MAYFAIR — How’s your summer been? For most people, July and August are busy, but now and again, a person needs some “downtime.” There are farmers markets galore in every little village, in parks and elsewhere offering fresh garden veggies. Root vegetables will come before the end of July. Some excellent cooks and bakers out there selling their baked items and so many other mouth-watering foods. There are often 50/50 draws and most start at $10. One needs to make sure they have cash on them because so few venues have ATMs. As the old saying goes, “you can’t take money with you when you are no longer on Earth.”
This past weekend was a whirlwind for me, volunteering at the Country Music Festival at Ness Creek near Big River. This event started on Thursday and ended with gospel music Sunday morning. I worked with food preparation in Jack Millikin Hall and was a front gate admission person. Met so many wonderful people from many different places.
I did not get to see or hear all entertainers, but if one is sitting in their lawn chairs outside in front of the main stage, also in the hot sun, that can get very tiring. What I did see makes my heart full. Entertainer from North Battleford, Doug Sylvester (Chickadee Songwriter Circle), along with Jordyn Pollard and Darryl Anderson, were on stage from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, and a few hours before that did a workshop spontaneously writing a song before spectators inside the hall, which was very interesting.
Friday night's big star name was a Canadian rapper who lives in Texas, Drake Milligan, who apparently can charge between $25,000 and $39,000 per show. Other entertainers probably weren’t as costly. Saturday evening big star name was Munro & Patrick, who just returned from doing concerts in British Columbia. Many terrific individuals and groups shared their talent on stage. Every weekend, there are music festivals and workshops during the week.
I rented a small, inexpensive cabin for myself with the barest essentials, but too bad the walls weren’t insulated, as the loud music came booming through the forest for miles, I’m sure. Music until 2:00 a.m. for the partiers. No bears in sight when there is enough noise, but we are occupying their habitat. An excellent summer weekend, but an exhausting one with limited sleep. No, I didn’t stay up all night partying.
Battleford’s Early Childhood Intervention Program will be at Meeting Lake Regional Park this Thursday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with free books, singing songs, snacks and other interesting activities. This is held on the public park beach. Please call 306-446-4545 for more information. Swimming lessons are in full gear now at this park.
Good times coming up in Shell Lake with their “Hey Days” on July 18-20. Throughout the weekend, there will be golfing, music, dancing, open museum (admission $2) and much more. Friday’s itinerary includes a DJ at Teddy Bear’s Den. Saturday, there is a pancake breakfast for $10 at the Partners in Working Church, a parade at 11 a.m., hamburgers and hot dogs at Legion Hall at 3 p.m. and a show and shine all day. Sunday, there is a pickleball tournament with $30 registration per person. Pre-register by July 14 by email to [email protected]. There is free golfing for kids age 12 and under with one paying adult golfer, which is sponsored by Memorial Lake Regional Park Authority. Lots of fun-filled action for whoever likes this type of summer activity.
Check out the kids’ program this summer with librarian Colleen Wicks in the village of Speers. The library is open Monday and Thursday afternoons and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Rock painting and many other engaging fun stuff for the kiddos and even adults eager to have a good time.
The family of Ruth Hrynewich, formerly of Rabbit Lake, is hosting a 90th birthday come-and-go tea this Saturday in Valley View Towers on 99th Street, North Battleford. This is from 1 to 4 p.m. in the dining/sitting area on the main floor.
Three weeks ago, I gave information on “Grandma’s House” big cowboy event this weekend, north of Langham. Call co-ordinator Jim Tomkins at 306-841-7181, but one doesn’t need to pre-register. I’m hearing a lot about this, so I will drive there on Saturday to take in some action. No, I don’t own a horse. This isn’t just for cowboys and gals, as there are a lot of great musicians hitting the stage.
An afternoon tea on the deck sounds welcoming. This is hosted by Spiritwood’s Museum committee this Saturday, July 12. The hosts will be taking a collection (whatever you wish to donate) for a lovely, relaxing afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.
The Village of Marcelin is hosting Ethan’s Memorial 2025 Show and Shine this Saturday, July 12. There are to be cars, trucks, semis, motorcycles and more, with food, beer gardens and draws with free admission for spectators. Well, of course, one pays for their food and beer. This is near the Marcelin Fire Hall on Railway Avenue.
