I went to Red Deer, AB, to cover the Canada Strong and Free Network Regional Conference. Being the Western Standard’s unofficial travel writer, I figured it would be worthwhile to document my observations about the city. .READ MORE: Alberta UCP leadership candidates offer their vision at political conference.Western Standard publisher Derek Fildebrandt told me Red Deer is a large gas station with a few restaurants for people to stop at. I had a different perspective on it. .Here are five reasons why Red Deer is more than a large gas station. . The Granary KitchenA southern chicken burger with fries at the Granary Kitchen on September 25, 2022 .5- The Granary Kitchen stands up for freedom .I went to support some freedom fighters by having a meal at the Granary Kitchen. .The Granary Kitchen made headlines in January when an investigation by Alberta Health Services found staff were not checking vaccine passports. It asked people to show photos of puppies to enter. .I had the southern chicken burger with fries for lunch and chocolate cake for dessert. Shout out to Granary server Susie who made my meal great and for telling me how much she loved the Western Standard. . DrugsDrugs .4- Few drug addicts .I had a tough time finding drug addicts in Red Deer, which has been different than my experiences in Calgary and Edmonton. .Calgary has some drug addicts, walking around stoned out of their minds without bothering people. Edmonton’s drug addicts are funny, as they say dumb comments. .READ MORE: BRADLEY: Five reasons why Edmonton doesn't suck.I saw one drug addict passed out on a hill as I walked through downtown Red Deer, but that is all I could find. One Dairy Queen cashier said downtown has a drug addict problem, yet she should check out other cities. . Bower PondsA fountain in a pond shooting up water at Bower Ponds on September 23, 2022. .3- Bower Ponds is peaceful .I took advantage of my down time by walking to Bower Ponds. .Bower Ponds allowed me to feel connected with nature, as it is tranquil. Sounds in cities can be overwhelming, and places such as this park bring people into focus. .My favourite part of Bower Ponds was watching the fountain in one pond shoot up water. I saw deer walking around as I exited it. . Winnings ticketIntrepid Western Standard Alberta reporter Jonathan Bradley played a slot machine at the video lottery terminal at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre and gained $105 on September 24, 2022. .2- Make easy money at the video lottery terminals .Fildebrandt said he would give me $100 if I went to a rough Red Deer bar and came back to Calgary with a black eye. .I opted to go to the video lottery terminal at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre to play a slot machine. I was doing OK until I unlocked a bonus level in one game. .This bonus level saw my earnings skyrocket. I returned to Calgary $105 richer and with no black eye. . Derek FildebrandtWestern Standard publisher Derek Fildebrandt speaks about independent media being credible at the Canada Strong and Free Network Regional Conference on September 24, 2022. .1- The Canada Strong and Free Network Regional Conference .The Canada Strong and Free Network holds its regional conference in Red Deer most years. .While I have been to the Canada Strong and Free Network National Conference, the regional event is different because it's more grassroots. The regional conference is intimate, allowing people to have deep conversations. .It was cool to see Fildebrandt speak about independent media being credible. I enjoyed watching the Alberta United Conservative Party leadership race debate. .READ MORE: Independent journalists speak about their successes at Alberta political conference.People told me Red Deer is boring. While Calgary and Edmonton are better, this city is fine. .I am unsure if I would return to Red Deer for a trip. I might head back to do a horseback ride at Heritage Ranch, shop at the Red Deer Farmers’ Market, and go to City Hall Park. .If you have any suggestions on other activities I should do in Red Deer, please email me at jbradley@westernstandard.news.
