Sisters Teri Seifried and Tina Beisick know a thing or two about racing.
The siblings are avid fans of The Amazing Race, a popular reality television show where teams of two race around the world for a $1 million prize.
A Taste of Country, a group of business owners in the Lacombe County, put its own spin of the race throughout the weekend.
Donna Robek, of Ammonite World said in previous years, the group organized events like Brunch at the Beach which showcased the local food and this year, they wanted to show there’s more to the county than the wholesome food.
Competitors in The Amazing Country Race were given a passport of clues at the start of the race which led them to seven stops in Lacombe County where a vendor would stamp their passport.
There were stops at honey farms, U-Picks, greenhouses, ranches and pearl and ammonite shops.
But the winner wasn’t necessarily the fastest car. The team with the fewest kilometres on his or her vehicle took home the prizes valued at $700 on both days. This way competitors could explore the treasures of the countryside.
Seifried and Beisick had a simple race strategy. Before they sped away, they studied the map and carefully matched the clues.
Beisick, a Calgary resident, lived in Red Deer for six years and her two sisters live in Blackfalds so she knew the area. They weren’t sure how well they would fare but they hoped they would do pretty well.
“We’re big Amazing Race fans,” she said. “We thought we could do it.”
Genevieve Crosina of Clive, 19 km east of Lacombe, looked at the race as more of a country drive with her three young children. Her family likes to support local growers and producers.
Her strategy was equally simple.
“Stick to the map and don’t get lost,” she laughed. “If my husband were with me maybe we would have a chance at winning but it is more for fun.”
The race was held on two days with competitors racing to businesses in western Lacombe County on Saturday, and to businesses in eastern Lacombe County on Sunday. Teams could either participate on both days or one day.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com