It was 45 years ago that Jack MacKenzie, along with Don and Nora Stewart, decided they wanted to develop a place for people to go to get back to nature. Although all three were from Regina, they fell in love with the Moose Mountains and after sending nearly 50 letters out inquiring with land owners in the area about selling a section, it seemed like it wouldn’t happen. They had only received three letters back and all three replies were negative.
Instead of a general letter the group changed their approach and began talking, face-to-face with landowners. Eventually they were able to explain their dream to Hugh and Mary Kippen who sold them the land for Saskairie: A Project of Prairie Lore and Living Society. Don, an engineer, came up with the plans for the project and established the lodge with help from White Bear First Nations.
Additionally, Tom and Florrence Scarrow were integral in the upkeep of Saskairie for numerous years.
Now the Saskairie Board is operated by 22 members and has over 100 members in general. It is an important site for many and has been used for a trail ride camp – as it was on July 7-9, for school groups, general camping, family reunions, the Moose Mountain Marathon base camp, and much more.
The main costs for Saskairie include general upkeep, taxes, and insurance for the facility; but, with fundraisers such as the trail ride and continued support by many, it continues to offer a natural oasis in the Moose Mountains for people to connect with nature.
This year the trail ride saw more riders out than last year, which was nice to see for organizers including Grace Martin-Robertson: “It’s been good weather and everyone is having a good time. It’s been a wonderful weekend with lots of people, lots of sponsors – we had so many local businesses donating goodies to us and they’ve been super each and every year in their support.”
“The trails were really good. It’s been hot and dry, so there’s not a lot of mud to go through,” she adds. “It’s a lot more comfortable of a ride, more relaxed than other rides are. Today [Saturday] is the big ride; but, they go out in the morning and are back for lunch, then head out again. Those that don’t want to go out again don’t have to and those with young children might stay back for the afternoon too. So, it’s really relaxed.”
Beth Westfall, their trail boss, has been an amazing person to work with over the years for the group as she puts in a lot of effort to scope out the trails prior to the weekend and has donated a lot over the years.
Additionally, the organizers mentioned Randy and Colleen Frasier. Randy is usually out for the weekend as the “sound and music man.” He has recently been diagnosed with cancer, but that hasn’t stopped him and Colleen from thinking about the Saskairie Trail Riders.
“He’s been awesome. He would always bring out his whole sound system and his lights with him,” Martin-Robertson explained. “We wouldn’t have Jackie [Guy] here without him. And this year, despite all that he’s going through, he still kept us in mind and found us a new sound guy out of Kelvington to come out for a ride and bring his sound equipment.”
Guy performed Saturday evening as the attending trail riders enjoyed a dinner and Chinese auction.
“With Jackie [Guy] here and the gentleman from Kelvington with his sound system, that entertainment makes our trail ride quite special I think.”
The trail ride was another success and the members of Saskairie encourage families, school groups, scouts, cadets, etc… to contact Martin-Robertson regarding bookings and for more information to visit Facebook: Saskairie for more information. The building can be rented or if you’re just looking for a camping site, that can be arranged as well.
