If you are under the impression that tourism goes into hibernation for the winter in Southern Alberta, think again. On Saturday the 29th of November, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump will host their annual Christmas Festival and Craft Fair.  This event is a wonderful opportunity to experience Southern Alberta's heritage, culture, arts scene and natural beauty.

From 10am to 4pm, at the grand old cost of zero dollars, you can experience and view local Native crafters, a sweetgrass ceremony, drumming and dancing performances, a live display from the Alberta Birds of Prey, a craft corner for the little ones, a silent auction and door prizes as well as taking in the renowned Unesco World Heritage site Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Everything in the gift shop will be 15% off and for a mere $6.95, you can treat yourself to authentic buffalo stew and bannock. This event is in conjunction with the Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade, another great annual event. Fort Macleod will be teeming with acitivity and festive spirit! You will not want to miss it!

This is your chance to visit the Korite International Ammolite mine one last time in 2008 as the Galt Museum & Archives offers the Ancient History Unearthed Ammolite Tour on Friday, November 14 from 1:00 to 4:30pm. 

When the City of Lethbridge designated Ammolite as its Official Gemstone on April 30, 2007, interest in Ammolite and the Korite International mining operation just south of Lethbridge has grown. 

The Ammolite tour follows this summer’s successful interpretive bus tours organized by the Galt to Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park and the newly renovated Frank Slide Interpretive Centre.

For this tour, participants will meet at the Galt Museum & Archives for an introduction and bus excursion to the mine site to examine the environmental and cultural impact of Ammolite mining.  Following the mine tour, participants will return to the Galt for refreshments and exhibit viewing. 

Due to the terrain at the mine, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.  Walking and standing will be required.  Participants are asked to dress appropriately for the weather.  The tour can not go ahead if terrain is muddy – refunds will be offered if this is the case. 

Fee for the Ancient History Unearthed Ammolite Tour is $26.25/person, including transportation, guided tour, Museum admission, refreshments and GST.  To sign up, please call 403.320-3954, send an email to info@galtmuseum.com or stop by the Galt Museum and Archives information desk.

Vulcan Tourism made all of Southwest Alberta proud on Monday evening at the 8^th Annual Alto Awards.  The town’s persistent pursuit of landing the Canadian Premiere of the new Star Trek movie won over the hearts of the judges in the Marketing Excellence (Under $5000) category.

With a mere $2000 budget Dayna Dickens and Erin Melcher of Vulcan Tourism were able to garner international attention with their campaign to “Bring Spock Home to Vulcan Alberta, Canada.”  The campaign has spawned a Facebook group made up of over 1,000 members.

The Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station has seen a 20 per cent increase in visitors and a 46 per cent increase in revenues between September 2007 and August 2008, compared to between September 2006 and August 2007.

Paramount Pictures is still considering Vulcan’s proposal.  The film is set to hit theatres in May.

The Canadian Badlands was an ALTO Awards finalist in the Friends of Tourism category.  This prestigious Travel Alberta award recognizes not-for-profit groups whose activity directly supports and enhances Alberta tourism product.

In two short years, the organization has grown to represent 56 municipalities stretching across 1200 square kilometres of southeastern Alberta. Many of its municipal stakeholders are small rural towns and villages. To be recognized as a tourism force in Alberta in such a short time is testimony to their maverick nature. The ultimate goal of the Canadian Badlands however, is to become Canada's next icon destination.

Ontario-based musical act the Arrogant Worms will play at the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod this thursday and friday, October 23rd and 24th. Showtimes are at 8:00pm and tickets run at $27.50/person. To purchase tickets, phone the Empress Theatre at 1-800-540-4210 or 403-553-4404.

The Arrogant Worms have been seen all over North America and Australia, from small clubs, Disneyland and even the Grand Canyon, this group brings its unique and funny talent back to the Empress Theatre Stage for another hilarious and memorable show. With album titles such as "Russell's Short's", "C'est Cheese", and "Idiot Road", there is no doubt that these musical jokesters will bring a lot of fun escapism to the Empress Theatre. The Arrogant Worms were recognized in 2003 as the Touring Act of the Year by the Canadian Arts Presenters Association. Their live show is one not to be missed!

For all you Canadian citizens out there: if it is not already, mark October 14th on your calendar! Vote for your local MP and exercise your democratic right!

The primary federal candidates are:

Liberal Party of Canada - Stephane Dion    http://www.liberal.ca

Conservative Party of Canada - Stephen Harper www.conservative.ca

New Democratic Party - Jack Layton              www.ndp.ca/home

Green Party - Elizabeth May                                       www.greenparty.ca

Bloq Québecois - Gilles Duceppe   http://www.blocquebecois.org

For information on the rest of the parties and on your local candidates, visit http://www.elections.ca/home.asp