This weekendís Athabasca River Runners Poker Rally was a rousing success.
The annual event was bigger than ever before, with about 400 snowmobilers hitting the local trails. And a great number of those were visitors to the area, having made the trip from around the region and further points on the map.
These visitors, aside from enjoying the beauty of the local landscape, no doubt made themselves at home in the area, and certainly contributed to the local economy by staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, and maybe doing some shopping before leaving.
The same positive impact is felt when the curling clubs in Athabasca and Boyle put on a bonspiel, or when EPC Cheerfest charges up the Multiplex with energy.
During the winter, these events entice visitors to come to our area when they might be more inclined to stay home. Itís easy to travel and see the sights in spring and summer, but special incentive is needed to bring tourists in during a harsh winter. Thatís what these events do, and do quite well.
