What a kickoff to summer! Of course who could forget the storm of June 25? Like North Battleford, we suffered severe damage as well. The Village of Rabbit Lake fared very well with only two tall spruce trees being broken; however, south, west and east of Rabbit Lake got hit hard.
Extensive damage occurred at the Siembab farm, Dave and Bev Kowerchuk's farm, Eric Kuffert's farm, Dave Penley's, Sid Penley's, Don Petersen's, Pat Salisbury's and Tom Salisbury's. Many large trees were twisted off in the Meeting Lake spruce grove as well. All properties lost trees, some lost sheds and many lost hopper bottom bins.
The barn on the CJ Penley place is no more. Eric Kuffert used to own cattle sheds and corrals. Dave Mischuk felt their house actually moving. Although short-lived, the storm sure packed a punch.
Power service was interrupted for 28 hours and people of all ages were lost without the modern gadgets. Here at the WhistleStop the generator did its thing and we were able to provide coffee and food and a place to commiserate.
We are fortunate here in Rabbit Lake because, when the power goes off, the natural gas generator at the water plant takes over; consequently we have water and sewer without interruption. Thanks to Bob Lamb, the town maintenance man who comes in and turns the system on. What is with the bad weather in the last week of June?
June proved to be wet and cold. Over eight inches of rain has fallen on the village and yet the gardens are dry.
A group of about 40 gathered at the Rabbit Lake cemetery July 1 to bid final farewell to Paul Kobernick. July 1 was Paul's 90th birthday. After the committal, the group met at the Rabbit Lake Seniors' Centre for a lunch and a time of fellowship. Paul's sister Eleanor Lunan of Maple Ridge, B.C., and his sister-in-law Elaine and her family of Drayton Valley, Alta., attended. Son Kevin and his wife Jackie, and Mitchell and Leah, were there as well.
Meeting Lake Regional Park once again hosted the annual Canada Day in the Park. The weather was great for the day so the bunnock tournament, the ATV parade, the beer gardens, the Canada Day treats, the free minigolf, the fishpond and other games were all enjoyed by a packed park.
Judy Kennedy offered a cold plate supper and then at dusk the annual fireworks were enjoyed on the beach. A sharp shower dampened the air just before fireworks and that was unfortunate. This year the fireworks were donated by various cabin owners and businesses and an extensive show was presented. Thanks to the many who donated time, finances and talents to make it a great day. A big thank you to the Meeting Lake Regional Park board for their commitment to the community. Results and pictures of the bunnock tournament are forthcoming.
Also at Meeting Lake Regional Park, Canada Day weekend, the Kowerchuk families gathered for a family reunion. According to Darlene (Kowerchuk) Pierce, almost everyone of that large extended family was able to make it.
Rabbit Lake was the site of the Rabbit Lake Rhubarb Festival July 3. Although the weather hampered the outside activities the hall was filled with things to do and to see. Kathy Aumack introduced us to Haskap jams and jellies and to her business of providing such to the area. Rabbit Lake Agricultural Association hosted an information table promoting the Carlton Trail Jamboree. The WhistleStop Café sold ice cream and rhubarb sauce, rhubarb punch and had a ring toss for prizes.
Local crafters displayed their accomplishments. The Lakeland Library, Rabbit Lake branch, had a used book sale and a kickoff for the summer reading program. Donna German taught children how to tie-dye T-shirts using markers and rubbing alcohol, as the summer reading kickoff activity. Shirley Leigh called bingo for rhubarb prizes and mystery prizes. Rose Gill Lodge had a bake table featuring many rhubarb treats. Jean Massett of Mullingar did a workshop to teach people how to do "two fleece" quilting and the WhistleStop Coffee Shop provided rhubarb treats at the tea.
To kick off the day the Rabbit Lake Museum committee sponsored an old-fashioned lunch featuring bologna and lettuce sandwiches and rhubarb fruit with either cream or ice cream and also had a large display of items used in days gone by. Joan Dzialo offered rhubarb Caesars at the Rabbit Lake Hotel. This is now her signature drink and it is only available in Rabbit Lake.
The day ended with the judging of the best rhubarb pie. Out-of-town judges Ruth Hrynewich and Jean Massett tried out 11 pies and declared the pie baked by Isabelle McLennan to be the best. Isabelle is Rabbit Lake's first Rhubarb Ruby, and holds the marble rolling pin trophy for the next year. Marlene O. Martens came in a close second and received a Pyrex pie plate. Shelly Laughlin received honourable mention as number three.
Thanks to everyone who participated. Most of the pies were sold and many donations to the hall were accepted from the sale. Next year will be bigger and better as we grow with the idea.
Congratulations go out to Sonia Seigal on her engagement and upcoming wedding. A bridal shower was held July 7 for Sonia.
Wasn't that a party on the hill? Nine hundred and thirty-three people, according to Joan Dzialo, took up the challenge to fill the hill at the 24th annual Carlton Trail Jamboree. Headliners Hey Romeo, High Valley, Charlie Major and Dr. Hook featuring Ray Sawyer were warmly received by the crowd. The weather could not have been better and some said that Sunday was even hot. The first hot day of summer! Hats off to the Rabbit Lake Agricultural Committee and to those who worked extra hard to make this another success. More details will be forthcoming.
The Toews family, originally from Mayfair but now from all over Canada, met at the park hall July 6, 7 and 8 for their annual family reunion. What a hot weekend. I am sure there was lots of beach shenanigans!
