Bus tours are being planned as a way of showcasing Barrhead during the July 25-28 Alberta 55-plus Summer Games. The route has not been worked out yet, but will take in community landmarks like the Agrena.
The bus will also stop near businesses to give passengers a chance of winning $500 in a Chamber of Commerce “Browsing Barrhead” passport contest.
Contestants must get a special passport stamped at no less than 10 participating businesses and enter it in a draw at Sunday’s closing ceremonies. The cash prize will only be valid locally. The bus tour and passport ideas were outlined last Thursday at the Barrhead &District Chamber of Commerce meeting as members were urged to promote the games on their storefronts and open their doors on Sunday.
The Chamber has a $1,000 budget for the events, including $500 for the passport contest, and printing posters and a brochure. Several businesses have come forward to cover the estimated $400 cost of colour printing.
Guest Sue Sawatzky said Barrhead District Social Housing and Recreation Department was donating a bus and driver. She welcomed ideas for the tour route.
“We want to promote the whole of Barrhead, not just Main Street,” she said.
A 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday schedule had been confirmed. Confirmation was awaited for the bus running on Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The possibility of a bus tour on Friday, July 26, is also being explored.
The Chamber heard the games are expected to draw about 1,200 participants, accompanied by 400 guests.
The main hub of the games will be the Agrena, where the closing ceremonies will be held.
Sawatzky said the bus tour would be targeted at Barrhead residents as well as guests accompanying athletes.
“We want as much community involvement as possible,” she said.
Sawatzky said flyers would be created with a map of Barrhead and the bus tour route. The passport would also be included.
In addition, there will be signage in Westlock and Barrhead advertising the tours.
Volunteers were needed, added Sawatzky, for bus tour commentary. Naturally, a good grasp of local history was required.
Sawatzky, who runs Sanderman Home Hardware with her husband, encouraged businesses to get involved in the spirit of the games.
She said businesses should have a welcoming display, perhaps old sports memorabilia or a staff team photo.
A promotion at the front of the store was also worth considering, she said. For example, there could be a sign saying: “Barrhead Co-op welcomes the 55-plus participants.”
