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Small Towns

I grew up in a small-town community and I lived in that same community for many years as an adult. I just took it for granted that when there was an event, everyone was there and helped out in any way they could. There was huge excitement when it finally got cold enough for the natural ice to freeze, and the rink was ready to go for another season. The booth was always open. You could ask anyone in town to send a crock pot full of soup or a puffed wheat cake and it just arrived. There was no social media to make sure everyone knew what was going on, I guess word of mouth and a poster worked, because the rink was always full. It was the same when the ball diamonds were ready to roll in the spring. Teams were always supported by the community. 

I have spoken before about how incredibly generous this community is. Raising a huge amount of money in an evening seems to be easy for them. The annual "Hoe Down" in the rink raises thousands for the community needs. Financially supporting someone that has health issues is like a community hug. I so love that about small communities.

My favorite part of Facebook is that I get to see what is happening in communities. I get to financially support events or people with a simple etransfer. It is a win-win situation both for the organization and for those that are unable to attend or buy a ticket. I have even caught on to selling tickets on Facebook. What a dream way to sell tickets. It just warmed my heart with the support that I received just with a simple post.   

Facebook has made me aware of some small towns that surround Brandon that are just making it happen. Minnedosa for one. The Lions group is one of the remaining groups that is very active. I recently attended their lobster night. The town has a Facebook page "What's Happening Minnedosa". Clearly, lots is happening in that town. Soon they will be putting on their drama presentation "Schitt$ Creek". There is Yoga in the backyard of an instructor, you can see the bison, it seems the list is endless. They have a busy lake within their town which also has a campground. Annually Minnedosa hosts, "Rocking the Fields", which one could only imagine the community work involved with that. I think it is an incredible town for activities, and they know how to draw others into their community. 

The small town of Erickson is having their 28th Annual, "Little Valley Jamboree" this weekend. The slogan is "Helping Children, Changing Lives". Every year three children are chosen that have disabilities and the community puts on this huge event and raises money for them and their families. This year's children are not from Erickson they are from Brandon, Souris and Neepawa.  

Moving onto Ninette and the lake that is attached to it, Pelican Lake. I just watched a video on Facebook, about the fair that is happening at Pelican Lake this weekend. A fair in a small town, how much fun is that! The guy in the video said, "we are a small group that gets a lot done". Pelican Lake has a small beach, and they also have a "Yacht" club. On the perfect day you will often see sail boats on the lake. I am not sure where Ninette ends, and Pelican Lake begins, but it is a fun place to go.

Souris also knows how to draw people to their town. Annual events are Peacock and Scare Crow days. The pool is a place that is always filled to capacity. Families will camp there and put their kids in swimming lessons for a week or two. I recently did an "Adventure in Souris" with my alumni. We all agreed there was so much more in Souris than any of us ever imagined. It is steeped with history and lots of activities to draw in tourists. One of their unique identities is the peacocks that mostly roam free, they even have a white peacock. Not to mention the well-known swinging bridge. It is just simple a fun town to spend the day checking out what they have to offer. 

I think the key to success is when your leader says, "We get lots done!". Creativity and playing to people's strengths is always a ticket to success. People love something new and entertaining. There is nothing like a theme night to draw people out.

Now that summer is here, I hope each of you can find those special little events in small towns that will be memorable for you. People are volunteering and working hard while having fun along with those attending. They are proud of their town, and they want you to have a good time. Summer is so short, make sure you enjoy it and find those fun things to do in those amazing small towns near you.  

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