MAYFAIR — Is everyone happy to have received a substantial amount of rain this past Saturday? Some areas got more than others, but within the past two weeks, it has varied. Every little drop is welcomed by farmers, ranchers and gardeners. It’s the loud cracks of thunder and lightning which can have people scrambling for safety.
Bill’s Market Garden (Northeast of North Battleford) will not be in business this year due to another commitment. He grew many kinds of vegetables and even delivered his produce to various locations. Bill worked endlessly in his extensive garden plots over the years he was in business. His customers will truly miss the excellent veggies that he sold.
This is the fifth year that Thickwood Hills Wildlife Federation has released 2,500 fingerlings into their privately owned body of water. Many kids came out Saturday, May 4, to experience this educational project with the guys who were more than knee deep in cold water doing the release. This local organization has dedicated team members who work diligently on this project. Way to go, guys. With the right conditions, there should be full-grown fish within the year. At times, nature can be fierce, so the outcome is always unpredictable.
As Canadian residents, we look forward to celebrating our nation’s birthday. July 1 is rapidly approaching and I know of one local regional park with a fun-packed day. But of course, many parks are having festive events for campers, cabin owners and anyone else who does not want to stay at home. Meeting Lake Regional Park is hosting two fun-packed days, this Saturday, June 28 and next Tuesday, July 1. On Saturday, the highlight is the ever-so-famous pre-registered bunnock tournament. There’s bingo at 3 p.m. in the round hall, many children’s activities throughout the day, including bouncy castles and best of all, with the fire ban lifted, 10:30 p.m. fireworks on the beach. Beer gardens are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be 50/50 tickets, free mini golf and other activities too numerous to mention. No charge at the park's entry gate.
July 1 is advertised as” Kids Canada Day Celebration.” There will be singing of O Canada after the kids' bike parade at 10:30 a.m., followed by many activities on the ball diamond. No fireworks as it has been scheduled for Saturday, June 28. Again, no fee to get into the park on Canada Day. Let’s hope the weather will co-operate.
Another great but smaller regional park, Glenburn, south of Maymont near the North Saskatchewan River, has advertised no Canada Day festivities. Something big is to happen on the Aug. 16 weekend, but no information has been released yet. I will keep you posted once it’s made public.
Rabbit Lake cowboy Jim Tomkins is in charge of a big event at “ Grandma’s House” north of Langham from July 11 to 13. This is a traditional cowboy event packed with tons of action. There will be cowboy church with pastor Rick Martens, along with flapjack breakfasts, wiener roasts, good ol’ fashioned potlucks, unorganized trail rides, sitting around campfires with Friday and Saturday evening entertainment, plus much more. Entertainers for the weekend are Christopher Studer and Grand Country, Larry Krause and Mr. Fred. If you Google “Grandma’s House” a whole list of information is available to read. Come for all three days or drive out for one day because the country scenery in the rolling hills is magnificent. One might just happen to come across the many wild saskatoon berry bushes to get a tasty treat. For more information and registration, please call Jim at 306-841-7181.
Our local evacuees, Michelle and MacKenzie Schwartz of Flin Flon, will be able to return early June 25 as per government rules. Michelle is Faye and Keith Liebaert’s daughter of Mayfair, where they were fortunate to “hang out” for almost the past month. No buildings were destroyed by the horrendous forest fires that swept a large northern region in our province. One can imagine it’s a large task if the inside of the houses needs to be scrubbed and cleaned. Guess the residents will not know until they set foot in their homes. Safe travels, Michelle and family, as you travel back through a much different-looking, dreary black coniferous landscape. The forest usually takes over five years to re-establish itself to a healthy environment.
“Schools Out,” a famous 1972 song by Alice Cooper, is still always popular this time of the year. Please be careful because kids love to be outdoors. Many times, drivers can’t abruptly stop when a small kid darts out in front of them, trying to catch a ball and not realizing the dangers. Let’s all try to have a safe, enjoyable, accident-free summer wherever you are.
