2012 is now in the books, and as we did last year at this same time, we are all gazing into the crystal ball to see what 2013 has in store.
It promises to be an active 2013, especially in North Battleford where centennial celebrations will be hosted during the year. The crystal ball points to a lot of interesting and news-making events that we can look forward to.
But be warned: our crystal ball is not known to be very reliable. Last year, the crystal ball was absolutely certain Bridgefest 2012 would happen. "Go to Vegas and bet money on it," it said. Of course, we all know how that turned out. Our ball is still red-faced over that botched-up forecast.
Anyway, let's see what the crystal ball is forecasting for 2013.
Jan. 24: Provincial New Democrats are in the middle of a competitive leadership race and on this night an all-candidates forum is set to go at the Western Development Museum in North Battleford.
January-February: There will be changing of the guard at the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce as the old president departs and a new president comes in. Current president Pat Smith will be handing the gavel over to Sharon Mohagen, who will be the president in 2013.
Feb. 3: Get rid of the winter blahs by attending the special Centennial Winter Carnival taking place at Don Ross Centre.
Feb. 3 to 6: The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association holds its convention in Saskatoon, always of importance to local municipal leaders.
March 9: We find out who will be the new provincial leader of the opposition, as the NDP chooses its new leader on this day. The crystal ball has narrowed down the potential leaders to Cam Broten, Ryan Meili, Erin Weir or Trent Wotherspoon.
March: Following the leadership contest the provincial legislature gets back into session, with the budget the important item on the agenda.
April 14: Federal Liberals vote all over the country to elect a new leader. The crystal ball is still not quite sure who the new leader will be, although the name Justin Trudeau keeps on showing up.
Also in April: the arrival of spring. Our crystal ball forecasts a very soggy spring in our region once all the snow melts.
Sometime around this same time expect the Northland Power plant to be commissioned and start up and running as well. Grand opening ceremonies are expected to happen sometime in May or June.
May 1: A major celebration is planned at Central Park as North Battleford celebrates its centennial, with plans to open a 25-year time capsule at that time.
May 17-26: That's right, hockey fans, the biggest event of the hockey season in Canada is coming to Saskatchewan with the Memorial Cup junior hockey tournament at Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon.
Our crystal ball is still not sure which team will raise the Memorial Cup, but is crystal-clear about one thing: it won't be the Saskatoon Blades. (Just joking, folks.)
June: Get ready to hide in your storm shelters, as the storm and tornado season resumes. Don't be surprised to see Saskatchewan storm-chasers such as Regina's Greg Johnson driving down a nearby highway, chasing after storms.
The crystal ball is hopeful the Battlefords won't be hit by any storms again, but doesn't seem confident about that prediction and in fact keeps changing its mind.
July 1: Get ready for Canada Day and more city Centennial celebrations in the city.
Also in July, it's the most anticipated time of the year in the province. That's right: it's the return of the CFL, as the Saskatchewan Roughriders begin their season-long quest for the Grey Cup.
Aug. 31: After Bridgefest 2012 was washed away by the wet weather, organizers try again on this date in 2013.
September: Expect North Battleford to receive the very good news that they have won Communities in Bloom, again!
October or November: The crystal ball isn't quite sure of the date, but predicts the arrival of the first snow around this time. (Sorry, folks.)
November: Be ready, local hoteliers. You are likely to be far busier than usual as football fans from all over the country try to find anywhere at all for them to stay in the province to take in the 2013 Grey Cup game in Regina on Nov. 24.
Tell your potential guests not to worry: Regina is not very far (only four hours driving).
Dec.31: Be ready for Closing Ceremonies in North Battleford as the city wraps up its Centennial year with closing ceremonies.
And that's a wrap!
