The AFR Women’s Cooperative (WC) hosted regional retreats in addition to the 2015 annual conference. Through the past months, members have had the opportunity to attend one of these events in the Southwest and Southeast districts.
The WC hopes to have events in all four districts plus the annual conference in 2016. These events are educational, as well as social; they’re a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals from across the state.
Although these district retreats are focused on attracting individuals from within the district, they are open to anyone who wants to attend. Time is spent discussing the districts’ issues over a meal and the rest of the day is devoted to educational adventures, learning more about agriculture and our state’s tourism.
This year during the Southwest WC Retreat, ladies enjoyed a “behind the scene” look at the historic Meers Store and a private tour of the area’s wildlife refuge. To wrap up the day, the group stopped by Medicine Park for a car show and live music.
During the Southeast WC Retreat, ladies attended the Beavers Bend Folk Festival in Broken Bow, then enjoyed lunch at a local favorite--the Grateful Head Pizza Oven. In the afternoon, attendees enjoyed a foliage drive through the Talimena National Scenic Byway and made a stop at another local staple, the infamous Girls Gone Wine, for some shopping.
The next two retreats will take place in the spring. The Northeast Women’s Retreat is scheduled for March 26. Ladies will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Jenks Aquarium and lunch at Los Cabos, followed by antique shopping and a short class about how to find the best antiques.
The Northwest Women’s Retreat will take place April 16. Members will visit the Little Sahara State Park followed by lunch at Café Bahnhof in Waynoka. In the afternoon, attendees will tour the Menagerie, a local agritourist attraction, and Value Added Products in Alva.