The Christmas tour was one of the key events which helped Wheatland Express win the 'Rookie of the Year' award from Saskatchewan Tourism (Facebook/Wheatland Express - Excursion Train).

By Aaron Schulze

All Aboard

Wheatland Express named ‘Rookie of the Year’ by Saskatchewan Tourism

Apr 12, 2019 | 6:05 PM

A local Saskatchewan business appears to be on the right track.

Wheatland Express – Excursion Train, a tourist train business running between Cudworth and Wakaw, took home ‘Rookie of the Year’ honours at the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala in Saskatoon on April 11.

Ashlyn Weninger, director of operations and marketing for Wheatland Express, told northeastNOW they never imagined they’d receive the award.

“It’s such an honour,” Weninger said. “It’s such a hard decision for the selection committee to choose because everyone is doing such great things and it’s no easy feat.”

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Wheatland Express held its first season of operation in 2018. Weninger said they planned to run their first season from June to September with only eight tours of 100 people. However, due to higher demand than expected, Wheatland Express ended its first season with 25 tours with under 4,000 people, which included a four-day Christmas tour in December.

Looking ahead to 2019, Weninger said Wheatland Express had brought Boucher Entertainment Inc. from Prince Albert aboard to write new scripts and themes for the tours. Along with hosting interactive events such as Robin Hood and murder mysteries, tastings from local Saskatchewan culinary businesses, and hosting a John Diefenbaker play, Weninger said Wheatland Express is already looking five years ahead and working with Saskatchewan Tourism to attract international tourists.

“This summer we already have folks from the United States planning tours up here,” she said. “We’re just trying to get the word out.”

Wheatland Express’ second season begins on June 1 with a Johnny Cash tribute show.

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aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow