BARRHEAD – The County of Barrhead hosted 130 people, including staff, on their County Tour on July 17 with four scheduled stops, a catered lunch, breaks, supper, and memories galore.
“Our hosts did a really good job interacting with the people, answering questions as there's always a lot of questions generated everywhere,” said Don Medcke, Agricultural Services Fieldman.
“Overall, I thought it was another great tour.”
Debbie Hindy, Re/Max Realtor, was one of the County Tour attendees and she had a great time.
“It was a great day, worth it to see some of the many things our County has to offer,” said Hindy.
The 2025 County Tour highlighted very interesting businesses: Sacred Heart Gypsies and Key 13 Horsemanship, Gardenview Estate, Octave 40 Ranch, and the Golby Family Farm.
Sacred Heart Gypsies is a small-scale Gypsy Cob Horse breeder nestled on 30 acres north of Barrhead. Owner Karen Menshik shared her gentle Gypsy Cob Horses with Barrhead County Tour participants.
Key 13 Horsemanship is a multi-discipline horse trainer and colt starter and demonstrated horsemanship and horse training with a stunning white horse.
The Gardenview Estate is a wedding venue that offers ponds, rolling hills, an outdoor reception area and an island ceremony space.
Octave 40 Ranch runs a Speckle Park beef operation, selling global generic sales and beef packages.
There was a draw for the participants offered by owner, Mark Nolin, to win a $250 beef package.
The Golby Family Farm is a market garden that prides themselves on naturally grown produce on a small scale.
The group started their journey at the Mosside Hall, boarding three school buses that would be their transportation around the County of Barrhead.
The weather was on their side with the sun shining.
The organizing team has incorporated an extra stop for a break within the day for a coffee break as of last year.
Each stop had its own positive highlights for the attendees.
Every place was well maintained, and the hosts were ready for the tour with great presentations for the attendees according to Medcke.
The group stayed at the Gardenview Estates a little longer than the other businesses to give the group an opportunity to have lunch catered by Laura Rose Catering.
Hindy said the food was delicious as always.
Medcke said the day went well with no delays and no challenges.
Hindy made a connection with a colt named Bentley at the Sacred Heart Gypsies.
Greenview is a beautiful place run by wonderful people said Hindy.
She said the cows at the Octave 40 Ranch were beautiful in their colouring.
Golby Farm is the model of home-grown, grown at home, with County Tour attendees shopping for fresh produce on their visit, according to Hindy.
She had attended the tour three years ago, met some amazing people, learned about businesses in our area, and felt this year’s event had a lot to see at each stop.
Alberta Farm Days is the next event where people can visit rural businesses on Aug. 16 and Aug. 17.
