by Carson Papke
Eckville Echo

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Exploring the great shopping, special events and food in Central Alberta is making the Country Drive a popular August long weekend event.Country Drive includes 25 different sites around Central Alberta that could make for a good day trip. Kathleen Raines, organizer for the program, said she saw a great response this year.
“The outdoor events had a fantastic turnout. The weekend went very well overall,” said Raines. “Every year gets a little bit bigger.”
The event was started by producers and farm direct marketers to make people aware of the different things that are going on in their own area.
“This year we have a new website that better incorporates maps and gives people an easier way of finding some of the places,” said Raines. “Over the next year we will be doing updates to provide a tool that will enable people to plan a full day trip right on the website.”
Sites included Dickson Store Museum, Prairie Perfect Orchard, White Treasure Farm and HolmeHus Antiques just to name a few.
Susan Manyluk, owner of HolmeHus Antiques, said over 120 people visited their location on the weekend. They provided farm tours, an antique shop and a horse packing demonstration.
“This program is a good way for new people to visit the farmstead and see the antiques store,” said Manyluk. “I think everybody had a good time.”
Raines said Country Drive is available all summer. The August long weekend is a good time to promote the program because everybody can go to these places. It is alsogood because u-pick spots are just starting to come into season.
“Between now and Thanksgiving is a perfect time to go and visit most of these sites,” said Raines. “Next year we will be working on a fall and Christmas Country Drive weekend. We will also be looking into more in the future.”
More information on the program and venues is available at www.countrydrive.ca.

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