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Press Release
September 4, 2003

2003 Rural Ramble Destined to be a Big Success

Attendance has shown a steady increase from year to year, and the 9th annual will be no exception, as Renfrew County's Rural Ramble continues to be a popular event.

"This event that just keeps getting bigger and better," says Marie White, Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) representative.

To be held on September 27 and 28, the Rural Ramble is a traditional self-guided weekend driving tour with 27 sites and a variety of hands-on country activities commemorating agriculture and rural living in the Valley. This tour is expected to attract nearly 3,000 visitors.

“Local agriculture has a lot to show us”, says Donna Campbell, one of the Rural Ramble’s founding committee members and 2003 chairperson. "This family event invites neighbours to come together and celebrate the harvest". Each year, fellow residents of Renfrew County join with people who come here from other regions to enjoy our fresh fall air and the beauty of the season.

There are 10 new sites this year, and each of them are offering a unique educational, interactive experience for families. Some of the new things Ramblers will be able to see include Champion show cattle, Horse riding disciplines, behind-the scenes tours of a local grocery facility, how recyclables and organic material is used, a rural artist demonstrating the stages of stained glass art, a sow with her litter and feeder pigs, quilting demonstrations, a heritage petting farm, and a perennial nursery shows you how to extend the beauty of your garden into the fall.

Plus all of the favourites from last year such as the bison farm, blueberry and pumpkin farm, apple orchard with a cider press, a bat roost in caves, highland cattle farm, dairy and beef operations, historic one-room school house plus much more to see and do.

The Rural Ramble is organized by the OVTA in conjunction with the Agricultural Leadership Advisory Committee.

“Last year, some local residents who rambled for the first time told us they had heard about it, but never realized how fun and educational it could be," says White. "There was a really enthusiastic response to what we had to offer, so we're counting on an even bigger Ramble this year."

"This event is only possible with the support of the participating sites, sponsors, committee

members and OVTA staff," she concludes. "Without them, we wouldn't be able to offer this kind of Ottawa Valley rural experience for our visitors."

For more information contact:

Marie White
Ottawa Valley Tourist Association
(613) 732-4364

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