(Pembroke, ON) - The 15^th Annual Original Rural Ramble in the Ottawa Valley is getting ready to celebrate rural living the weekend of September 26 and 27, 2009. This traditional self-guided driving tour takes visitors through the various agricultural and rural operations of the scenic Ottawa Valley countryside. Each site provides visitors with the opportunity to experience hands-on activities, demonstrations, guided tours and much more. 

Some new activities a Rambler can do this year include: visiting an environmentally friendly organic farm or view rare and unusual species of animals at Waddles ‘n’ Wags Hobby Farm; watch a dogsled team in action and learn about all aspects of dogsledding at Linke to the Outdoors; children will love encountering the newborn fall calves at Champlain Red Angus Farm and will have a blast with the donkey rides and bale mazes at Tickle Island Farm; learn the art of sauerkraut making at Wilno Station Inn and sample and purchase delicious home-baked goods and locally produced products through the Ottawa Valley Food Co-operative at Morningside Farm.

Some of the returning favourites on the Ramble are the Peruvian alpacas at Ballintotas Alpacas, bats at the Bonnechere Caves, pumpkin boat races at Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch, apple picking at MacLaren Orchards and maple syrup making at Mapleside Sugar Bush. There is something for everyone.

“We are very excited about the 15^th edition of the Ramble and are pleased to see so many new sites participating”, noted Nicole Wilson, Communications Coordinator with the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association. “The Rural Ramble is truly a celebration of rural living and we encourage visitors of all ages to come to Renfrew County and experience rural living first-hand!”

The cost to attend the Ramble is $10 per adult (17 & older) and children (16 & under) are free! Bracelets are valid for both days and the number of sites you can visit is unlimited. Bracelets are on sale now and are available at various retail outlets located throughout Renfrew County.

The Rural Ramble is organized by the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association and the Rural Ramble Committee, which is comprised of volunteers from participating sites and the agricultural community.

For more information or to find out where you can purchase your bracelets, visit www.ottawavalley.travel or call 1.800.757.6580.