Lac Ste. Anne County Activity Report 2019 Spring Activity Report | Page 6

LAC STE. ANNE COUNTY
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PLACES TO SEE
LAC STE. ANNE MISSION
Lac Ste. Anne, LSAC.ca-Mission
Year-round. Designated a national
historic site of Canada, this world-
renowned pilgrimage site is a natural
mesa that extends down to the southern
shores of Lac Ste. Anne. Several sacred
buildings dot the site, including the Lac
Ste. Anne Mission — the first permanent
Catholic mission west of Winnipeg
Manitoba. A variety of amenities such
as food concession stands and shower
facilities reawaken for the duration of this
annual trek. It is here that the faithful step
into the holy waters and become blessed
by a priest in the name of Saint Anne, the
mother of the Virgin Mary.
Seasonal. Alberta’s very first garden to
be designated a historic resource, the 12-
acre Botanic Garden is both a protected
site and a jewel to behold. Faithfully
managed by the George Pegg Botanic
Garden Society, the Garden is home to
hundreds of native and introduced trees
and perennials. Check out the variety
of events held for the public, take in a
guided tour or simply wander along the
spectacular nature trail. There’s plenty for
everyone to see and do at the Garden.
LOCAL FESTIVALS
& EVENTS
BRIDGE TRESTLE
Rochfort Bridge, LSAC.ca-Bridge-Trestle
Year-round. The Hamlet of Rochfort
Bridge is home to one of North America’s
longest wooden train trestles. Built in
1914, this structure spans 2,414 feet and
stands 110 feet above the Paddle River.
Gaze in awe of this ancient engineering
marvel, then head into the Trading Post
for a bit of local history, a bite to eat and
an abundance of unique crafts, books
and touristy treasures. There’s also a
museum run by the Historical Society.
FALLEN FOUR MEMORIAL PARK
Mayerthorpe, fallenfour.ca
Year-round. Four bronze Mounties
stand on guard around a central plinth
topped with doves aflight. This stoic
formation of statues represents fallen
RCMP Constables Schiemann, Johnston,
Gordon and Myrol, killed in the line of
duty on March 3, 2005. The park is both
a solemn memorial to these four brave
men, and a tribute to those who sacrifice
themselves for the protection and well-
being of mankind. The gift shop is open
May to September.
SUNDIAL-ELEVATOR
Sangudo, LSAC.ca-Sundial-Elevator
Year-round. At a height of 21 feet, this
landmark is one of the biggest sundials in
existence. Massive Precambrian boulders
surround a central dial formed in homage
to the grain elevators of days gone by.
Stunning to behold, this monolithic
SPRING 2019 COMMUNITY
GEORGE PEGG BOTANIC GARDEN
Glenevis, pegggarden.org
SENIORS’ ANNUAL HIGH TEA
LSAC.ca/Seniors-Tea
Spring. In honour of our seniors’, and
in conjunction with Seniors’ Week, the
County hosts an annual Seniors’ Tea. This
event is held at the Lessard Lake Outdoor
Education Centre. Free transportation
to and from the event is available, with
numerous pickup locations. Service
providers are invited to join us to provide
information to our seniors’ on local
programs and services. Everyone is
treated to a lunch and some wonderful
entertainment to complete the afternoon.
It’s an exciting day of celebrating our local
seniors’ and recognizing everything they
do for our communities!
FAMILY FUN DAYS
Cherhill, LSAC.ca/County-News
Spring. Grab some friends and family
members and make your way to this
year’s Family Fun Daze in Cherhill.
Enjoy a yummy pancake breakfast, check
out the annual parade and take part in
the fun-filled family ball tournament. This
popular event promises tremendous
fun for kids of all ages!
ONOWAY HERITAGE DAYS
Onoway, onoway.com
Spring. If you love good old-fashioned
early summer fun, you’ll want to partake
in the popular Onoway Heritage Days!
REPORT
780.785.3411
www. LSAC .ca
Held every June, this chock-full weekend
includes a variety of sporting events,
music and entertainment, games, and all
the things you’d associate with a country
fair. Take in a baseball tournament,
watch a parade or check out the drive-in
movie at the park!
YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAMS
Lac Ste. Anne County, LSAC.ca-Summer
Summer. Lac Ste. Anne County offers
several thrilling and fun summer programs
for children and youth during July and
August. There is something for everyone!
Our full day youth camps give participants
the opportunity to see old friends and
make some new ones.
Programs are held in various locations
throughout the area including Alberta
Beach, Lessard Lake Outdoor Education
Centre, Mayerthorpe, Onoway and
Sangudo. We also plan many full day
bus trips that are full of adventure
and excitement to locations such as
Barrhead, Edmonton, Spruce Grove
and St. Albert with pickup locations in
Alberta Beach, Mayerthorpe, Onoway
and Sangudo. Watch for the County’s
summer program brochure to come out
in mid-June, containing program details.
LAC STE. ANNE PILGRIMAGE
Lac Ste. Anne, lsap.ca
Summer. Thousands of pilgrims make
their way to the shores of Lac Ste. Anne
each summer. Many come in search
of healing and spiritual renewal. Some
come simply to reconnect with old
acquaintances and forge new friendships.
Established more than a hundred years
ago, this pilgrimage has become one of
the largest annual Catholic gatherings in
western Canada.
BARNBURNER MUSIC FEST
Darwell, darwellag.com
Summer. Come rain or shine, the
Music Fest has hosted exceptional
summer concerts for 14 years running!
Held every August, this well-attended
open-air concert is headlined by a
country artist, and provides a fitting kick
start to the Darwell Fair. Past concerts
have featured noteworthy country music
talents such as George Canyon,
High Valley, and Jess Moskaluke. This