Peace Country Sun Information

"We have been raising alpaca for 11 years," says Saumer, who operates Saumer Time Alpaca Ranch with husband Tom near Onoway, Alta. "We have a successful on-farm tourism operation including several event-days per year. But three years ago we had a chance to create greater opportunity for other rural operations by taking a team approach to marketing." Saumer Time Alpaca Ranch is one of 12 members of Rural Rendezvous, an alliance of farms and agritourism destinations northwest of Edmonton around Highway 43. Other members include: Walkin' Tall Elk Ranch, Carvel General Store, Forget-Me-Not Greenhouse, Inspired Market Gardens, Matsunaga Turnbull Pottery and George Pegg Botanical Garden. The idea is to assemble a diverse group of rural attractions that offer something for everyone. The members jointly host a self-guided tour for the public, and participate in a number of events each year. To support these activities, Rural Rendezvous developed a brochure, signage and a driving map to help visitors find their way from place to place. Consumers are invited to pick and choose which stops appeal to them, with the goal of enticing visitors to each member.