Town & Country

Sept 2018

Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1029749

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6 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2018 L A K E O F T H E P R A I R I E S Binscarth • Birtle • Brandon • Dauphin • Ethelbert • Gilbert Plains Hamiota • Inglis • Kenton • Miniota • Oak Lake • Oak River • Roblin Rorketon • Rossburn • Russell • St. Lazare • Winnipegosis 100% Deposit Guarantee through the Deposit Guarantee Corp of Manitoba $221,821 in sponsorships & donations in 2017 175 employees 10,701 volunteer hours devoted to our communities by employees in 2017 18 branches $1 million in profit sharing returned to member-owners for 2017 fiscal year $911 Million out on loan Cooperative banking, done 29,378 members Their combined experiences are a perfect match for their new roles. Jason grew up on a farm near Dropmore, spending many of his summer days at Pyotts with his family. Jodi's childhood in Binscarth included quality time spent fishing with her father at Pyotts campground. Jason is a handyman with a background in cattle farming. Jodi has worked as a substitute teacher and most recently as an office manager at a local honey farm. "Our goal was to find a job we could do that would allow us time together, which is funny because even though we're in the same place, Jason is so busy outside and I am so busy inside that sometimes we just meet again at the end of the day," Jodi laughs. "We are excited and nervous about taking on such a great endeavour and so we ask that Pyotts patrons, both old and new, help us keep the campground as well run and friendly as it's been known to be over the years," says Jodi, who encourages visitors to stop in at the store anytime or join one of the campground tours. The couple has been welcomed and helped by many locals sharing a common goal — to keep Pyotts a safe, active and family-oriented place to be. There are fire pits with complementary wood for a marshmallow roast even for those not currently booked at Pyotts. The couple added playground equipment to the park area, and created a beach and swimming area that is easily accessible and available to anyone wishing to enjoy a day of swimming and leisure. Jason also encourages visitors to enjoy recreation and nature along the shore. "Lake of the Prairies is a man-made lake on the Assiniboine River and is home to many species of fish and wildlife. Sport fishing is a big draw and also watersports such as tubing, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing and the like are all becoming very popular down here. We rent kayaks and a paddleboat and encourage visitors to paddle along the shoreline and note the many different bird species, deer and even the odd mama bear and cubs along the far shore," he says. "We love to sit out on the store deck late in the evening and listen to the families and folks laughing, singing sometimes and visiting around their campfires. It reminds us why we do this even after particularly long days … we are helping families make memories." In the summertime, the campground is alive with all kinds of events. On Pizza Fridays in July and August, a local pizzeria delivers to the lake store, giving campers a break from cooking. There are fireworks on Canada Day weekend and a Junior Fishing Derby for the 17-and-under one-day tournament. The August long weekend features a beach volleyball and horseshoe tournament with a pancake breakfast, and a movie in the park at dark. The fourth weekend in August highlights the annual Craft, Art and Garden show where all are welcome to place a table. The first season offered over 25 tables of goods. New this year is the Pyotts West Music Fest, featuring local talent and food trucks. The inaugural festival attracted more than 500 people and it may be expanded to two days next August. The Masterchef Pyotts competition is coming up next season. Local chefs will judge campers' best recipes right on the lakeshore. An evening performance by Del Barber is also planned. "Our goal is to maintain Pyotts as a family vacation spot and we are adding new events each year in hopes of keeping people entertained even if the fish aren't biting — which, so far they are. And that is ultimately what draws people to Pyotts, the excellent fishing right off our shores," Jodi says. However, fish are not the only great catches at Pyotts. "We've had a few engagements right down here, and our first beach wedding this summer, including a horse-drawn carriage," Jodi says. "We will be offering wedding/vacation packages for the 2019 season. Imagine! Pyotts becoming a beach destination for weddings, right here in Manitoba!" To learn more, visit pyottswestcampground.com. Happy Campers Fish, festivals and family fun B Y J A N I N E L E G A L PHOTOS COURTESY OF PYOTTS WEST CAMPGROUND I n the fall of 2016, Jason and Jodi Digby became the proud new owners of Pyotts West Campground, located near Roblin on Lake of the Prairies. Since their first full season in the summer of 2017, they've been busy with improvement projects, new events and plans for the future. "Lake of the Prairies is a man-made lake on the Assiniboine River and is home to many species of fish and wildlife. Sport fishing is a big draw and also watersports such as tubing, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing and the like are all becoming very popular down here." Owners Jodi and Jason Digby (at left, on the office porch), welcome campers and the community to enjoy fishing, camping and swimming, along with events like the new music festival and a long-weekend pancake breakfast.

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