MAYFAIR — The summer days keep flying by and before you know it, the kids will be back to the regular schedule of school. In the middle of July, some stores were advertising “school supplies” for the coming year. Not only that, but Halloween gear is already in abundance.
A good old-fashioned wiener roast hosted by the Kowalczyk family of Whitkow brought many community families together last Saturday night at Horseshoe Lake. Adolph Kowalczyk would like this to be an annual summer event because, as a kid, he remembers families gathering at this site for a get-together without having to travel a distance. There were approximately 50 people in attendance on a beautiful, peaceful evening in the scenic rolling hills. Years ago, a local Whikow bus driver, Louis Shutra (deceased), had an annual school year-end party for his students who rode on his bus. The Whitkow Aces Men’s Fastball team frequently gathered there and many others reminisced about the good times at Horseshoe Lake, even with snowmobile parties in the isolated rural setting. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A big thank you to Adolph, Gisele and their son Boyd and his wife Erin.
Many car/truck shows have grown to include tractors and snowmobiles. This past weekend, a show and shine was held in Meota on Saturday and Radisson hosted one on Sunday. I attended the Radisson event, in which there was an excellent showing from 1928 up to almost the present. A few Alberta residents brought their treasured vehicles to be displayed. A wonderful selection for vehicle enthusiasts who slowly walked the streets and got to meet many of the owners of the well-maintained vehicles. Seems like the younger generation still adores the “muscle cars” with big engines. Have you ever noticed this is a growing hobby among retired people who love to buy and restore the “golden oldies?” Again, the weather co-operated, but a cloud burst arrived when it had ended.
A correction from two weeks ago. I had mentioned that Gail Freethy (deceased), formerly of Rabbit Lake, husband’s name was Glen. Al (deceased) was her husband and Glen is her son.
Hafford Central School had their Grade 12 graduation two months ago. From Mayfair, April and Sheldon Lafreniere’s daughter Afton graduated with honours. Congratulations, Afton, and best wishes for a bright, exciting future.
The last name Willick is a well-known name to Spiritwood and area folks. Reginald J. Willick will be at his book signing on Aug. 9 from 2to 4 p.m. in the Spiritwood Pioneer Centre, 410-Main St. He wrote a true story which changed his life because of tragedy. Paperbacks are $25 and hard covers $40.
The fire bans have recently been lifted due to more rainfall. Hoping that campers will truly again experience open campfires to roast the wieners and marshmallows. Nothing like a fresh hot dog for a summertime tradition. I wonder if this is popular in other countries.
Haskap berries, anyone? Spiritwood area, four miles east and one and a half miles north of Highway 3, a u-pick berry farm still has tons of delicious berries for only $10 an ice cream pail. The owners have a 2,000-tree orchard with irrigation. Pails can be picked up at the gate anywhere from 5 a.m. until darkness arrives. Cash is accepted, or payment can be made by e-transfer. Please call 306-883-9327 for information.
Meeting Lake Park is again hosting a bunnock tournament this long weekend. The adult tournament is this Saturday and a children’s event is slated for Sunday, Aug. 3. Children have to be ages eight to 18 years of age. Cost is $40 per team of four and each registered kid receives a goodie bag. Ferryn at 639-536-1700 is in charge of the Aug. 3 tournament. Also on Aug. 3, in the park, there is a community garage sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Round Hall. Sandy is taking bookings at 306-281-3805
Rabbit Lake Community Hall Supper is Saturday, Aug. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. Prices are: adults $20; 12 and under $10. The proceeds are going towards upkeep of the hall.
Echo Bay in the Shell Lake area are having its spectacular annual fireworks, which keep getting bigger and better. It’s advertised for August long weekend, but the exact date is unknown (maybe depends on the weather). Many drive their boats into the bay because the effect of fireworks over a lake is totally beautiful. Standing to view them on the beach is still chosen by many spectators. And yes, the August long is here soon.
Nothing like listening to fiddle music to get one’s heart ticking rapidly. This fabulous event is in the Canwood Community Hall on Aug. 18. Some champion musicians are Austin Castle from Swift Current (2025 CGM Sask. Rep), Emily Dubois from Regina (2025 CGM Sask. Rep) and our well-known Lucas Welsh from Meadow Lake, who is a guest guitar and fiddle player. Lucas grew up on a farm near Blaine Lake and many of us Mayfair folks watched him as a “budding fiddle player” over the years. He was usually on stage at the John Arcand Fiddle Festival, which is no longer, but was a Western Canadian, large crowd-pleasing event for many years near Pike Lake. This concert is from 7 to 11 p.m. This is considered the Canadian Grand Masters send-off fiddle show and dance before the final competition in Kamloops, B.C.
Ag in Motion near Langham certainly did not disappoint the large crowd who attended the over 600 venues on site from July 15-17. I went for two days and still didn’t cover everything. Most had caps, pens, bottled water, candy and trinkets at their tables and some free draws. The people promoting their businesses wanted to make sure a person left their booths with a lot of information, whereas some were much too busy on their cellphones texting or playing games. Pretty difficult to drum up business when a company rep is “laid back.” To my surprise, a week later, I checked my emails and I had won a gift certificate from a furniture store in Saskatoon.
A 90th Birthday celebration at Valley View Towers in North Battleford was held two Saturdays ago in honour of Ruth Hrynewich (former Rabbit Lake farmer). She and Peter (deceased) had four children and the family increased steadily over the years. This was an afternoon come-and-go tea with a delicious lunch served. May you have many more birthdays, Auntie Ruth.
Scenic view at Horseshoe Lake between Whitkow and Hatherleigh districts. | Photo by Elaine Woloshyn
