MAYFAIR — The cooler-than-normal July didn’t bring much precipitation, but it seems that we have to beg for hot weather now. It would be nice to see no rain for a long time.
Ruddell’s annual wiener roast got cancelled due to a dumping of rain last Thursday. I guess one has to wait for August 2026. Nothing tastes better than eating hot dogs and salad during the summer months with neighbours and friends.
A last reminder of the “Trailbazers” horse ride at Diamond Resort, Aug. 29-31. This well-known popular resort is situated approximately 35 miles northeast of North Battleford on Highway 4 and Highway 378. Cost is $100 for a weekend pass, which includes free camping for the riders. A one-day pass for Saturday is $50, which includes breakfast, barbecue supper, nightly entertainment with Larry Krause and Chris Studer. The trail ride is 15 to 20 kilometres in length, but one doesn’t have to be a cowboy/gal to have fun in the outdoors. This resort has much to offer, so if you’ve never been there, please come check out this hidden gem in the rolling hills. Contact Jim Tomkins at 306.841-7181 for more information. It’s happening rain or shine.
Aug. 12 was a special day for the former Whitkow hotel owner/operator. A customer could always rely on great-tasting Ukrainian food in that establishment. Ann Ewanchuk turned 97 years old and resides in a Battleford senior care home. May you get to celebrate many more birthdays, Ann
Another birthday wish to Mary MacDonald of Rabbit Lake, who recently celebrated her 91st birthday. I’m sure many younger people ask these elderly ones, “What’s the secret to longevity?” I do not know these two women’s secrets, but I’ve come across some very elderly seniors saying, “A shot of brandy as a nightcap.” Again, one never knows, as there are many theories.
The annual Rabbit Lake Day drew a fair-sized crowd into that village last Saturday. One of the highlights was a bunnock tournament with many teams registered. First place winners receiving $300 were Ryan Woloshyn’s team, consisting of family members (youngest eight years of age). Many campers and cabin owners from nearby Meeting Lake Regional Park joined in the day’s festivities, ending with a delicious supper put on by the hall board.
I spent last weekend volunteering at the Northern Lights Bluegrass Music Festival at Ness Creek. Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Time Music Society are dedicated to promoting the rich traditions of this type of music. The excellent musicians come from as far away as Montreal, and their summer months are spent touring around entertaining at festivals, usually starting in British Columbia and making their way eastward.
Unfortunately, the cooler rainy weather made for a smaller audience, but it was still fairly sized. Just past midnight on Saturday, the clouds broke loose and lightning struck forest trees near tenters, but they escaped without harm. I was blessed to book advance overnight accommodation in Big River, which meant a 20-minute drive from the festival site. Volunteering in the kitchen to make sure the musicians and volunteers and staff get well fed is rewarding. I was fortunate to chat with many musicians and ironically, some knew some acquaintances of mine. Good times were had by all, even if most campers went home damp.
The grass has revitalized to a dark green and is very thick and lush due to the last two weeks of extra moisture. This means mowing the grass more frequently, but those dandelions are still coming in leaps and bounds. I hate to use pesticides on grass, so I am pulling the flowers — trying to get the complete plant out is very challenging — and burning them with my household garbage. There are more than enough flowers for the bees in summer. Speaking of bees, many local beekeepers are advertising liquid and creamy honey for sale. Honey is much better and beneficial than using white refined sugar.
