MAYFAIR — Gas prices are jumping all over the place. Last week a person said the cost per litre of regular gas was $1.41.99 compared to slightly higher in Saskatoon from $1.43 to $1.47. When one desperately needs to fuel up when the gauge registers empty any price is right.
It’s dipping down to below zero in the evenings so garden hoses have to get drained, a few other small tasks have been put off, and now it’s last minute. Nothing like reprimanding myself.
Spooky, scary lit up and some bloody creatures have many people returning year after year to Linda Price’s Halloween Haunted Forest one-half mile north of Meeting Lake Regional Park near Rabbit Lake. This is the fourth year of presenting it with many different themes throughout the walk.
It all started four years ago when an eight-year-old boy suggested Linda have a Halloween display in her and Marvin’s (husband's) yard close to a well-gravelled grid road. From small beginnings, it grew to what it is now — incredible. Linda, daughter Brandy Swistun and daughter-in-law Carman start creating this project in August. They live in close proximity to the site. They search second-hand shops for trinkets and gadgets and purchase new inflatable characters. They put many hours of work into creating everything scary-related.
Some of the themes are: swamp/pump area; butcher shop; pig cemetery; boogie man and ghost area; chainsaw; “real” man zombie; deadly hospital room with blood and guts galore; apocalypse; large circus; kids’ scary playground; fortune teller in a creative building; and ending with large round bale maze. Now if that isn’t creative, what is?
This exciting project was open to the public Sept. 30; Oct. 6, 7 and 14. Sunday, Oct. 8 was considered “kids’ afternoon” because the other dates were from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The dates open for the public are scheduled way before Oct. 31 in an attempt to avoid extremely cold temperatures that could make it difficult for volunteers to enjoy the project. In the past, snow has created a problem, especially with the large task of removing everything to storage. The only money kept is for the purchase of the batteries required for some of the props that howl their shrieky sounds echoing throughout the site. A large chunk of the money collected from donations at the front gate will be donated to Spiritwood High School Travel Club, Derek Franson Memorial Bonspiel and a couple of other organizations.
A big thank you to her grandson Reid who eagerly helps every year, other relatives who travel a distance and other friends ready to take on whatever needs to be done. Linda is already looking forward to next year probably dreaming up new adventures for the spooky 2024 season. She is a dedicated, hardworking senior farm woman willing to help out in nearby clubs. She’s a person one can always count on for help. People travel from Saskatoon to view this amazing spooky adventure in preparation for Halloween. If this doesn’t get a person in the mood for ghosts and goblins then nothing will. Thank you, Linda Price.
Visit the Haybted Forest photo gallery here.
There was some action on stage in Mayfair’s Community Hall this past Saturday enjoyed by a fair-sized crowd. From the Battlefords, Doug Sylvester and friend Jeff Arendt played stringed instruments and sang many selections covering some gospel, bluegrass, country and rock and roll music. Doug is the owner of Chickadee’s Musical Circle. For those who didn’t attend, you missed an excellent concert. The admission was only $10 and in a large city, the price would easily be doubled. This was a fundraiser with proceeds going to the Mennonite Church and to All Saints Catholic Church in Mayfair. Again. thank you to the volunteers who took admission, sold tickets and worked the kitchen and the bar.
Rabbit Lake Ag Association is hosting a kids' fun night on Halloween Oct. 31 involving games, free hotdogs, hot chocolate and of course treats for local children and those from nearby communities. Adults are even welcome to bring their treats to hand out to the excited children and they also are invited for a hotdog and other treats. The hall committee is not charging rent for the use of the hall. Community-minded people make things happen in a thriving village.
Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Parish Hall in Hafford is sponsoring a Butterball turkey bingo on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. There will be many bingos, a silent auction and 50/50 tickets. Come join the fun.
Fun, contests, games and treats are to be had at Speers library Oct. 30 after school. Remember it is not on Oct. 31, so mark your calendars for next Monday and join in the fun with librarian Colleen Wicks.
Keep your news a touch away by bookmarking The News-Optimist homepage at this link.
