April 27 e-Newsletter

This May will mark the 51st anniversary of St. Albert’s beloved Rainmaker Rodeo. The rodeo today is such a staple of the city’s summers that it’s hard to imagine a time when it didn’t exist. The truth, however, is that the rodeo didn’t come about easily. In fact, it often didn’t come about at all. Up for a great story? Here’s a look back at the Rainmaker Rodeo—a tale of perseverance, community spirit and a plain-old disregard for bad weather.St. Albert’s rodeo first started in 1965, as a fundraising event put on by the local Kinsmen Club. The rodeo plans were so ambitious that right from day one, it was decided that “Kinsmen Rodeo 104” (as it was called back then) would be the town’s official anniversary celebration. Some of our cherished traditions, such as the parade and the rodeo breakfast, can be traced all the way back to that weekend. But for the most part, the first year was rodeo in its purest form: steer wrestling, bull riding, calf roping and a few more staples were all that was needed to bring in a crowd.

While the name “Rainmaker” wouldn’t make an appearance for many years to come, the rain itself did not wait for an invitation. The weekend was a near disaster, with many of the events being flooded out. The Kinsmen Club scheduled a make-up date during the dry month of August, which was (you guessed it) rained out as well. The rodeo seemed to act as a magnet for storm clouds. But, contrary to all expectations, attendance numbers grew every year.

To read the full story of the Rainmaker Rodeo and to see how it’s changed over the years, click here.

Travelling Canada

Make our nation your destination

You’ve heard the saying, “Not all those who wander are lost.” It is the globe-trotter’s mantra, often -printed on inspirational travel posters designed to lure us abroad. But how often do we wander in our own backyards? From coast to coast, Canada has a wealth of adventure to offer the budget backpacker and savvy -spender alike. So go ahead, get lost a little. We’ve got some tips to get you going, no matter how you’re getting there.

If you’re looking for an exciting escape this summer, think local. Travelling at home has many advantages, such as avoiding long border crossings and expensive exchange rates. Not sure you’ll find what you need? Consider this: Canada boasts the world’s longest coast line and has somewhere around two million freshwater lakes. The imposing Rocky Mountains stretch 1200 km within the country alone, extending nearly all the way to the Yukon Territory. Between our east and west borders are 17 UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites, 40 protected national parks and myriad native plant and animal species. With all of it accessible through a reliable transportation network, it’s a wonder we ever leave home at all.

For our full list of summer travelling tips, click here.

Tokota Shoes

Put your best foot forward

There’s just something about a new pair of shoes. Shiny patent pumps, supple leather loafers or sneakers that scream street style—nothing puts a spring in the step quite like some cool new kicks. Except, of course, finding those kicks in a cool new St. Albert boutique. Carrying designer shoes and accessories from all over the world, Tokota Shoes is a shoe-lover’s delight. Created by Edna Ledi-Lauzon and her husband Andre Lauzon, this modern boutique will surely evoke the inner Carrie Bradshaw in even the most reluctant shoe shopper.

A busy mother of three school-aged boys, Ledi-Lauzon worked in the banking industry for 17 years before opening Tokota Shoes last May. Today, with her husband supporting her every step of the way, the new entrepreneur is living her lifelong dream. “I’ve always wanted to do this. I turned 40 last year and decided it was time,” she says. “My mom always had an extensive shoe closet. I think that’s where the love came from.”

To read the full story behind St. Albert’s trendiest boutique, click here.

Musée Héritage Museum

A history of celebration

Photo of the Week

An early crop this year! Thanks to J. Drent for sharing this funny picture in response to last week’s photo challenge: “Preparing for Spring Gardening”.