Stony Plain

The huge town of Stony Plain is situated in central Alberta, just to the west of Edmonton.

The rapidly growing town of Stony Plain has strong historical roots. The town is situated in Parkland County west of Spruce Grove and is led by 6 councilors and one mayor. The region is dominated by agricultural and other resource-based industry. The proximity of Stony Plain to Edmonton makes it really appealing for travelers, servicing a surrounding population of more than 60,000 inhabitants. Throughout the town, there are numerous colourful murals that represent important figures and events of local history. These murals have earned it the nickname "The Town with the Painted Past." The town of Stony Plain was originally known as Dog Rump Creek.

There are two probable origins of the town's name, one of which comes from the Stony people who camped within the area historically. The seconded possibility is Dr. James Hector, a geologist on the Palliser Expedition noticed boulders scattered across the region. The official name for the settlement was adopted during 1892.

Stony Plain celebrates Farmers' Days during the first week of June every year, along with the Farmers' Days Parade, the Kinsmen rodeo, fair grounds and a pancake breakfast. The town of Stony Plain also plays host to the Great White North Triathlon in the first week of July. In the summer, Stony Plain hosts two main festivals. The first is the Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival, that is held during early part of August and is the biggest bluegrass event in Western Canada. The second is the Cowboy Poetry and Country Music Gathering held during late month of August. During December, the town of Stony Plain sets up a large Christmas tree on Main Street. The tree remains lit throughout the Christmas months. To celebrate New Year's Eve, the town of Stony Plain holds its Family Fest event at the Rotary Park. Family Fest provides skating on the frozen pond, hot chocolate, and fireworks.

To accommodate travelers and local residents, Parkland County, that borders Edmonton's on its west boundary extending to Evansburg has a lot of nearby recreations parks, campgrounds and resorts like Ascot Beach, Allan Beach Resort, Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area, Glowing Embers RV Park, Hubbles Lake Resort, Hasse lake Provincial Park, Ko Ko Mo Park, Jackfish Lake Recreational Area, Lion's RV Park (located within Stony Plain), the Wabamun Lake provincial Park and Mink Lake Resort. Other popular tourists spots comprise Get Hooked Fishing Tours, Wandering waters Canoe Tours, Wagner Bog, Pegasus Stables, various golf courses to accommodate from experts to beginners, nature trails and hikes, and several U-pick farms and markets.