Neil Fisher, the Saskatchewanderer for 2016, had a year full of adventure that will not be forgotten.
Travelling the province since January, Neil both Saskatche-wandered and Saskatche-wondered. His stunning imagery was accompanied by thoughtful anecdotes providing interesting facts about Saskatchewan’s agriculture, nature, history and communities.
In August, the Saskatchewanderer program surpassed 50,000 followers between Facebook, Instagram and Twitter combined. That growth continued throughout the year, resulting in an increase in program followers of more than 65 per cent. “Being the 2016 Saskatchewanderer was far more than just a job,” said Fisher. “It was an all-consuming fun-filled year of exploration. From the Athabasca Sand Dunes in the north to my first ride in a combine on the Richardson family farm — sharing the diversity of Saskatchewan was an honour. ”
Neil produced more than 50 videos which garnered more than 1.25 million views on Facebook. He shared many stories in 2016 including what it was like to spend a ‘year in the life of a Saskatchewan farmer’, learning about innovative products and organizations in Saskatchewan, and travelling to many of Saskatchewan’s unique locations like Hunt Falls and the Creighton Limestone Crevices.
“Neil’s artistic vision and his adventurous spirit came through in stories and photographs that captured the beauty of this province and inspired people to make their own discoveries about this special place that we call home,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan. “His genuine interest in people and in the communities he visited was appreciated. The Government of Saskatchewan wishes Neil continued success and opportunities to explore the world.”
CAA Saskatchewan has been a sponsor of the Saskatchewanderer since the program’s inception. They will return as the official sponsor in 2017 providing a vehicle, CAA membership and gas vouchers. DirectWest has signed on as the program’s search partner in 2017. Program partners Tourism Saskatchewan and the Ministries of Agriculture, Economy and Parks, Culture and Sport have selected next year’s Saskatchewanderer who will begin their travels in January.
Neil has prepared a number of wrap-up posts going live this week. He is looking forward to sharing his final video on Friday, one which he has collected footage for since his first month on the job.
Follow the Wanderer blog (www.saskatchewanderer.ca), and on YouTube (Sask Wanderer), Facebook (facebook.com/skwanderer), Twitter (@SkWanderer) and Instagram (@Saskatchewanderer).
