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presents:
THINGS TO
o d to in the
Southeast Southeast Saskatchewan always offers something for you to do in the summer months This is the third straight year the Estevan Mercury is proud to produce a special section for 101 Things to Do in the Southeast this Summer. It’s one of our favourite publications of the year. It’s fun. It’s insightful. And it puts a spotlight on all that we have to offer during the summer months, whether it be in Estevan or elsewhere in the southeast. We’ve found that one of the biggest challenges for this special is deciding the 101 Things to Do or experience each year. We think we could do so much more. After all, this is the summer without COVID restrictions. Now, there weren’t any restrictions for most of last summer, but we didn’t know until just a few weeks before summer began that there wouldn’t be public health orders, so some organizations couldn’t make plans for an event in time. This year, the last of the pandemic-related orders ended in February, so there has been time to make things happen. We’ve had highlights already. Canada Day was terrific. A lot of communities had events to celebrate this wonderful country’s 155th birthday.
The temperatures have been warming up and we’ve been getting some heat after what was often a wet and cool spring. We’ve had some thunderstorms, but one of the things you can do during the summer months, if you’re game, is take photos of the lightning strikes and the crazy cloud formations associated with a thunderstorm. If you’ve been in your community long enough, you know about the amenities offered. Most communities have some form of a campground, a golf course, a ball diamond and other options for outdoor recreation. It’s not just Estevan that has a lot to offer or some great summer events. You’re likely going to find something to experience in the towns and villages, whether it be a town the size of Carlyle or a village as small as Frobisher. Moose Mountain Provincial Park north of Carlyle has lots to offer for the public. It’s a place where you can enjoy camping, boating, kayaking, sailing, 1fishing, hiking and golfing. You have restaurants and accommodations to choose from, even if camping isn’t your thing.
Just to the south of the park you’ll find the White Bear First Nations and the White Bear Resort, which has plenty of attractions, too, and the Bear Claw Casino and Hotel, which is a popular destination for tourists and area residents alike. Expect to see a slate of activities at the casino this summer. There are several regional parks to choose from in the southeast, each of which has numerous things to do. There are some pretty unique attractions in these parks, such as Fresh Air Fitness at Woodlawn Regional Park. And there are private campgrounds and golf courses eager to serve you, too. If you’re into sports, you can take in a night of racing at the Estevan Motor Speedway or baseball and softball games. Provincial tournaments are happening in July and August, and the annual Harbourne Memorial Tournament, which crowns the champion of the Saskota Baseball League, is in Estevan on July 23 and 24. If culture and history are your thing, there will typically be a museum in a community. Or you can usually find a library. Or you take in a perfor-
mance at the Souris Valley Theatre, which will have its first live main-stage show since 2019. And then there are the events. You won’t have to worry about donning a mask or crowd limitations this summer. The only issue might be whether something is sold out. Each weekend, you’ll typically find a really fun event or two in the southeast – a street dance in Estevan, the Pioneer Echoes weekend in Midale, the Bow Valley Jamboree south of Oxbow, Fun Dayz in Carlyle, and so many more. And there are activities for children. The City of Estevan’s playpark program has been around for years, offering free crafts and swimming for kids on weekdays during the summer months. At the end of a busy day, you can always sit down and enjoy a tasty meal at one of the many great restaurants in the region. So there’s always lots to do in the southeast in the summer months. And while we have a tough time keeping the list to just 101 items, it’s also tough to find time to do everything you’ll want to do this summer.
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THINGS TO to do in the Find free mini workshops at Fresh Air Fitness. See Facebook for more information. Pick up fresh baking and produce at the Estevan Farmers’ Market Saturdays. See Facebook for more information
Take the family to the races at the Estevan Motor Speedway. See Facebook for details
SOUTHEAST
Save the date for the Bow Valley Jamboree www.bowvalleyjamboree.org
Plan your winter trip with CAA Travel, Estevan caask.ca
Take a drive on Estevan’s Backroads Guided Audio Tour. For more information, visit Estevan.ca/ the-backroads-of-estevan-tour
Find out more about the Estevan Public Youth Centre by visiting theepyc.ca Get tickets for one of the Estevan Culinary Tours at Visitor Information at 701 Souris Avenue
Organize a scavenger hunt Visit the Roche Percee rock formations
Fish for largemouth bass at Boundary Dam Reservoir
Try your luck at the Bear Claw Casino & Hotel at White Bear Bearclawcasino.ca
Pop some popcorn and go stargazing
See the Soldiers’ Tree Play a round of disc golf at Torgeson Park
Walk a dog at the Estevan Humane Society Have a bonfire and roast hotdogs and marshmallows
Sleep in
Check out Tourism Estevan’s Blog Page Fish at the walleye “Hot Spot” at Mainprize Park. Mainprizepark.com
Explore the walking paths throughout Estevan
Check the City of Estevan playpark schedule and go for a swim estevan.ca/paddling-poolplaypark-programs/
Borrow a Park Pass from your Library for free entry to Saskatchewan Regional Parks Southeastlibrary.ca Arrange a free tour of Shand Greenhouse by calling (306) 634-9771
“Take me out to the ball game” at Lynn Prime Park Cool off at the Padwick Park Splash Pad
101 THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER...
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THINGS TO to do in the
SOUTHEAST
#FindYourSummerAtCoop on the grill! Meat dept + bakery + deli salad = a winning combination Drive through the beautiful Moose Mountains and stop at the Bear Claw Casino & Hotel Bearclawcasino.ca
Take photos for the Estevan Mercury Photo Contest this fall
Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboat at Woodlawn Regional Park Woodlawnregionalpark.ca
Find all three “rock snakes” started by Brae and Maddyn Wolensky
Cheer on the Saskatchewan Roughriders
Find the Hidden Riverbend Bridge near Estevan
Go birdwatching
Take the kids to a City playpark for morning crafts, activities and games Go to estevan.ca for details
Enter Tourism Estevan & Bass Battles’ Angling Tournament Go to www.bassbattles.ca
Camp out in a tent in the backyard
Run through a sprinkler on a hot day, no matter your age Read or listen to a book from your library Hit the skatepark with your unmotorized wheels of choice
Take your dog to the dog park Take in a free yoga session with OM Yoga Saturday mornings See Fresh Air Fitness on FB for information.
City promoting several activities for summer months The City of Estevan is promoting a number of activities that it is involved with this summer. Culinary tours, which were a popular attraction in Estevan prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be returning. The first one will be July 30, and will include stops at the Black Grasshopper Pub, Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse Casual and K n Artisan Ice Cream. Additional culinary tours will happen Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 29. The cost is $55 per person and includes a limo ride and stops at three restaurants. Historical walking tours are back this summer through central Estevan. This year Tourism Estevan has a guided tour component on Friday afternoons throughout July and August. People need to call Tourism Estevan at 306-634-1892 or email tourism@estevan.ca to book a tour. People can also take the self-guided walking tour throughout the week by downloading the Tripvia app. People can also take the backroads of Estevan tour, guided by the city’s audio tour. More information can be found on the city’s website. The city’s playparks program, which offers free activities on weekdays, is now underway. The programming
The historical walking tours in central Estevan offer a look at heritage buildings in the city. File photo
started July 4 and will continue until Aug. 26, with a different theme each week. The city operates the Churchill, Rusty Duce, Hillside and Hillcrest. Crafts, activities and games are at 10:30 a.m.noon, while swimming is 1-5 p.m. The annual playparks pancake breakfast, which is an annual highlight, will be July 21 at Churchill Park, starting at 10 a.m. Also making its return latest this summer will be
the Bass Battles fishing competition at Boundary Dam Reservoir. Tourism Estevan and MyCatch by Angler’s Atlas have teamed up to bring Bass Battles to Boundary Dam Reservoir for the third straight year. This year’s tournament will take place July 30-Aug. 1. The entry fee is $125 per participant, and there is room for 100 individual competitors. People can register and find the full rules at bassbattles.ca.
#FindYourSummerAtCoop with a Big Cool Slush or cold drink from Southern Plains Co-op C-Stores
Available at the Estevan Southern Plains Co-op C-Store locations only
estevanforce@gmail.ca for more information & registration forms
Teest Your Endurrannce,, Strenngthh, Agillityy & Gritt In Thhiss Parttneer Atthleetic Coompettittion
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THINGS TO to do in the
SOUTHEAST
Go Glow Golfing at Mainprize Park Mainprizepark.com Do a random act of kindness Drive to Arcola to see the historical brick buildings built in the early 1900’s
Visit the Hirsch Community Jewish Cemetery
GET OUT AND ENJOY summer in Southeast Saskatchewan
Visit your grandparents
See the Grant Devine Dam near Alameda Find the Tourism Estevan Selfie Spots Cruise around Estevan to see the beautiful new murals and benches Enrol your kids in the TD Summer Reading Program at the Library Hike the Preddy Trails at Woodlawn Regional Park Woodlawnregionalpark.ca Explore the southeast with a CAA membership caask.ca
Estevan Farmers Market EVERY SATURDAY | 8:30AM - 1PM in the Estevan Market Mall Parking Lot
Check out the Estevan Farmers’ Market Vendor lineup for Saturday on Facebook
• Food Trucks • Baking • Vegetables • Crafts • Home Based Businesses and more!
Get tickets for the Monster Trucks at the Estevan Motor Speedway See EMS Facebook page for details
Stay up to date and follow SASKTODAY.ca Eat at a restaurant you haven’t tried before Volunteer for a non-profit organization Visit the Bienfait cemetery and the Coalminers’ monument.
Be the next millionaire on Smoke Signals Progressive at Bear Claw Casino & Hotel Bearclawcasino.ca Join Tourism Estevan for a guided Historical Walking Tour. Call 306-634-1892 to book
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 BOW VALLEY PARK Oxbow, Saskatchewan Festivities begin at 1:30 PM
• Pipes and Drums • Downwind • Teagan Littlechief • Chris Henderson • Bromantics • Tilted Kilts • Blu Beach • Dusty Rain
We are a family-friendly festival! Children I2+ under FREE Children activities provided throughout the day
• BEER GARDENS • FOOD VENDORS - Bring Lawnchairs -
ADMISSION Adult 19+ $40 • Student 13-18 $25 • Children 12+ under FREE www.bowvalleyjamboree.org Find us on Facebook + Twitter
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THINGS TO to do in the
SOUTHEAST
Catch a sunset over Rafferty Dam Take in a performance by Danny Kazam, children’s magician at a Southeast Regional Library near you
Register your kids for Estevan Minor Football at estevanfootball.com
Treat yourself to an ice cream cone or milkshake
Play a game of tennis or pickle ball at the Estevan Leisure Centre
Book a cabin at Mainprize Regional Park Mainprizepark.com
Hit a bucket of balls at the driving range at TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course Estevangolf.com
Plan next year’s Family Reunion
Eat lunch while enjoying the Garden on 4th in Estevan
Spend an afternoon with the kids at Rusty Duce Park pool Find fun activities this summer at the Estevan Public Library! • Makerspace Station • Danny Kazam • TD Summer Reading Program And Much More!
Get a new boardgame from The House of Stationery and play it outside
Follow us on 701 Souris Ave., Estevan • 306-636-1620
Enjoy a cold drink on a patio
Have fun at the Dennis Moore Centennial Splash Park
Pick up your pace at the Chamney Family Running Track near ECS
Find the Hidden Swinging Bridge near Roche Percee
Tap your toes along to great musical talent at the Bow Valley Jamboree Find out more on Facebook
Force Fitness Competition to return this year The strength and conditioning of local residents will be put to the test on July 23 during the second Force Fitness Competition at the Fresh Air Fitness outdoor exercise area in Woodlawn Regional Park. The activities will start at 8 a.m. and should be wrapped up at noon. Peggy Rohatyn, who operates Fresh Air Fitness alongside Debby Knight, said it will have a similar format as when the event was last held in 2019, but there will be some additions. One event is the six-minute AMRAP (as many reps as possible). Women have to toss a 50-pound medicine ball over a 4 1/2-foot wall repeatedly in four minutes, and complete tire flips in two minutes. Men have to toss a 70-pound medicine ball over a five-foot wall and complete the tire flips. In another event, participants have to complete a 400-metre farmer carry, 50 synchro lunges, 100 synchro squats, 50 synchro burpees and a second 400-metre farmer carry. One of the challenges will test competitors’
minds in addition to their strength. People are encouraged to come and witness the event. “It’s amazing to see the determination on their faces and stuff like that. It’s a tough competition and you have to be dedicated to it,” said Rohatyn. She noted that Natasha Tinant and Jennifer Olfert are tasked with devising most of the events. “They do the work, they plan the events and we just help them out,” said Rohatyn. Rohatyn said the first Force competition in Estevan was a lot of fun three years ago. It became a favourite event of hers due to all of the work participants did and the pride they had, and since it made great use of Fresh Air Fitness. “Working with Natasha and Jennifer is super easy for us, because they just take control of what their jobs are and they get them done, so it’s nice. They have an idea, and they work pretty hard at this.” It also creates awareness of Fresh Air Fitness and the different amenities they have.
The inaugural Force Fitness Competition was held at Fresh Air Fitness south of Estevan in 2019. File photo “It’s beautiful down there, this year especially with so much moisture and stuff, everything’s so green and the paths are just amazing right now,” said Rohatyn. The event can handle up to 15 two-person teams, and they have room for a few more entries. Rohatyn said they
want to be able to finish the competition in a reasonable amount of time. Prizes will be presented for the top three finishers in each of the men’s and women’s divisions. Mixed teams are accepted as well, but they would have to compete in the men’s group. Registration forms are available at Hen-
ders’ Drugs, or they can be obtained by emailing estevanforce@gmail. com or their Facebook page. It costs $100 per team, but participants will receive some prizes for their participation. Penta Completions will be operating the nearby concession during the event.
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THINGS TO to do in the
SOUTHEAST
Go to the Leisure Centre and enjoy the pool and waterslide
Visit all the swimming pools in the southeast
Freshen up your deck and fence with Cloverdale stain from the Floor Store in Estevan and Carlyle Floorstoreestevan.ca
Find out about current promotions and events at Bear Claw Casino & Hotel
Bearclawcasino.ca
Explorers excited to showcase the southeast By David Willberg They come from diverse backgrounds, but they have one common bond: a desire to showcase the southeast region. Earlier this year, Community Futures Sunrise announced the launch of the Southeast Explorers program – eight people tasked with promoting what this region has to offer. Similar to the Tourism Saskatchewan Saskatchewanderer initiative, the explorers will visit locations and events in the southeast, and promote them on Facebook, Instagram and an ExploreSEsask website. Two of the explorers, Brady Johnson and Monique Willms, are from Estevan. Justin Marcotte hails from Torquay. Nicole Currie is from Carlyle. Then there is Pam Altwasser of Yellow Grass, Shannon Douglas of McTaggart and Connie Arndt of Weyburn, who are known as the Red Chair Amigos; and Lindsay Manko-Bauch of Weyburn. Johnson said she has always loved travelling and experiencing new things. She used to think she had to venture elsewhere to do it, but in the last few years, she has come to realize that she can do it in Saskatchewan.
“There’s so much more to see and experience than we think there is,” said Johnson. She believes there are some neat “hidden gems” in the southeast, such as Ogema, which has a barbecue restaurant, some amazing food and a train tour that starts and finishes in the village. Many of her assignments, and those of the other explorers, are tied to their personalities and their interests. “My area of expertise or enjoyment is really anything that’s outdoors, that’s active or adventurous, and anything that involves food or coffee,” Johnson said. Already she has had one expedition. She visited Kenosee Lake for a sailing journey. Then she walked around the beach and enjoyed an ice cream cone. Johnson went to Carlyle and stopped in at the Lotus Tree spa for their unwind package, which included a massage and a facial. “As far as the spa, I couldn’t believe that we have something like that in southeast Saskatchewan. It’s very comparable, if not even better, than anything I’ve experienced in a large city. That was a fantastic experience. I couldn’t believe that was there,” she said.
Brady Johnson enjoyed sailing at Kenosee Lake as part of her Southeast Explorers experience. Photo by Brady Johnson “Overall, it was very neat. I didn’t know you could sail in southeast Saskatchewan, either, so that was a great experience, just learning how sailing works and getting to experience
that out on Kenosee Lake.” She also stopped in at Michael’s Coffee Shop and Bakery in Carlyle, and dropped by Carlyle’s new spray park. B7 » EXPLORERS
Support a fundraising BBQ for the cause of your choice CREATE A BEAUTIFUL
OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
Be brave and start that DIY project
Take the family to Hillcrest Playpark for a picnic
Try the famous SIGA Burger at Growlers Restaurant at Bear Claw Casino & Hotel Bearclawcasino.ca
Take your little ones to the Hillside playpark for the day See Estevan.ca for more information
Indoor/Outdoor Carpet Stain/Paint Paint Brushes/Trays
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THINGS TO to do in the
SOUTHEAST
Visit Mainprize Park with your family. See their website for special events www.mainprize.com
Shop and eat at the Night Markets Thursdays in downtown Estevan
Have a water balloon fight Try a variety of Saskatchewan craft beer
Visit or call someone you haven’t seen in a long time
Buy a fishing license and go fishing
Keep your home cooler with Graber Blinds from the Floor Store Floorstoreestevan.ca
Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise with a cup of coffee
Book a tee time at TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course by calling (306) 634-2017
Leave a gift on a friend’s step for no reason
Stay up late and watch the Northern Lights
Family Loop Course is OUR
Visit all 31 of Estevan’s Parks/Greenspaces
Enjoy reading the Estevan Mercury each week
Check out Estevan Bike and Brew. See their FB page for details
Explorers have already been busy « A6 Johnson is also looking forward to travelling to Oxbow’s Bow Valley Park for paddle boarding and camping, and she will be going to Woodlawn Regional Park and Roche Percee. She wants people to know that anyone can be outside and active. It doesn’t take a lot of equipment, she said, it’s just a matter of wanting to do something. Willms said she loves exploring and inspiring people to take ownership of where they live. “I think sometimes when we live in an area, we … don’t always see it through a visitor’s eyes and all of the really cool stuff that we have,” said Willms. She loves to promote the region and showcase these experiences, and she gets an opportunity to explore more as well. Her first experience also took her to Carlyle and Kenosee Lake. Willms and her family visited the swimming pool, shopped in the downtown area, and then went to the Kenosee Inn and Cabins. They visited the Artist Colony at Moose Mountain Provincial Park and then they went kayaking. “Typically I’m usually a bit of a package deal, so I travel primarily with my family – my husband and my two teenaged children,” said Willms.
KIDS CLOTHING AVAILABLE IN THE GOLF SHOP!
She was particularly impressed with Carlyle’s downtown area and the businesses it boasts. Willms will be in Oxbow in early August for the Bow Valley Jamboree, and her family will be kayaking in the area. Some other projects are under development. She is looking forward to visiting the Happy Nun Café in Forget – a place that she has yet to visit. And she would love to head out with local fishing expert Ralph Smart with Prairie Pro Outfitters, an experience she had previously with Tourism Estevan. Willms typically leans more towards outdoor activities. “We love hiking, we love kayaking, we love skiing,” said Willms. “The great thing about the explorer program is that we’re doing this for a year, so that we get to showcase the region in all seasons.” Willms said she has received great feedback to the explorers concept thus far. Everybody has been kind and engaging, and the destination businesses they have worked with have been fantastic. “That’s one of my favourite things right now, is just getting to hear people’s stories, and just to see them living their passion. I just think that always adds so much richness to an experience,
when you know the people behind it.” The public has been interacting favourably and offering suggestions and invitations. Marcotte said he is looking forward to showcasing all of the gems in southeast Saskatchewan and having some fun in the process. His first gig as an explorer was this past weekend, when he went to the Lake Alma Mud Monkees Mud Drags. It was the first time he has been to the event. “They have the different classes of trucks that are doing mud bog races,” said Marcotte. He took photos and videos of the event for the Explorers’ social media feeds. The more free time he has, the more exploring he can do and the more events he can fit in. It’s a pretty flexible schedule. He has a couple of other things planned, but nothing has been finalized. Marcotte said he wants to get out to the sites and events that might not be as well known in the southeast, including the smaller communities, and profile all that they have to offer. If there are businesses and others who want to be part of the program, they can contact Community Futures Sunrise.
SHAND POWER STATION ACCESS ROAD, ESTEVAN, SK
Now Open!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS FOR OUR NEW MINI COURSE: • Check in at the Golf Shop prior to going out (you do not have to book a tee time) • Junior Members are free • FREE Junior Green Fees for the Family Loop Course all summer; courtesy of Techmation Electric & Controls Ltd • No carts allowed • Leave pins in at all times • Ages 10 & under must be supervised
We cannot wait to see all Juniors this summer! For any questions, please contact the Golf Shop!
ESTEVANMOTORSPEEDWAY.COM
306-634-2017 • estevangolf.com
VISIT US ON FACEBOOK!
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THINGS TO to do in the
SOUTHEAST
Bear Claw Casino The Friendly Place to Stay and Play!
Check out our Gaming Floor, Restaurant and Hotel Open 10 am-2 am daily
Bear Claw Casino (306) 577-4577 Growlers Restaurant (306) 577-4258 Bear Claw Hotel 1-877-909-2327 Highway 9, White Bear First Nation North of Carlyle, SK www.BearClawCasino.ca
SUMMER IS HERE HERE!! Make the most of it!