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Historic Rafter 6 Ranch in Alberta hosts last New Year’s Eve party

An historic guest ranch had its last hurrah on New Year’s Eve.

EXSHAW — An historic guest ranch had its last hurrah on New Year’s Eve.

After almost four decades in operation, the Rafter Six Ranch Resort west of Calgary is closing its doors on Jan. 1.

The postcard-worthy backdrop was the site of many weddings and reunions.

One of the hardest parts for the operators is that they’re not leaving on their own terms.

Five years ago, the Cowley family made a deal with resort developers, but the company went into receivership, leaving the family holding a massive amount of debt.

They tried to sell the ranch for $12.5 million, but no one has come forward.

“It was a dream of ours to create a resort. Walking away from that dream is the hardest part. Everyone says ‘one door closes another opens’aI just hope this next one isn’t a trap door,” said Stan Cowley.