MAYFAIR — What will the 2023 summer be best remembered by? One word: apocalyptic! Forest fires fuelled by rapid winds carry the smoke across thousands of miles. It’s hard on the lungs and eyes in places that one can hardly see. I experienced this crazy scenario last week as I tried to get fresh Okanagan fruit and visit long-lost cousins and friends. The percentage wasn’t great for visiting but managed to see one former North Battleford friend Rose Jansen (nee Dion) in her Vernon accounting office for a half hour en route to my interior destination. I knew by day three my plans had succumbed until another year. Purchased what I thought I needed, although it’s not relatively cheap as one would expect. Factor in accommodation, fuel and some restaurant meals, my fruit and veggies would be considered expensive. It’s the thrill of venturing out to do this but a letdown because of fires. I didn’t drive through to Kelowna, Vernon or Revelstoke, but took a longer route to avoid chaos. News reports advised tourists to stay out or leave immediately from that area. Some friends I know had to evacuate from West Kelowna to safer grounds. Meanwhile, others in that area are on evacuation alert. I’m home safely after directing myself through Osoyoos, Grand Forks, Cranbrook and southern Alberta. A long drive with a few stops along my 18-hour drive. Home safely but now in the canning mode because I can’t let this ripe fruit rot! Oh, how I love adventure! Driving alone is so peaceful but I miss out on viewing the beautiful and treacherous mountain driving. Eyes on the road of course are top priority. One misfortune between Castlegar and Salmo, B.C. when a large tree snapped and fell due to strong winds on a single-lane highway so there was a four-hour delay the second day on the way home. At least it wasn’t a bad traffic accident with injuries or fatalities. Now home on the prairies the weather is much cooler than where I was earlier last week with temperatures ranging near 35 C.
Individuals owning ATVs might want to schedule a quad rally at Witchekan Lake First Nation (north of Spiritwood) Sept. 2. Tickets are $20 which includes supper with the first prize being a 2023 quad plus other prizes. Registration is between 10 a.m. and noon at the powwow grounds. The draw is to be made at 4 p.m. at the Kisikohk School gymnasium. For more information, please call 306-841-8900, 306-619-5077, 306-841-7797 or check their website: WLFN.FUNDRAISER. Proceeds to Witchekan sports and recreation.
Meeting Lake Regional Park concession is notifying everyone that the last day of summer operation will be Sunday, Sept. 3. Labour Day Monday, Sept. 4 is the cleaning and selling of the remainder of their stock. Unfortunately, summer fun at the parks and beaches is drawing to a fast close.
Doukhobour Dugout House National Historic Site of Canada is becoming popular with worldwide travellers. Unfortunately, their last day of the 2023 season was July 29. This popular site is located near Blaine Lake.
Congratulations to Sarah and Calvin Lafreniere of Mayfair on being first-time grandparents to a beautiful baby boy.
This is early but many places are starting to advertise for the fall and winter craft sales. One nearby is Hafford Winter Market scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To get more information email address is [email protected].
The cooler and somewhat rainy weather is hindering the harvest but it’s early so not too much of a problem. Farmers have many more demanding farm jobs to keep busy with this time of the year. The rush is on.
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