"...close your eyes and hear the thunder of the buffalo hooves' across this vast prairie; the pounding hooves of a fleeing white horse carrying young lovers from a midnight rendezvous; the creaking of the giant wheels of the Red River ox carts as families move west seeking new beginnings..." These are but a few of the "Echoes and Legends" of Manitoba's Central Plains."

In November 1998, at a regional conference in St. François Xavier, the Central Plains Tourism Network, a co-initiative of Community Futures White Horse Plains and Central Plains Inc (RDC) became a reality. Since that time, the Board of Directors has been meeting and planning for activities to promote the features, attractions and events of Manitoba's Central Plains, "The Land of Echoes and Legends". This active tourism network is now promoting the region to travelers and visitors, as well as local residents.

In 1999, the Network's booth made appearances at trade shows and tourist centres around southern Manitoba. Another of their initiatives was the publication of a 40-page 1999 Visitor's Fun Guide, with over 20,000 copies of this booklet distributed at local and provincial tourist information centres, and a large number being targeted towards the Pan Am Games visitor traffic.

In addition to community pages, the guide has sections with specific topics of interest, such as golf courses, museums and day trips; and information relating to agricultural, aboriginal and eco-tourism. A two-page, pull-out map highlights the communities, events and attractions of the region. A 2000 version was launched April.

For copies of the Fun Guide, or for more information regarding the "Land of Echoes and Legends", email: info@echoesandlegends.com.