Okotoks, Alberta
Okotoks Alberta is just 23 kilometres south of Calgary and is a thriving bedroom community for Calgary. Okotoks is named for the Blackfoot word "okatok," which means rock. The town's major tourist attraction is an 18,000-ton rock that was carried over ten thousand years ago by the Ice Age glaciers. from Jasper area to its its current spot. It sits in an open field about 10 minutes west of town, on Highway 7.The pretty Sheep River runs through town, which has a visitor information centre in the renovated CPR train station. Okotoks’ 9,000 residents are Alberta’s fastest growing community and also the youngest community in Canada with 85 per cent of the residents being under the age of 44. Okotoks also has three golf courses: D'Arcy Ranch, Heritage Pointe, and Cottonwood. Annual events include the Antique & Art Flea Market (late May), Annual Youth Festival (mid June), Okotoks Sports Days (mid-June), Okotoks Pro Rodeo (late August) 
Many special events take place in Okotoks throughout the year -- the First Annual Christmas "Light Up" night celebrates the Christmas season with free hot chocolate, chili, cookies, hay rides and entertainment in conjunction with the lighting of the stores and a 20 ft. Christmas tree. In February, Okotoks warms up with the Annual Winter Festival. This two and a half day event observes the birthday of Big Rocky, the Town of Okotoks´ mascot. In addition to Big Rocky´s birthday party, there are fun events for all ages, including an ice sculpture contest between local businesses, hay rides, street entertainment, and a petting zoo. In May, Okotoks´ famous Classic Car Auction attracts vintage car fans from North America and Europe. Okotoks celebrates Sports Say in June and kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast, auction, hour long parade, Bucket Brigade, Soap Box Derby and the Annual Youth Festival. The Annual Okotoks Pro Rodeo and Rib Cook Off, held in September, features professional rodeo stars and plenty of rodeo excitement. The Rib Cook Off is a fun filled and tasty downtown event that gives you the opportunity to vote on your favorite ribs n´ sauce.Town info: http://www.town.okotoks.ab.ca/ |
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