The CAMROSE BOOSTER, August 10, 2021 – Page 20
Family fun at Meeting Creek By Lori Larsen
Plan a day of family fun at Meeting Creek on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., during the Canadian Northern Railway Family Day. Jump aboard the Track Motor Car for a ride on the rails, then take in a guided tour of the historical Meeting Creek Railway Station and on-site historical grain elevator. “As a project for 2021, we needed to work on the elevator, specifically the elevator office,” said Canadian Northern Society Board director and Meeting Creek project chairperson Glenys Smith. “People have worked since early spring doing a lot of work inside the elevator to repair things, but we have also had other people helping to clean things and do signage.” Part of the restoration involved the conservation of the elevator artifacts such as the scales for weighing moisture and grain, as well as creating interpretive signage. “There is still a lot of work to do on the elevator. This is a huge project.” Let yourself drift back to a simpler time with a ride on an old fashioned, horse-drawn wagon down the abandoned Canadian Northern rail line. “This year, the wagon ride will start at the Com-
munity Hall and will go down to Highway 56 right through the grassland and then will stop so people will be able to get off and walk the labyrinths,” explained Smith. The Railway Family Day will also include safely planned crafts and games for the younger and elder alike. “We are going to have the grass skis and stilts out, and hopefully in the folklore, the children, parents and grandparents will help to build the village so it becomes intergenerational.” While you are there, plan a hike or cycle on the Linear Park System and marvel at the sights and sounds of the grasslands. Pick up a Discovery Pack or brochure and enjoy some birdwatching and learning about the native flora and fauna. “We have increased the size of the stile on the trail that goes to Edberg so people can get horses or bicycles through there easier,” noted Smith. Pack a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch while imagining what it would have been like to ride the rails into Meeting Creek. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Meeting Creek Community Hall. Smith said it has taken many volunteers to help
to have the community support on board,” said Smith. “It is a small community, but the people around and also people from the County are on board. It is important to share what we have learned and what we have done out there with people.” Something for everyone awaits on Aug. 14 at Meeting Creek site, where you and the family can step back in time and enjoy a fun and adventurous day of activities. For more information, visit the Canadian Northern Railway on the Facebook page or visit the website at www.canadiannorthern.ca. Submitted The Meeting Creek historical grain elevator office has undergone extensive restoration by volunteers.
keep the Meeting Creek project going, including the ongoing restoration of the elevator. “Donny Loewen, Jeremiah Overland, Erhard Pinno, Liam Smith, Yvonne Smits, Elaine Wooden and our summer student Bailey Megli have all been working hard on the Meeting Creek project.” She added that the community of Meeting Creek has been very happy with the work that has been done. “One of our goals was
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Enjoy an old fashioned horse-drawn wagon ride at Meeting Creek on Aug. 14 as part of the fun-packed day of activities.
LITTLE HELPING HANDS
POLLINATORS TAKE THE STAGE
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
City of Camrose Greenspace and Wildlife Stewardship coordinator Rhyleigh Henault, in partnership with Action for Healthy Communities teaches Summer Camp participants 12-year-old Sherlvin, left, and 10-year-old brother Alsher Ubaldo, right, all about the pollinators that can be spotted throughout Stoney Creek valley.
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
Camrose Railway Museum and Park summer employee Emma Hutchinson, left, and little helper eight-year-old Quinn Fossen take a moment to prune flowers on the Museum platform. Quinn really enjoys giving a hand around the Station and said some of her favourite things to do include painting and making signs.
