This May long weekend boasts to be the best weekend of your year, according to Greg McDonald, one of the coordinators of the Sandy Page Campout. The Campout is deeply rooted and rich with history."Thirty-five years ago there was an LGBTQ Group called CAMP 181 (each letter was for people’s names who were running the group). They used to camp in the Drumheller area and go to The Last Chance Saloon during their May long weekend campout," McDonald says.

"One of the weekends they were planning on camping in the area, the regular campground they used flooded. So they all went to The Last Chance Saloon. Sandy asked the owner at the time, Fred, how much he would charge to use his campground. And the rest is history."

Campy 181 lasted for several years, and then dispersed while Sandy Page continued to host the event. The Alberta Badlands make for the perfect setting for a campout and a weekend of fun away from the city lights. Driving through the Prairies of Southern Alberta you suddenly descend into the Drumheller Valley, the landscape drastically changes into something astounding. "Quick as a snap of the fingers you feel like you’re in a world none like you are used to. The hills, the colours, are incredible, stunning and will take your breath away. There’s a great deal to do within a very short driving distance of the campground. It’s a gorgeous valley that [takes you] over 11 bridges to get to the campsite."

Wayne is filled with small-town charm; ghost town charm to be exact. There are no electric hookups, and no water hookups. "There are, however, coin operated showers, a fully functioning 101-year-old saloon and hotel – both haunted," boasts McDonald.

The weekend is filled with activities for all members of the family. Saturday afternoon kicks off with a shuffleboard tournament that often goes late into the night. Saturday night is officially the Saloon night. Additionally in the Saloon there are puzzles, games and of course socializing with good food and beverages. "We make sure Saturday night is the saloon night; we love the staff there and have such a fun time being social and playing games."

Sunday afternoon, traditionally, is dedicated to a beanbag toss and horse shoe tournament. When darkness descends, Wayne is lit with a bonfire and filled with the sounds of musical instruments. During the bonfire prizes are awarded to those who have won the games. People bring out their guitars and other musical instruments and have an awesome jam session.

"We’ve had a lot of people joining us over the past few years, thanks to social media. So we’re looking forward to meeting new people and seeing friends from past May longs... We will have all the same activities that are above. Drumheller is such a fun place, within close driving distance there are hotels if you’re not camping people, the Royal Tyrell Dinosaur Museum, a free kids water spray park by the Biggest Dinosaur in the World, and a little further are go-karts and mini golf – not to mention the Hoodoos and so much more!"

This is the perfect weekend to kick start your summer. Meeting new people, hiking, playing games, visiting with ghosts and, of course, spending three days filled with laughter.