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Tourism Committee unveils 2009 marketing campaign

et ready for 16 weekends of fun filled events in and around Ponoka. The Central Alberta Tourism Committee recently unveiled its 2009 marketing campaign Alberta Sweet 16.

Get ready for 16 weekends of fun filled events in and around Ponoka.

The Central Alberta Tourism Committee recently unveiled its 2009 marketing campaign Alberta Sweet 16.

Members from Ponoka, Lacombe, Red Deer, Red Deer County, Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House, Stettler, Sylvan Lake Innisfail and Wetaskiwin sit on the committee that has been created to promote tourism in and around the area.

“This initiative is a partnership to promote tourism in central Alberta as a region. Ponoka became involved in the initiative to capitalize on tourism promotion for the community, ” said Carey Keleman, economic development officer for the town of Ponoka.

“Many smaller communities don't have a major tourism event going on every weekend nor do they have the budget or resources to market them. The Sweet 16 website is just one more tool to use in the promotion of Ponoka.”

“Tourism is the fourth largest industry in Alberta and generates over $5 billion in revenue each year. Therefore, it is crucial that central Alberta remains competitive in this industry and that we continue to send the message that our area is a wonderful tourism destination,” said Dean Schweder, chair of the Central Alberta Tourism Committee in a press release.

To emphasize and implement the importance of that message, beginning on the May long weekend and concluding on the September long weekend (16 weekends in total) Alberta Sweet 16 has been and will be promoting a feature event and other great activities each weekend.

Ponoka’s big weekend is – you guessed it – the 73rd Stampede.

Aside from seven days of the watching the best cowboys and cowgirls showcase their talent and skills, the Ponoka Stampede ‘Mile Long Parade’ will be held at 10 a.m. on June 27, and chuckwagon races will take place at 6:30 p.m. on June 30 followed by a performance by Neil McCoy, a fireworks display and more.

The Alberta Sweet 16 partnership won a Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) award in 2008. For more information and a complete list of the 16 weekends of planned events, visit the website at www.AlbertaSweet16.com

For more information on the Ponoka Stampede, visit www.ponokastampede.com