Today’s entry is the start of a series focused on the AB part of the blog. And the opinions of featured locations from the Dad herein.
With that…
Hey, it’s more than just Gasoline Alley! Even if that part hosts the country’s arguably nicest washroom.
Located on the river that gave it its name, Red Deer is the 3rd largest municipality in our wide province, located at 52.26 latitude and -113.81 longitude. Not quite central as people think (that would be the Centre of Alberta).
Affectionately (or unaffectionately) known as Ded Reer, among other cuter or salacious nicknames, it exists because of river trade and then cartage between the major trading forts of the day. And like many AB centres, it’s been subsumed into support for oil and gas, although that’s not the only industry it’s tied to.
Alright, enough of the wiki overview. The town also happened to be where I became an adult. Literally, my 18th birthday was when I was in my first year back in the RDC days (now RD Polytechnic).
It’s where I went for post secondary because some friend had moved there, who went to Lindsey Thurber and Hunting Hills. Where I met people that worked and lived there (and still do, shout outs to Josh!).
It’s a place not known for being progressive, what with all the religious types, and yet it’s where I learned all sorts of eye-opening ideas (and seen some eye-opening things), all in the previous century.
I met my first furry there, along with a nice (male) Trekkie who enjoyed wearing dresses and years later came out as trans (to no surprise to anyone in our club). And neither were the oddest person there.
I myself enjoyed hanging out by the college glass blowing shop (let me know if that’s still there!). Big J worked for clients at the Michener Centre. The first of my high school friends to get married did so in town. I met and dated a strange young lady there for a few years until Covid.
As for places to check out, the river of course is the crown jewel. Spring to fall, the riverside trails both on the south and north sides are a beauty to walk and ride around.
The Vat amazingly still exists, which is an excellent music venue, and where I learned that there could be good beer in this world (shout out to Big Rock). There’s a kung fu school that’s been around for decades, a pretty killer skate park, and what I always assumed were mysterious goings-on at the former Alpha plant downtown.
North of the river are some great hillside views, while south has some nicely wooded areas along the creeks and trails. Outside of town and on the list to visit with the fam is Discovery Canyon and its summer-activated lazy river.
And of course, I have to mention the classic Little Ice Cream & Soda Shoppe and the new Ross Street Ice Cream.
Like any municipal area in this province and country at large, it’s growing, shifting, and dealing with housing and other issues. Some people think it has potential to be much bigger or important than it’s capable of, but I would say they’re ignoring the realities of urban growth, especially in places not named “Calgary” or “Edmonton”.
Point is, like many areas across the province, there are unique and interesting things about any place if you take some time to check out the spots that you might get overlooked.
Location: The Skate Park, duh
Song and person: K D Lang – Constant Craving
-PBD
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