On a warm spring evening April 30, Blaine Lake held its second Grand Ole Opry in the hall. There were approximately 10 different performers with most of them using Norm and Golden Aces back up band.
This band consists of Darlene Hupaelo playing rhythm guitar and singing, Gerald Wiebe playing steel guitar, Bruce Isbistor on guitar, Ron Charney on bass guitar and Norman Woytowich on accordion. These people are excellent musicians and the crowd wanted more.
Two five-year-old grandchildren of Darlene Hupaelo stole the show as they opened the program with O Canada and then two more selections. Chase and Adyson Serhan hail frpm Esterhazy and obviously are following in Grandma's footsteps!
With the response from the pleased audience, the third annual Opry will be in the making for next April. The admission even included a lunch in the seniors’ centre next door, then dancing back in the hall. This was a great evening that I attended.
This past Friday, Dawson Lehmann and Lucas LaFreniere from the Mayfair area graduated from Hafford Central School. Dawson is the youngest son of Dale and Maxine Lehmann. Lucas is the oldest child of April and Sheldon LaFreniere. This Class of 2016 consisted of 16 graduates. The theme was, "Don't wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect."
Medstead's monthly music jam session is scheduled for May 22, starting at 2 p.m. There are usually quite a few musical entertainers throughout the afternoon, which the crowd thoroughly enjoys dancing to.
Spiritwood Arrows Outdoor Fun Shoot will be hosting a third annual shoot June 11 and 12. Adult prices are $25 for one day or $40 for two days. Youth (17 and under) prices are $15 for one day or $25 for two days. This is to be held 15 miles east of Spiritwood, one mile north on Ameins Road and one-half mile west. First set of shooters start at 9 a.m. on both days. Call Ian or Sue at 306-883-3042 for more information.
The Broadway musical Mary Poppins was fantastic, with a cast of 20 and the youngest actor aged 10. Of course Mary Poppins came and went a few times on the flying rig in order to create some magical moments. May 8, when Faye, Leanne and I attended, there was an abundance of children in the audience who were captivated with all the action on the stage. Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon is fortunate to have such talented actors, musicians, designers and technicians there to create such a great performance. This show has been held over for two more weeks.
Please do not forget to mark your calendars for Mayfair Creative Corner's spring sale May 21 at the hall. Sale starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. There will be home-business vendors, garage sale items, home baking, bedding plants and more. An English muffin breakfast is being served from 9:30 a.m. until noon, costing $3 for adults. Tables are only $5 to rent. To book one call Dora at 306-246-4848 or Alice at 306-246-4212. Hope to see you there!
The nine children of Marguerite Wintonyk are hosting an 80th birthday tea May 14 at Chapel Gallery, 891 - 99th St., North Battleford. Marguerite has been living in the Mayfair district for the past 18 years and prior to that was in North Battleford. She was a registered nurse for many years.
Like many others, I was unhappy when I went to my cabin at Chamekese Resort, Chitek Lake, and realized it had been broken into. This is such a senseless act of vandalism and the RCMP is kept busy writing reports. Many times it is the same people committing these crimes. Seems like the punishment is never too severe, so they keep re-offending. Perhaps there should be more severe penalties.
With the above seasonal temperatures, children were splashing around in the lake, which seems hard to believe for the first week of May. The water was ice cold but the sand very warm on bare feet.
This past week has not been easy when one sees and hears of all the devastation that the raging forest fires have caused. Many people have connections to Fort McMurray, whether it is family or friends who call it their home. Now how many do not even have a home to return to? Have you done your duty as a good citizen to donate to the Red Cross for this very worthy cause?
