The Blog @ Tourism Red Deer

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring our mothers, grandmothers and other leading ladies in our lives. Next Sunday, May 13th is Mother’s Day and we’ve prepared a few ideas on some activities you could do with your Mother!

Red Deer Mother’s Day Antique Show

Date:  May 12-13th, 2012
Time: Sat - 10:00 to 6:00, Sun - 10:00 to 5:00
Location: 4847A - 19 Street 
Tickets: Adults $7.50, children under 14 FREE

Red Deer’s 21st Annual Mother’s Day Antique Show & Sale will host over 350 sales tables full of exciting antiques for buyers to find.

More Information: Click Here

Mother’s Day Taste & Tour

Date:  May 12-13th, 2012
Time: 11:00 to 3:00
Location: 40110 - Range Road 260

You are invited to get to know who we are and what happens at Billyco Junction Gardens May 12 and 13 from 11:00 to 3:00pm.  Come enjoy a light lunch in the country at our farm fresh cafe. We will be giving private tours of our new stunning Bed and Breakfast.

You will learn about our CSA (Community Shared Agriculture) Harvest Box Delivery Program.  We will be taking registrations for the Harvest Box for deliveries this coming season.  You will also be able to take a self directed stroll of the grounds and ’Pick Your Own’ gardens, as weather allows.   

Thank-you gift certificates are included completing your wonderful afternoon with us! Call for information and reservations.

More Information: Click Here

Central Alberta Family Expo

Date: May 12-13th, 2012
Time: Sat - 10:00 to 5:00, Sun - 10:00 to 4:00 
Location: 4847A 19th St, Westerner Park

A fun expo for parents and kids. Come enjoy live entertainment, a petting zoo and great exhibits. For more information contact Tera Johnson 403.346.8226  

Paid parking may be in effect during this event.

Event details were provided by event coordinator and may change without notice.

More Information: Click Here 

Mother’s Day Lunch

Date: May 13th, 2012
Time: 12:30 to 5:30 
Location: Range Rd. 31 - 0.8km south of 4 way stop in Dickson 

View our indoor museum exhibits. Relax. Enjoy traditional Danish food served by costumed interpreters in our licensed Dormitory Coffee House or shop in our Gift shop - featuring various items from local Crafters and Authors as well as delicious food and candies imported from Denmark.

Reservations Required

More Information: Click Here

Once Upon a Tea (Fun)draiser

Date: May 13th, 2012
Time: 2:00 to 4:00
Location: 4818 - 50 Avenue - Scott Block 
Tickets: $40 and you will recieve a charitable receipt for $30 donation.  

A Mother’s Day tea and dessert buffet will be held at the Scott Block where there will be entertainment and door prizes! A great event to treat your Mom to on her special day.

Phone now to reserve a couple! This is a fundraiser for Tree House Youth Theatre.

More Information: Click Here 

If you were on a flight back home and a tourist seated beside you asked what the Top 10 Experiences are while visiting Red Deer, what would you say?

Here is our first go at ten amazing attractions in Red Deer – we’d love to hear yours!
 

Hear a loon, at dusk, on McKenzie Trail

“McKenzie Trails Recreation Area is a natural oasis in Red Deer. The area, which features some of the oldest trees in Waskasoo Park, offers a picnic shelter, playground, paved walking trails, and year‐round washroom facilities.

Opportunities to connect with nature abound at McKenzie Trails Recreation Area. From the picnic shelter and playground, you can see Canada geese as they spend the summer raising their young on McKenzie Pond. The walking trails also provide the best location in Red Deer to see the succession of plants from meadow to spruce forest. Plus, visitors are welcome to use the canoe launch, which provides access to the Red Deer River.

McKenzie Trails Recreation Area provides free outdoor opportunities from dawn until dusk, when the gates close. If you are holding an event, such as a family reunion or wedding, you can also book the McKenzie Trails Picnic Shelter to ensure that it is reserved for your needs.

Access to McKenzie Trails Recreation Area is from 55 Street; travel north on 45 Avenue until the road ends.”

Source: cityofreddeer.ca
 

Check out the city view from Piper Mountain in Rotary Park

“Rotary Park, one of the most popular parks in Red Deer, has something for everyone. In the wooded area near the main parking lot, you can enjoy a BBQ at one of the many picnic tables and fire pits. You can also book the Rotary Park Picnic Shelter so that it is reserved for your event or function.

On the grassy area to the south of the picnic area, the large Rotary Park playground has activities for children of all ages. This area has more than 50 play activities, including swings, slides, and climbers. The surface under the playground is a Pour in Place rubber covering, which provides an extra element of safety for children as they play.

Rotary Park is surrounded by beautiful scenery. And, for the slightly more adventurous in your group, a short climb up Piper ‘Mountain’ offers a great view of the entire city. Rotary Park is also a part of the Waskasoo Park system and, from the paved trails branching off from the park, you can explore many of the beautiful areas throughout Red Deer.

Rotary Park is located on the corner of 43 Street and 48 Avenue in Red Deer.”

Source: cityofreddeer.ca
 

Drink some Huckleberry Lemonade at Cool Beans

Enjoy the delicious Huckleberry Lemonade or grab a cup of joe in what is probably one of the most unique places to sit and socialize – a double decker bus! According to their website, it looks like they will be located at Collicutt Centre until mid‐June.

Cool Beans a family owned and operated local business!

Website: coolbeanscoffee.ca
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CoolBeansBus
 

Try a Brown Sugar Mama cupcake from Babycakes Cupcakery

“New York’s got ‘em, London’s got ‘em, Hollywood’s got ‘em, Vancouver’s got ‘em, Calgary and Edmonton’s got ‘em, and now Red Deer has its very own, independently owned cupcakery!

Babycakes Cupcakery is Red Deer’s premiere specialty bakeshop featuring an assortment of delicious gourmet cupcakes. Whether you require one cupcake or one hundred, come on in and sit down in our fun, retro‐modern diner atmosphere while you place your order!”

The Brown Sugar Mama cupcake features a dark brownie with brown sugar frosting, Mmm!

Source: http://www.babycakesreddeer.com/cupcakes
 

Devour the Mac and Cheese at the Holiday Inn South

Every family has a traditional, home cooked Mac and Cheese recipe that everyone loves to go back for seconds for. Try a delicious Mac and Cheese while you’re on holiday at the Boulevard

Restaurant and Lounge at Holiday Inn South in Red Deer, where their award winning chef will make Grandma’s recipe proud!

Website: http://www.tourismreddeer.com/accommodations/holiday-inn-hotel-suites-south.aspx?accID=1785
 

Dip into Westerner Park’s famous soft serve ice cream

When you watch food shows on television, they always seem to find the best ice cream in a place that you wouldn’t necessarily expect it - enter our very own Westerner Park! The next time you check out a local event here, be sure to try their soft ice cream!

Website: http://www.westernerpark.ca/
 

Relax on Discovery Canyon’s mini river float

“Discovery Canyon Park is a seasonal water park located beside RiverBend Golf and Recreation Area. It features a natural river‐fed water pool, playground area, concession and washrooms.

On a hot summer day, enjoy bubbling pools of water, trickling rivulets and a spray pool at the bottom of the canyon. Rent an inflatable tube or bring your own!”

Source: http://www.rbgra.ca/recreation
 

Climb Mount Everest in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & Museum

“The museum has a number of interactive games including a multi‐sport area with virtual baseball, basketball, football hockey and soccer. The participant uses real equipment and kicks, shoots or throws at a virtual screen. We also have a Treadwall Climbing Wall and Golf Putting area to challenge you!”

Source: http://www.albertasportshalloffame.com/whats-inside/come-and-play
 

Take an evening carriage ride through Heritage Ranch

“Our carriage/sleigh rides offer the unique experience of riding behind a team of powerful horses combined with beautiful woodland scenery. Combine your carriage ride with a lunch or dinner from our great ranch style restaurant and you have the perfect day or evening out!”

Source: http://www.heritageranch.ca/Carriage-Sleigh-Rides.page
 

Spot a Blue Herron from the bird blinds at Kerry Wood Nature Centre

“The Kerry Wood Nature Centre is an approximately 1,036 sq. metre (11,154 sq. ft.) nature centre adjacent to the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, a municipally‐owned 118 hectare park and federal migratory bird sanctuary. The Nature Centre is open year‐round.”

Source: http://www.waskasoopark.ca/Kerry-Wood-Nature-Center.html (Note: There is audio on this page. Check your speaker volume!)

Whether you’re looking for some Easter Egg Hunts for the kids in the Red Deer area or other family activities this holiday weekend, here are some events in the area to take part in:
 

MAGNIFICENT SATURDAYS PRESENTS: CHEEPS AND PEEPS

Website: http://www.reddeermuseum.com/info/event/327/
Cost: TBA
Location: Red Deer Museum & Art Gallery [Location Map]
Date: Saturday April 7th, 2012
Time: 1:00 pm ‐ 4:00 pm

“Drop by for creative art making activities for families. No registration required. A new activity every week, taking inspiration from the shows in the Gallery. We supply the artist, the inspiration, and the materials; you supply your imagination. Included with Admission.”
 

THE EGGSTRAVAGENT EASTER EGG HUNT

Website: http://wordoflife.ca/ponoka/?page_id=1133
Cost: Free
Location: TBA
Date: Saturday April 7, 2012
Time: TBA

“The Eggstravagent Easter Egg Hunt is one of the highlight events of the year at our church. Every year, on the Saturday of the Easter weekend, we host a community wide Easter Egg Hunt and afternoon programs for families absolutely free of charge.”
 

BIG MOO EASTER SPECTACULAR

Website: http://reddeer.kijiji.ca/c-community-events-THE-BIG-MOO-IS-HAVING-AN-EASTER-SPECTACULAR-W0QQAdIdZ367527032
Cost: $2.00
Location: Big Moo, Sylvan Lake [Location Map]
Date: Saturday April 7, 2012
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

“The Big Moo in Sylvan Lake is having an Easter Spectacular for all the kiddies! This is your invitation to an event full of balloons, goody bags, crafts and all things Easter for the little ones! We will be featuring an Easter Treat for the children that they will love for only $2.00! Please come and celebrate this joyous holiday with your family and ours!”
 

EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA FAMILY DROP‐IN STORYTIME

Website: http://www.rdpl.org
Cost: Free
Location: Red Deer Public Library [4818 - 49 Street]
Date: Saturday April 7, 2012
Time: 11:00 am

“The focus age group is three to six‐year‐olds (under three please bring an adult), but we invite the whole family to take part. Don’t miss our special Easter Extravaganza family storytime Saturday, April 7 at 11 a.m. in the Children’s Department.”
 
 

Tell us! What is your favourite Easter Holiday childhood memory?