It’s not too late to get in on the bus trips Ponoka and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has planned for August.
FCSS tries to offer a wide range of activities that are suitable to different age groups and stages of life, from families with young children, to seniors wanting to connect in the community.
“We like to do a nice variety of things and ones with everyone together,” said Shelly Van Eaton, FCSS program coordinator.
The trips are “pretty handy” she added, making outings more affordable as well as helping people get out of their homes.
The trips appeal to those who want to get out and do something, but maybe don’t want to go alone, or to those who have trouble walking or driving, says Van Eaton.
“Even if you’re lonely, you don’t have to be lonely on these trips.”
FCSS started a draw system to try to make it more fair, as there are a limited amount of tickets because of the amount of people they can transport, and they found the same people where buying tickets before anyone else had a chance to. Some people were also buying up large amounts of tickets.
Now, however many people who want to can put their name in the draw, and if their name is chosen, they can purchase a ticket.
The first trip is to Calaway Park on Aug. 13. Check with FCSS for availability.
Tickets for Calaway Park are $10 and covers transportation and entrance into the park.
FCSS will be making a bus trip to go see Cirque du Soleil in Calgary on Aug. 18. This trip is already sold old.
For the first time, FCSS will be making a trip to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden on Aug. 21. The draw was held Aug. 7. Any remaining tickets, if any, will be for sale after the draw.
The trip to the Botanic Gardens came by request.
“Some people from our community garden, actually, were showing some interest in going and they thought the community might like to go on this nice, quiet trip.”
The U of A Botanic Garden is a 240-acre (97-hectare) property located in Parkland County, and is an award-winning visitor attraction. Participants can bring their own lunch and have a picnic or try the offerings at the outdoor patio cafe.
FCSS went to the Flying Cross Ranch a couple of weeks ago. The trip was so well-enjoyed, with the guests being treated to live horse racing by the junior jockeys, that they hope to make it an annual event.
To check for upcoming FCSS trips, visit their Facebook page, or ask to be added to their email list. They also post on the town’s digital board and in Ponoka News.
Van Eaton also says to save the date for FCSS’s Christmas concert “Better not Pout,” which will be Dec. 1 at the Ponoka Legion.