada, in my opinion, is held in Lea Park every June.  Set in a beautiful natural amphitheatre along the Vermilion River north of Marwayne, you can see many of the world’s best two legged and four legged rodeo athletes, and it won’t cost you an arm and leg either like Calgary does.  Let’s not forget Canadian professional bull riding either with tour stops at Vermilion, Paradise Valley and Lashburn.

Own an ATV?  Try out the national class rally at St. Walburg every spring or take a tour along the abandoned railway tracks near Loon Lake or Elk Point.  Or ride with owner permission in any number of trails in the Bronson or Meadow Lake forests.

If you like to fish the banks of a number of rivers await, along with literally over a hundred lakes within three hours drive.  For a real treat, book a day on the North Saskatchewan River with a jet boat skippered by Shane Hansen of Iron River Ranch.  No need to go to the Fraser when you can catch and release 40 pound plus sturgeon in your own backyard.

Personally, a good day for me is when I get to ride my horse.  There are lots of places to explore.  I have never been refused access to the larger pastures and Crown land.  Just call the owner/manager and ask permission.  They may even ask you to keep an eye open for a stray cow or fences needing repair!

Want to see a real fair?  Almost every town has one, each with own unique presentation – St. Walburg, Kitscoty, Vermilion, Paradise Valley, Macklin, Maidstone, Frenchman Butte, and of course, Lloydminster.  Watch for First Nation celebrations at Onion Lake, Little Pine or Poundmaker; everyone is more than welcome.

Spur of the moment decisions work too.  There are petting zoos, corn mazes, art galleries, museums, and historical sites that make for great day trips.  Pack a picnic and wander around this amazing part of western Canada.  It’s good for the soul!

Vern McClelland is associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster.  If you have questions or comments on this article or other real estate matters, he can be reached at 780.808.2700 or through the McClelland Group website www.mcclelland.ca

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