Attendance takes off at Bushplane Centre

First quarter attendance at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is up 70 percent over the same period in 2011.

In a news release, the centre attributes the jump to the CARHA hockey tournament, increased promotion and the launch of the Wildfires 3D movie.

Positive trending is expected to continue during the upcoming months.

The facility operates as a major attraction in and of itself, while also providing a venue for other activities.

Upcoming are the second annual Wedding Expo and the recently announced Festival of Beer.

Corporate events, weddings, the Mother's Day Brunch and Passport to Unity are also likely to keep activity measures on the upswing.

New exhibits and workshops in painting and photography designed to interest new and repeat visitors are being planned, too.

“Our staff and volunteers work hard to offer our guests an entertaining experience, and nothing is more rewarding than the support we are receiving from the community," says the centre's marketing and events co-ordinator, Edie Suriano.

The attendance surge comes as the centre struggles with fewer tourism-based visitors to the community and higher operating costs.

For more information, visit here or phone 705-945-6242.