SSSalldocFINAL by The Western Producer

2013

INSIDE • Fun for the Whole Family • Regional Parks Offer Diversity • Ogema’s Tale of Renewal • Saskatchewan Crafts Take to the Road ... and much more!!

ON THE COVER:

NORTHERN

waskesiu lake

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155 Clearwater River Prov. Park

Young people frolic on the beach at Waskesiu Lake Prince Albert National Park. Fine sand, a gentle slope and excellent beach facilities create an opportunity for a great afternoon in Saskatchewan’s North.

Lac La Ronge Prov. Park 165

Sask. Landing Prov. Park

Danielson Prov. Park

Douglas Prov. Park

Regina

features

Dare to Dream A story of a town that refused to die.........30 Dimensions Saskatchewan Craft Council’s traveling exhibition..................................34

freelance and editorial content:

Cheryl Krett Prince Albert Tourism Darlene Friesen Joel Barker Vivian Orr Dave Yanko Tourism Saskatoon Regina Regional Opportunities Corp.

photos by: Cypress Hills Eco-Adventures Ltd. Hans Arnold, Southern Prairie Railway Saskatchewan Craft Council Tourism Saskatchewan Greg Huszar Photography Hans-Gerhard Pfaff Paul Austring Robert F. Weitzel Kevin Hogarth Photography Larry Goodfellow Brian Wolitski Eric Lindberg Keith Stark Douglas E. Walker Gerard Makuch

Grasslands National Park

Moose Mountain Prov. Park

Weyburn 6

Estevan

TOURISM AREAS NORTHERN 8 Always more to explore PRINCE ALBERT 12 Rich in four season adventure CENTRAL 16 A destination... for every imagination

SASKATOON 26 The time of your life starts in Saskatoon!

SOUTHERN 38 Truly remarkable places to discover REGINA 46 Your stop for arts, culture, sport and more!

EVENTS 50 2013 Coming events throughout Saskatchewan

publisher: Shaun Jessome advertising director: Kelly Berg design & layout: Shelley V. Wichmann

See Scenic Saskatchewan is a supplement to The Western Producer, Box 2500 2310 Millar Ave. Saskatoon, SK S7K 2C4

Advertising toll free: 1-888-820-8555

Supplement to The Western Producer

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SOUTH 4

Duck Mtn. Prov. Park

Yorkton

Moose Jaw

Greenwater Lake Prov. Park

Saskatoon

We’re Going Camping! Saskatchewan’s regional parks................14

Melfort

Cypress Hills Prov. Park

From Airsoft to Ziplines Saskatchewan venues offer fun for the whole family......................................... 4

55 Wildcat Hill Prov. Park

3 16

Swift Current

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120

CENTRAL

Rosetown

Prince Albert

North Battleford

Narrow Hills Prov. Park

Candle Lake Prov. Park

Prince Albert National Park

Kindersley

165

2 55

Lloydminster 16

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/ Greg Huszar Photography

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155

Meadow Lake Prov. Park

LEFT: 80 foot sky bridge. Six different ziplines. Two hours long. Two Hiplining Zippie Guides. Need we say more? — Photo courtesy of Cypress Hills Eco-Adventures Ltd. TOP RIGHT: Water fun at Greenwater Provincial Park — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Douglas E. Walker BOTTOM RIGHT: Beach fun at Meadow Lake Provincial Park — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Paul Austring

FROM AIRSOFT TO ZIPLINES Saskatchewan venues offer fun for the whole family! By Cheryl Krett What says “family fun” better than a day trip (or longer) to some of Saskatchewan’s favourite theme parks and adventure sites? Whether it’s testing your airsoft skills, or zipping through lodgepole pines, there’s sure to be a new experience just around the corner. This is by no means a complete list, but it will prompt some ideas for your next adventure - right here in Saskatchewan! 4

See Scenic Saskatchewan

Playing tag takes on a whole new meaning at Rock Ridge Paintball and Laser Tag, located 10 minutes north of Saskatoon between Warman and Martensville. Owners Jayson Thompson and his wife Krista opened their business in June 2009, focusing on giving people the ultimate paintball adventure on 45 acres of land. “We have the largest park in Saskatchewan with six different theme fields,” explains Jayson Thompson. “People love the thrill of paintball - it’s really an adrenaline-

charged game of tag. Plus it’s a great team building experience.” In addition to paintball, Rock Ridge offers laser tag, where, says Thompson, an infrared beam is fired when you pull the trigger on the marker. (The infrared signal is not harmful to the eyes.) Other adventures include speedball on a competitive playing field and a place to try airsoft (minimum age is 15 for airsoft). Pre-booking is advised for paintball and laser tag, but every Saturday and Sunday during the summer, Rock Ridge offer walk-on’s, which means you can join with other people to make a team and experience the fun. With a parent

present, children as young as 10 can play paintball; for laser tag, it’s open to ages six and over. In July and August, Rock Ridge offers paintball day camps (two days in duration) to introduce young people to the game, and teach them some safety tips. The company’s plans for the future include growing the park (the goal is to plant over 2,000 trees to help contain noise), keeping the fields fresh and new, and offering a mobile laser tag system. For more information, call 306.956.2266. Look up. Look way up and you’ll see Scotty, the famous T. rex who lives at the T. rex Centre in Eastend. He’s quite the sight

- a life sized replica standing six metres in height and 12 metres in length. Scotty was the first T. rex skeleton ever found in Saskatchewan (in the Frenchman River Valley near Eastend in 1991) and is one of the most complete in the world. Scotty’s 65 million year old bones were sent to Trenton, Ontario recently, where two sets of replica bones were cast from the original fossils. The T. rex Centre has assembled the replica and housed it in a special gallery in the building; the second set is going to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum to be used in a future exhibit. Scotty isn’t the only reason to visit the Continued on page 6

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See Scenic Saskatchewan

T. Rex Discovery Centre — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography

outside the Moose Mountain Provincial park entry gate, the waterpark was built in 1985 and offers a thrill a minute! There are 10 slides in the waterpark and each has its own “fear factor” level. For example, the Freefall Slide drops participants down the equivalent of an eight-storey building in less than three seconds! For experienced sliders, the Bonzai Slide features three rolling hills to help you speed your way to the bottom. Don’t worry, they also have slides for beginners - children and parents can slide together and wind their way through tunnels in the Twister Slides. Tubing down the slides is another option, and the Exotic Yacht Club Ride has been developed just for that purpose. Bringing the adrenaline level up a notch is whitewater rafting on the west tube slide. The 800 foot long Lazy Canal is great for those who want to relax and take in the sun. No sliding involved - just let the current float you along on a tube or personal flotation device. The waterpark also offers a kids area with a jungle gym,slides, swings, sandbox and treehouse, and weekly beach volleyball tournaments. With two 18-hole golf courses, a mini golf course, hiking/biking trails, picnic sites, and Kenosee Lake (with fishing, skiing, swimming, tennis and boating) just minutes away from the waterpark, you’ll need more than just a day to take it all in. For more information, call 306.577.2343. “Entertainment” is definitely what’s in store for you when you visit Wilson’s Entertainment Centre in Saskatoon. They

started with a driving range in May 2003, then added a putting course in 2005, a raceway in 2006 and most recently, a Jump ‘n Slide activity area for children ages 12 and under. For the avid golfers in the family, the Centre’s Driving Range is over 150 feet in length and offers 50 tee boxes. According to available information on the Driving Range, it has been designed to allow “golfers to improve their long hand” off the golf course. For those wishing to improve their short hand, there’s the 18 hole Putting Course, which locals say is not your typical mini golf experience, with hills, sand traps and water features that will challenge even the seasoned golfer. If racing is more your speed, Wilson’s Entertainment Centre has developed Velocity Raceway with a half-mile track that offers twists, turns and straightaways to replicate the rally car driving experience (albeit on a smaller scale). Wilson’s has upped the adrenaline factor by bringing in Sodi® adult and junior karts from France. If these karts were allowed to go their full speed, they might reach speeds of over 150 km/hour, but the owners have set them so they don’t go over 85 km/hour to allow more age groups to enjoy the experience. You can’t go home without trying some of the delectable treats available at the Clubhouse -everything from wobbly pop to gourmet ice cream. For more information, call 306.955.9582. The Saskatchewan Science Centre/ Kramer I-Max Theatre is a great allaround experience for all ages. You don’t have to be a science geek to enjoy

electricity can make your hair stand on over 150 permanent exhibits and free end), Cryogenics (using liquid nitrogen to hourly stage show demonstrations. The demonstrations are particularly fun as they demonstrate what very cold temperatures will do to solids, liquids and gases), Blood explain in easy-to-understand language and Guts (just as the title suggests - it’s some of the mysteries of science. There about blood and your digestive system) are four main demonstrations - The and the ever-popular Space Show, giving Static Electricity Show (where the Van de PCS13 generator WestProducerHalfPgHorizAd1.1:Layout 1 3/26/13 4:30 you an out-of-this-world look atPMthe Page effects1 Graaff shows you how static

of gravity and air pressure on astronauts in space and humans living on earth). After you’ve exercised your brain, why not try the climbing wall, considered to be one of the tallest indoor climbing walls in Canada. Because this is the Science Centre, the developers have added a unique feature. As you make your way up the 18.3 metre wall, you can learn about the geological history of Saskatchewan at the same time - talk about multi-tasking! Ready to stimulate your visual and auditory senses? Then settle into one of the comfy chairs at the Kramer IMAX Theatre and prepare to be blown away! The screen is five storeys high and features over 10,000 watts of six channel, four way stereo surround sound - so the movie experience is heightened exponentially! For more information, call 306.522-4629. The Gallagher Centre in Yorkton is an exciting recreation and entertainment complex with everything from a leisure water park (including wave pool and waterslide) to grandstand, arena and racetrack. The Centre has hosted all sorts of great events - from concerts to circuses. Telephone 306-786-1740 Jamie Kennedy 306-786-1742.

PA RKS

T. rex Centre - there are hundreds of different fossils - from marine animals to larger predators - on display. Visitors can also watch a paleontology technician working on skeleton remains, or take in a movie Friday night and Saturday afternoon in the theatre. For more information call 306.295.4009 or check their website at www.trexcentre.ca. If zipping through the lodgepole pines, exclusive to the Cypress Hills area of Saskatchewan, is your idea of fun, then check out Cypress Hills Eco-Adventures. First opened in July, 2011, this tourist destination is all about having fun with the whole family in the great outdoors. If you’re a thrill seeker and not afraid of heights, then this is something definitely to check out. Located in the heart of the Centre Block of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Saskatchewan side), Cypress Hills EcoAdventures offers the only zip line canopy tour on the prairies. There are seven zip lines ranging in length from 110 feet to over 600 feet - all located 40 feet above the forest floor. From this height, you get a great view of the spectacular scenery - and maybe you’ll even see a moose or two below you! Take a guided tour and learn interesting facts about the history of the area and what makes it such a unique location. You don’t have to take the canopy tour to experience it. Visitors can follow along on the ground pathways - so everyone can participate at their comfort level and be part of the action. New for 2013 is the Treetop Adventure Park, which Jori Kirk, president, CEO and founder of Cypress Hills Eco-Adventures describes as a “giant jungle gym” where you can experience different challenges from three height levels (20, 30 and 40 feet). After completing a 10-15 minute training session, you begin your climb on the self-belay to challenge your physical talents with a suspended cargo net, “pipe dreams” (a series of vertical hanging pipes), swinging logs and wobbly bridges. Kirk says most people spend about two hours in the adventure park and some brave souls even combine the park with the zip line canopy tour to really test their strength and endurance. Advanced booking is recommended. There are weight restrictions on both the zip lines and adventure park experience. For more information, call 306.662.4466. Nothing says summer like a trip to the Kenosee Superslides Waterpark! Located

Fishing one of many beautiful lakes in Saskatchewan — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography

Experience Saskatchewan Adventure, history and spectacular scenery, Saskatchewan Provincial Parks offer vacation opportunities for everyone. Relax and enjoy your stay at a variety of beautiful campgrounds. Campsites can be booked online at www.saskparks.net/Reserve-a-Site or by phone at 1.855.737.7275

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LEFT: Enjoying ice cream at the Resort Village of Waskesiu — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan RIGHT: The Holy Trinity Anglican Church is located near Stanley Mission in Northern Saskatchewan — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan

NORTHERN BLISS Always more to explore By Dave Yanko

There’s magic in a campfire in northern Saskatchewan. Gazing into those flickering embers can make workday woes disappear into a puff of smoke. It can add two pounds to that big northern pike you reeled in earlier in the day and it can hypnotize the most rambunctious youngster. A nice warm campfire in northern Saskatchewan can also rekindle wonder in the night sky, strengthen bonds among family and friends and bring a cozy close to another day in one of the most beautiful areas of Saskatchewan. 8

See Scenic Saskatchewan

Kudos to the person who put names to the string of pretty little lakes located on the west side of Narrow Hills Provincial Park (see saskparks.net for information on all provincial parks and recreation sites, and to use the online reservation system). Jade, Diamond, Opal, Sapphire and Pearl – the Gem Lakes – sparkle and twinkle on a sunny summer afternoon, especially when viewed from the hiking trails above them. And these jewels offer more than superficial beauty. Created

after buried glacial ice melted, the tiny Gems are up to 25 metres deep (80 feet) and clear enough for spear fishing using scuba gear. While there are several rustic campsites in the area, most who visit the park stay at popular and nearby Lower Fishing Lake – more than two dozen lakes in the park are suitable for fishing. Adventuresome folks might check out Clarence-Steepbank Lakes Provincial Wilderness Park, situated about a half hour’s drive from Narrow Hills. It’s one of the most accessible wilderness parks in the province and offers striking vistas of water and rolling green hills.

Meadow Lake Provincial Park is a very popular vacation spot for Saskatchewanians and Albertans, alike. Located near Saskatchewan’s western boundary, the park features more than 20 lakes connected by the Waterhen River and strung across a 100-kilometre band of boreal forest. At more than 1,600 kilometres in area, there’s no shortage of places to explore, hike, bike or fish. If you’re feeling fit and looking for a challenge, check out the recentlycompleted Boreal Trail that runs almost the entire width of the park. If an afternoon jaunt is more to your liking, choose a short section of trail that connects two campgrounds – leave a vehicle at the end of your hike so you can drive back to the trailhead. If you’re not into hiking the wilds, the saskparks.net website includes a “things to do’’ category for each park that lists activities, features, areas of interest, campgrounds and fixed-roof accommodations. At Meadow Lake park, for instance, there’s mini-golf in Goodsoil and an 18-hole championship course with a full-service restaurant at Northern Meadows Golf Club (northernmeadows. com) just west of town. If you’re visiting the park in mid August, check out the pancake breakfast and farmers’ market at the annual blueberry festival in Goodsoil, which runs the second Saturday each August. History buffs visiting the region can learn of the momentous events surrounding the Northwest Resistance of 1885 at Steele Narrows historic park, situated south of Meadow Lake park, while the annual Onion Lake Powwow (July 19-21) features more than 600 competing dancers from across North

America (onionlake.ca). If camping, golf and cultural events sound a little too, well, predictable, do some planning and then grab your partner, your wilderness provisions and a couple of paddles and haul your canoe north to Clearwater River Provincial Park, where experienced paddlers can jack up their adrenalin on Class IV+ rapids. Just remember, Clearwater has no services. And if you’re really adventuresome, grab those provisions, hire a floatplane and head way up north to Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, 100 kilometres of rippling sand dune fields on the south side of gigantic Lake Athabasca. Rare plants and animals combine with outstanding scenery to make this park unique in Canada. Saskatchewan’s most popular park for paddlers is Lac La Ronge, where Churchill River Canoe Outfitters (crco.com) and Paws ‘n’ Paddles Wilderness Tours (pawsandpaddlestours.com) can meet the needs of all paddlers from beginner to expert. La Ronge park, an anglers haven, is situated just inside the Canadian Shield and features strikingly rugged scenery as well as storied Robertson Trading post and Holy Trinity Anglican Church, the oldest and one of the most beautiful buildings in Saskatchewan (see saskparks.net) The most popular and well-established vacationing region in the northern area lies one to two hours north of Prince Albert, within and near Prince Albert National Park (pc.gc.ca). If your idea of a great vacation includes fabulous outdoor scenery and exhilarating water activities as well as boutique shopping, great golf courses, fine-dining restaurants Continued on page 10

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and premium lodging, consider the Resort Village of Waskesiu, situated right inside the park. If your idea of a great vacation includes fabulous outdoor scenery and exhilarating water activities as well as great campgrounds, good fishing, fabulous wildlife viewing and some of the best hiking and biking trails in the province, consider the park area adjacent to Waskesiu (if quiet is your priority, try delightful Namekus Lake, 10 kilometres south of Waskesiu, where motorized craft are forbidden and all sites are non-electric including, naturally, six walk-ins). The park is the former home of “Indian’’ naturalist Grey Owl, actually Englishman Archie Belaney who pretended to be aboriginal, and you can canoe or take an overnight hike to his Beaver Lodge cabin – there are more than 100 hiking and biking trails in the park. The Waskesiu area also boasts two of Saskatchewan’s most striking golf courses. The Waskesiu Golf Club (waskesiugolf.com), designed by legendary Canadian architect Stanley Thompson, is a beautiful 18-hole course that was constructed in 1935. The newer course at Elk Ridge Resort – actually three nine-hole facilities – is carved from the boreal forest adjacent to Saskatchewan’s premiere four-season resort: it’s listed as one of nine “must-visit Canadian winter resorts’’ in the Feb. 18, 2013 issue of Reader’s Digest (elkridgeresort.com). If you’re among the many who love the haunting call of the loon, consider visiting Anglin Lake Recreation Site located outside the park’s east boundary. The lake features a high population of nesting loons as well as good fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking and swimming. Nearby Land of the Loon Resort (landoftheloonresort. com) has fixed-roof accommodations and a wide variety of other amenities. If great music is more important to you than lovely facilities, nurture your inner hippy at the annual Ness Creek Music Festival (nesscreek.com) on the third weekend in July and see why “Happy-Ness’’ is no illusion for the almost 3,000 young, old, urban and rural folks who attend this increasingly popular four-day event in the Big River area. Meanwhile, Chitek Lake Recreation Site, west of Big River, not only offers great angling, boating and pretty beaches, it’s the perfect home base from which to explore the more than a dozen beautiful little lakes in the vicinity. Candle Lake Provincial Park, an hour north of Prince Albert, is renowned for its clear water, good walleye and northern pike fishing, and some of the highest-rated inland beaches in Canada, while Candle Lake Golf Resort (candlelakeresort.com) is one of the most popular in Saskatchewan. Sandy Bay campground, on the west side of the lake, is a short drive from the stores, restaurants and bars in the Resort Village of Candle Lake. Minowukaw campground, on the east side, is a little more off the beaten path and has fewer amenities. But it’s from the beach at Minowukaw

that you might just catch a glimpse of the mysterious lights that gave the lake its name. The sandy shallow waters of Waskateena Beach, at the south end of the lake, makes it a perfect spot for tots. The gateway to these northern jewels is Prince Albert (princealberttourism.com), the third largest city in Saskatchewan and well worth a visit. Diefenbaker House Museum employs photographs, artifacts and documents to recall the life and times of the Canada’s 13th Prime Minister just before he took the nation’s highest political post. Try your luck at Northern Lights Casino (northernlightscasino.ca) and grab a bite at food-friendly Amy’s on Second (amysonsecond.com). For shopping and supplies, try the Gateway Mall (gatewaymallpa.com), which boasts more than 50 indoor stores and services. Northern Saskatchewan is a vacationer’s dream. Wonderful memories campfire camaraderie will warm your winters for years to come.

norshell@sasktel.net

on Anglin Lake

Your lakeside destination for family gatherings and quiet holiday stays.

Polaris, Princecraft, Looking for an adventure or a peaceful Mercury, and Husqvarna, retreat for any season of the year? Parts, Service, Clothing & Golfing, Pro Shop, Driving Range, Accessories. Houseboats, Cottages, RV Park, Licensed Restaurant Full Service Marina & More! and Conference Facilities. Toll Free: 1-888-3-EAGLE-6

Treat yourself... in La Ronge, SK

www.eaglepoint.ca • www.eaglepointpowersports.com • Email: info@eaglepoint.ca

Drift life’s stresses away.

Pet Friendly Accommodation, Boat/Canoe/Kayak Rental, Seasonal Evening Dining, Catering and Convenience Store.

NipawiN, SaSkatchewaN

Call 306.982.4478 or visit www.landoftheloonresort.com

Phone (306) 862-7014 • www.aurorahouseboats.com • 8, 10, & 12 Sleeper Houseboat Rentals (3, 4, & 7 day packages available) • Self-Captain or Site-to-Site Assistance Service • Custom Cruise Group Tours • World-Class Fishing and Golf

– Newly constructed and ﬁrst year of operation – 40 pull through RV Sites with water/sewer and power at the site – 17 electriﬁed sites – Convenience store and shower facilities on site – 2 boat launches – Secluded forest area, direct access to the lake

fro

d and ally owne Municip RV Park operated

LacVert k RVPar

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Christopher Lake Heritage Hotel 306-982-2699 306-227-8682

Jacobsen Bay

e p a l c l s t i E m A 10

• Cold Beer, Wine & Spirits Off sale • Clean, newly renovated hotel rooms • Sports Lounge/Volleyball Courts • Live entertainment/Open Stage/ Karaoke • Licensed Dining with take out menu until 2:00 a.m.

Experience Saskatchewan at its Best!

RESERVATIONS BEING ACCEPTED AFTER April 15th, 2013

– Picturesque location on the east shore of Green Lake in Northern Saskatchewan. – Great ﬁshing (Walleye, Pike and Lake Trout) – Numerous quad trails – Close to shopping, golf course, and medical services which are located 48km away in Meadow Lake.

Email for reservations: greenlakervpark@sasktel.net or for information: 306-832-2131 Visit our website at: www.nvgreenlake.ca

Located just outside of Prince Albert National Park, Elk Ridge Resort is a four star, four season destination resort in the heart of Saskatchewan’s Lakeland Region. Elk Ridge offers: • Luxurious Suites, Townhouses & Cabins • Indoor Salt Water Pool with Waterslide & Hot Tub

• Conference Facilities • Restaurants • World Class Spa • 400 Kilometers of 4-Wheeling Trails • Hiking Trails • 27-Hole Golf Course

• QUEEN SIZE BEDS • CABLE T.V. • KITCHENETTES • WIRELESS INTERNET • HONEYMOON SUITE

303 LA RONGE AVENUE P.O.BOX 320 LA RONGE, SASK S0J 1L0

306-425-5550 FAX 306-425-2455

For Reservations Call: 1.800.510.1824 www.elkridgeresort.com

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A view of Prince Albert’s river promenade — Photo courtesy of Prince Albert Tourism.

Welcome to the beautiful city of

PRINCE ALBERT Prince Albert and district is rich in four seasons adventure, excitement and opportunity for all ages! Submitted by Prince Albert Tourism Annually the city invites and hosts regional, Canadian and international guests for sporting, cultural and entertainment events. Prince Albert is home to many first class facilities, fields and event venues which make Prince Albert an ideal and favourite location for special events and activities. Prince Albert boasts many quality destination hotels (www.stayinpa.ca) which will meet your every need. 12

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Shopping and dining establishments are plentiful in our fine city! We have a great range and number of retail outlets, restaurants and bistros. Many shops and establishments in our city hold distinction among their peers and they win national awards recognizing them for their commitment to service industry excellence. Good service, great food, high achievement and highest sales volume are often the words we hear when speaking about Prince Albert’s business community. This city loves a celebration and does so with multicultural flavour. You can experience the Ukrainian Festival, The Polka Fest, Prince Albert Highlander Pipe Band, our French communities’

presentations, then Metis Fall Festival, Tapestrama and of course the very popular Downtown Street Fair. Please check our website www.patourism.com for current event listings in our city. You will find major festivals and trade shows along with entertainment favourites like dinner theatres, fall suppers, artist studio tours and craft and bake sales. The four-season recreation area also provides visitors with an exciting range of activities from arts and history to culture and recreation. There are museums, historic sites, art galleries, and a casino to keep you occupied while you visit the area. During the winter months, our city comes alive with fun-filled activities for

the entire family. Cross Country skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and winter hiking are some of the activities you can experience when you visit Little Red River Park, Prince Albert’s playground areas, or any of our Lakeland areas. Come and cheer on your favourite sled dog team as they compete in Canada’s longest sled dog race – The Canadian Challenge. Enjoy fishing? It is a year round activity that the whole family is sure to love! Fresh water from under the frozen ice – the fish always taste incredible. As fall and winter sporting events and activities give way to the excitement that spring and summer bring, Prince Albert gets a sports and leisure activity fever that spreads throughout the city and into the northern Lakeland region. The sights and sounds of the summer exhibition festivities, rodeos, chariot and chuckwagon competitions along with exhilarating midway rides can give you chills down your spine as you scream with excitement. Prince Albert and district is also known to be a golfer’s paradise. We have relaxing nine hole courses to the challenging 18 hole courses – whatever your skill level, we have it all! Who can resist the lake country that

Snowshoeing is one of the many winter activities enjoyed in Prince Albert’s playground area. —Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Keith Stark

lies just beyond Prince Albert? Camping, fishing, biking, hiking, canoeing, boating, boogie-boarding and relaxing on the smooth sandy beaches of our Lakeland areas is more than anything a sports and leisure enthusiast could ever hope for. Do you crave activity? Do you desire adventure? Are you looking for

opportunity? Look no further… Prince Albert has everything you need and more! For a more detailed listing of events, attractions, maps, recreational activities accommodations and dining guide, visit www.princealberttourism.com. Your adventure starts here!

Hours:

SUMMER MONTHS:

My long weekend to September long weekend Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Saturday - Sunday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

OFF SEASON/WINTER: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Our visitor Centre gift shop

contains hundreds of locally produced art, food, clothing, cosmetic and jewelry items you will treasure as a memento of your stay in Prince Albert.

Prince Albert Tourism

Visitor Centre

Visit us online at

www.princealberttourism.com Contact us:

3700 2nd Street West Prince Albert, SK S6W 1A2 (at the south entrance of the city on Highway 2 at Marquis Road) p: 306-953-4385 toll free: 1-877-868-7470 email: visitorpatourism@sasktel.net

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LEFT: Everyone enjoys a campfire. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography RIGHT: Fishing on Dunnett Lake. — Photo by courtesy of Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association

WE’RE GOING CAMPING! Saskatchewan’s Regional Parks By Darlene Friesen, Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association When you were a youngster, you could hardly crawl into bed did you jump up and down before your eyes closed. It was saying this over and over until heaven! your parents were starting to Regional Parks in Saskatchewan can cover their ears? make this happen for your family! These parks can be situated right next to a Camping meant endless village or town, they could be nestled in summer hours playing in the the middle of the sagebrush, tucked away sand, swimming, catching in a forest, or in a quiet spot near a lake or a creek. Each park is a different size minnows and frogs, roasting and offers different choices of activities wieners over a campfire and which may include camping, swimming, possibly some marshmallows sports grounds, food services, golf courses and some events host large annual events. to burn and make your fingers With the assistance of provincial gloriously sticky. It was being so funding for capital projects and some tired at the end of the day that municipalities funding their local parks, 14

See Scenic Saskatchewan

the facilities at these parks have been improving each year. Many parks have increased the number of campsites or upgraded their existing sites; washrooms and shower buildings have been a priority for improvements or additions across all of the regional parks. They have invested in potable water systems to provide safe, clean drinking water for everyone using their park. They have replaced worn equipment and many new playground areas have been installed in a large number of the parks. Let’s take a tour of some of the regional parks in Saskatchewan. Pasquia Regional Park is located near Arborfield and has recently constructed a new olympic size swimming pool for those warm summer days. They have a 9-hole

grass greens golf course and a lovely campground. It is also the home of “Big Bert”, a fossilized crocodile-like dinosaur. You can take the kids fossil hunting along the Carrot River or take the 6 km hike to the “Big Bert site for the afternoon. Speaking of kids – the mini golf is full of unique holes to play. Imagine a day on the golf course with the kids happily splashing in the swimming pool and a trip after supper to the concession for a nice drippy ice cream cone! Emerald Lake Regional Park is located off Highway 12 between Leask and Shell Lake. The park is almost all sand – everywhere you look. Campsites are tucked into the trees and the beach and swimming area is calling for you to spend the day there. As well as the sand, there is a large grassy area ready to spread your towels on and enjoy the sun. There is a concession stand at the top of the grass just ready to supply you with all you need for your beach time. There is a 9-hole sand green golf course perfect to teach

your kids the game of golf. How about taking in their Zumba exercise program or a wakeboard clinic? There are three playground areas and a lake ready for whatever you want to do on the water. Dunnet Regional Park is located a short drive from Avonlea. Dunnet is on land that has 300 year old ash and maple trees as well as 70 million year old rock exposures which are part of the Bearpaw formation in the nearby Blue Hills. Spend a day exploring these as well as aboriginal ceremonial sites, a buffalo jump and more. Come back to the park and spend the evening fishing on the reservoir or swimming in their heated pool. Your camper will be waiting for you under the shade of the trees. There is a concession for those looking for a treat or a morning coffee conversation. Plan a family gathering using the group facilities at the park and everyone will have something to do while you are there. Lac Pelletier Regional Park is located 30 kms south of Swift Current in a valley with a lake that is ½ mile wide and 3 miles long. Perch, walleye and pike are waiting beneath the surface of the water for you to tempt them to bite. Both sides of the valley are covered with rolling hills and prairie grass. There is a 9-hole grass greens golf course running throughout and on top of the hills for you to enjoy. For the lazy, sunny days, there are two sand beaches to sun on or for the kids to build sand castles all day. There are three playground areas as well as a mini-golf for more entertainment for the kids and a tennis court for perhaps some adult recreation. A licensed lounge and restaurant waits to serve you a meal for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking and just wait until you see the sunsets when the sky goes “purple”!

Things to see near Regional Parks: If you are into dinosaurs – check out the T- Rex Discovery Centre at Eastend and you can end your day at Pine Cree Regional Park, Notekeu Regional Park is near a Plesiosaur Dig Site near Ponteix. Visit the Mennonite Heritage Village by Swift Current and the Doukhobor Village at Veregin located near Whitesand Regional Park. The Doukhobor Dugout House is located north of Blaine Lake and near Martin’s Lake Regional Park and Atton’s Lake Regional Park is near the Poundmaker Historical Centre. How about visiting Seager Wheeler Farm National Historic Site at Rosthern with Valley Rosthern Regional Park right there for you to enjoy as well? There is a lot to explore when you stay at a Regional Park. Even though our regional parks are diverse; they all share two things in common. The first is community pride with a support base that consists of volunteers from the local community. From the beginning, the regional parks were developed and operated by community volunteers who had the desire to provide recreation opportunities for families to enjoy today and in the future. The second is the Regional Park Season Pass! The $40 season pass gains you entry into every regional park in the province. Funds from the sale of these season passes stay at the park where they were purchased, which is an important part of the revenue for each park. Support your favourite regional park by purchasing your 2013 season pass at their gate, and come spend the summer with us! For more information on these or the many other regional parks in Saskatchewan, please visit our website: www.saskregionalparks.ca

Supplement to The Western Producer

LEFT: Children enjoy riding their bikes near Good Spirit Lake. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Paul Austring RIGHT: Bordering on extinction, the whooping crane is a regular annual visitor to Saskatchewan, at spots like the north end of Last Mountain Lake and on other south central bodies of water. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Brian Wolitski BOTTOM RIGHT: Teeing off at Dakota Dunes. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/ Greg Huszar

CENTRAL EXCITEMENT A destination for every imagination By Dave Yanko It’s said that Métis leader Gabriel Dumont could put his ear to the ground and specify whether it was horses or bison galloping in the far distance. His unparalleled skills as a hunter and guide left him superbly well-equipped for his role as Louis Riel’s military commander 16

See Scenic Saskatchewan

during the Northwest Resistance of 1885. And after this pioneer of guerilla warfare was forced to flee to the United States following the Battle of Batoche, he earned his living competing with sharpshooter Annie Oakley and performing as a marksman in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.

Dumont’s life is the stuff of legends. And he’s just one of the intriguing characters you can “meet’’ during your vacation in central Saskatchewan, an area chock-a-block full of compelling history, some of it still being written. But this wide band across the middle of populated Saskatchewan is home, as well, to some of the best parks and fishing lakes in the province. Here you’ll find Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park (see saskparks.net for information on all provincial parks and recreation sites, and to use the online reservation system), once touted in a Maclean’s magazine article as having one of the Top 10 beaches in Canada. Here, too, is Tobin Lake, northeast of Nipawin

(nipawin.com), which is one of the best pike and walleye spots in North America and home to an annual, summer-long pike festival (nipawinpikefestival.com) featuring great prizes and an entry fee of only five bucks. Birder? Central Saskatchewan boasts superior venues for fans of our feathered friends. Quill Lakes International Bird Area features more than 300 species and a million visits a year from shorebirds, songbirds and waterfowl (quill-lakesbird-area.com), while Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area (306-8362022), the oldest bird sanctuary in North America, has recorded more than 280 species, including migrating whooping cranes.

Golfer? Picturesque and challenging courses dot the landscape in this part of our golf-crazy province. There are also a few bucket-list entries such as Dakota Dunes Golf Links (dakotadunes.ca), ranked No. 15 in Golf Digest’s Canada’s Top 30 Golf Courses for 2013. And if things go well on the links – or maybe even if they don’t – you might like to try your luck at Dakota Dunes Casino (dakotadunescasino.com). No matter where you go or what you do in central Saskatchewan, you’re almost sure to encounter history. The pivotal Northwest Resistance of 1885 centred on efforts by Métis leader Louis Riel to preserve the rights and culture

Continued on page 18

Supplement to The Western Producer

Continued from page 17

of his people – First Nations and nonaboriginal settlers had their own issues with the federal government, and some aboriginal people took up arms. Trails of 1885 (trailsof1885.com) contains overview information about the period and links to some of the historic sites where important events occurred, including: Batoche National Historic Site: (see pc.gc.ca for all national parks and sites): former Métis settlement and scene of the decisive Battle of Batoche (Back to Batoche Days 2013 runs July 18-21 – backtobatoche.org) Fort Battleford National Historic Site: scene of the so-called “siege’’ of Battleford, served as a base for military operations during the resistance and was an important locale for other historic events Fort Carlton Provincial Park: the site of a fur-trading post dating back to 1810, served as a North West Mounted Police listening post leading up to the Battle of Duck Lake, the first of the resistance Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre: (dlric.org) provides insight into the turbulent times of 1885 from a Métis, First Nation and settler perspective (town

Fiddlers at Batoche National Historic Site. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/ Greg Huszar Photography

The Kerry Vickar Centre. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Rob Weitzel

murals and Russell Hanson’s Mounted Police Museum are here, as well) Battle of Tourond’s Coulee/Fish Creek National Historic Site: scene of the storied ambush of federal government forces by Métis and First Nations fighters led by

Dumont Fort Pitt Provincial Park: former Hudson’s Bay post where a breakaway element of Chief Big Bear’s band, frustrated with government inaction over severe food shortages, took hostages

icons DISAPPEAR Q butQ

History ENDURES Few communities pack so much variety into such a space as Humboldt.

Come visit us. Find out why we’re the heart of Saskatchewan.

www.humboldt.ca

Moose Jaw • North Battleford • Saskatoon • Yorkton 1 800 363-6345 www.wdm.ca

See Scenic Saskatchewan

SUPPORTED BY TOURISM SASKATCHEWAN

Continued on page 20

Armada Inn MOTEL

Come for a visit... Stay for a lifetime!

MELFORT & DISTRICT MUSEUM

Discover authentic heritage attractions. Host an event in first-rate meeting and conference facilities. Shop. Play a round of golf on an award-winning course. Explore our public art, parks and leisure facilities. Humboldt offers a wide variety of activities, from being active to actively relaxing.

With the resistance quelled, the course was set for Saskatchewan to become the breadbasket to the world. The Western Development Museum’s Heritage Farm & Village (see wdm.ca for all associated museums) in North Battleford

mymuseummatters

Humboldt The Heart of Saskatchewan

SASKATCHEWAN

after killing nine non-aboriginals at Frog Lake. In the aftermath of the resistance, six Cree, and two Assiniboine men were tried and hanged at Fort Battleford in the largest mass execution in Canadian history.

(battlefordstourism.com) features an impressive array of agricultural equipment used to tame the Prairies – kids and oldtimers will love the gargantuan steam tractors. View a unique perspective on reserve life through the paintings of internationally celebrated First Nation artist Allen Sapp (allensapp.com) or grab your favourite good luck charm and hit the Gold Eagle Casino. In the Town of Battleford, meanwhile, you can explore the superb firearm and mustache cup collections (among many other Mounties artifacts) at Fred Light Museum, or hike (or cross-country ski) the trails on beautiful Finlayson Island. Drive a mere half hour north of the city for beach time, northern pike angling, golf, or just good old “R and R’’ at The Battlefords Provincial Park. Rest and relaxation, golf, angling and great beaches also are powerful draws at Greenwater and Duck Mountain provincial parks, located on the east side of the province – both parks have very popular golf courses. The Barr Colony Heritage Cultural Centre (BCHCC) in Lloydminster (lloydminster.ca) tells the compelling story of how 1,500 British citizens, misled about their destination and ill equipped

Step back in time at our Pioneer Homestead Village • Blacksmith Shop • Barbershop • Church • One Room School • General Store • Medical Ofﬁce • Real Estate Ofﬁce • Grist Mill • Saw Mill • Outdoor Oven • Windmill • Vintage machinery and farming tools

Discover our history and explore our heritage with hands-on learning and demonstrations

You’ll Love It Here ❖ Northern Lights Palace Wave Pool, 100’ Water Slide, Sauna & Hot Tub and Arena ❖ Kerry Vickar Centre Performance Arts Theatre and Convention Centre ❖ Spruce Haven Park Ball Park, Tourism Info Centre, Mini Golf, Day Park and Centennial Walking Trails ❖ Melfort Golf & Country Club Challenging 18 hole Grass Green Course ❖ Melfort Campground Fully Treed Serviced Campsites ❖ Melfort & District Museum Heritage Village Museum ❖ Nearby Regional Parks Wapiti Ski Hill, Codette, Kipabiskau, Struthers and St. Brieux Lakes. ❖ Calendar of Events May – Polka Fest June – Show & Shine Car Show July – Melfort Ag. Exhibition Aug. - Kids Fest Sept. – Multi K Marathon Oct. – Northern Lights Trade Show Nov. – Black Fri. Light up Melfort Dec. – Museum “Celebration of Christmas”

www.cityofmelfort.ca 306-752-5911

In Room Coffee ~ 5 minutes to Golf

oom96 Dining RSeats

Licensed

OPEN - Earlier on Request -

HOURS

Monday - Sunday 7 AM ~ 10 PM

50 Modern Air Conditioned Rooms Exercise Room Conference Room In Room Coffee Refrigerators

Wide Selection on Menu Room Service & Banquet Facilities

Amenities

Featured

Smoking & Non Smoking Rooms Photocopy & Fax Services Free Wireless Internet Access

Microwaves Direct Dial Phone Free Local Calls Full Cable/Sports & Movies Convenient Parking & Plug-ins

Unity Saskatchewan

p: 306-228-2603 f: 306 228 3448 toll free: 1-866-982-9239

Junction of Hwy # 21 & 1st Ave. E.

info@armadainn.com www.armadainn.com

Warmth & Comfort in theHeart

of the Prairies

Unity, Saskatchewan

Toll Free ~ 1-866-982-9233 Located on the South West side of Unity, just off highway fourteen, Prairie Moon Inn and Suites offers you a small part of the city in a beautiful rural setting. 64 Brand new air conditioned rooms, wired & wireless internet, hot and cold continental breakfast, microwaves & mini fridges in every room.

Hotel

Amenities

• High speed wireless & wired internet • 32” LCD TVs • Free cable television • PPV movies • Microwave • Mini refrigerators • Iron & ironing board

• • • • • •

In room coffee Pet room Exercise room Makeup removal kit Business centre Meeting room accommodates up to 40

• Jacuzzi suites include luxurious robes and slippers • Suites include dish–ware, sink & toaster • Wheelchair accessible rooms • Convenient large parking area

103-2nd Ave South | Unity, Saskatchewan S0K 4L0 | 1-306-228-3333 | Fax 1-306-228-7272

info@prairiemooninn.com | www.prairiemooninn.com

Supplement to The Western Producer

Continued from page 19

to handle the rigours of an untamed land, in 1903 completed an arduous journey across the pond and western Canada to become the first citizens of the City of Lloydminster. Featured artifacts and primary story lines remain available as BCHCC plans a new display area following water damage to the previous one. Among numerous other attractions at BCHCC is the interactive Heavy Oil Science Centre and wildlife exhibits the centre calls “fascinating and bizarre.’’ Saskatchewan also attracted immigrants fleeing political and religious persecution. And nowhere is that more in evidence than at Veregin, where a tall statue of Leo Tolstoy commands attention on the grounds of the National Doukhobor Heritage Village (ndhv.ca) near Canora (canora.com). The famous Russian novelist helped fund passage to Canada for the persecuted pacifists, whose name comes from the Russian word for “spirit wrestler.’’ In the Blaine Lake area, you can find out more about Doukhobor history at the Doukhobor Dugout House National Historic Site, which features a temporary shelter used by many early Prairie settlers. Ancient Echoes Interpretive Centre (ancientechoes.ca) near Herschel presents

Manitou Beach. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/ Kevin Hogarth Photography

Barr Colony Heritage Cultural Centre. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/ Eric Lindberg

a glimpse back to a time when the area is believed to have been a tidal pool for a shallow inland sea, with all variety of ancient sea creatures represented through fossils discovered in the vicinity. It’s also believed to have been a ceremonial gathering place for First Nations – intriguing petroglyphs (rock engravings)

Award Winning Public Gallery “Powerful and sensitive images of the Northern Plains Cree”

may represent facets of those ancient traditional cultures. Learn about an icon of Saskatchewan agriculture who won five World Wheat Championships between 1911 and 1918 at Seager Wheeler Farm National Historic Site (seagerwheelerfarm. org, call first at 1-306-232-5959)

Open from Early April till Late October

✓ 9 Holes ✓ Cart rentals ✓ Licensed clubhouse ✓ Food service ✓ Tournaments/group bookings available

Golf Bookings

306.275.4433

Campground Bookings

306.275.2255

Campland RV Resort is your premier campground just 10km NW of Saskatoon on Highway 16 West. Come enjoy this new location. Sit on the lush grass around the firepit and enjoy the peaceful serenity.

Honeywood 4 M. S. & 1 M. W. of Parkside, SK

(Dr. A.J. A.J. Porter) Porter) (Dr.

Heritage Nursery Nursery Inc. Inc. Heritage OPEN 2013 DAILY MAY 18 - SEPTEMBER 22

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

Open 11 am to 5 pm Daily - June through September Winter Hours 12 noon to 4 pm Wednesday to Sunday #1 Railway Avenue E, North Battleford, Sask.

www.allensapp.com

See Scenic Saskatchewan

featuring a wave pool and a twostorey waterslide (gallaghercentre. com). The famous Yorkton Film Festival (goldensheafawards.com), North America’s longest running short-film festival, runs May 23-26. For people interested in early farming techniques there is the Threshermen’s Show and

near Rosthern. Modern cropping and agricultural practices are on display in Yorkton at Crops of the Parkland Walking Tour, an FM-radio guided interpretive tour. And no matter the time of year, treat the kids to an afternoon of fun at Gallagher Centre Water Park, an indoor facility

Seniors Festival Aug. 3-4 at the Yorkton Western Development Museum. For an experience you won’t soon forget, visit Manitou Beach (manitoubeach.ca) and swim in the “healing waters’’ so buoyant, they say, you can read a book while floating on your back. Enjoy a thorough pampering at The Manitou Springs Hotel & Mineral Spa (manitousprings.ca) relive 1950s style entertainment at one of the few drive-in theatres still operating on the Prairies, or imagine the days of the Big Band era at Danceland (danceland.ca), a beautiful old dance hall that’s “Home of the World Famous Dance Floor Built on Horsehair.’’ Plan your visit or reunion during the annual Fun Run Show ‘n’ Shine (watrousfunrun.com), on the weekend of July 27, when these sideby-side communities are hopping with entertainment and activities for all ages. You need not be a history buff to enjoy your vacation in central Saskatchewan – this area boasts beautiful parks, great fishing, superb golf courses and colourful culture. But if history means more to you than dusty books, here’s a great place to see how early events on the prairies shaped the Saskatchewan and Canada we know today.

Saturday, June 8 & Sunday, June 9: “Parkland Artisan’s Tour” Sunday, July 21: “Lilies in Bloom” Sunday, September 22: “A Touch of Autumn”

Available for Weddings, Group & School Tours. * Please book ahead.

For details see our website: www.honeywood-lilies.ca Or call: (306) 747-3307 or (306) 747-2275

Wes and Diana Baerg

306.477.7444

Email: camplandrvresort@ sasktel.net

➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤

126 Drive Through Sites with Electrical, Sewer and Water 11 Tenting Sites with 20 Amp Electrical and Water Fire Pits (firewood available on-site) Picnic Tables Manager on Site 24 Hours a Day Laundry Facilities Bathrooms and Showers Confectionery Free Wireless Internet Playground

All rates must be paid at time of check-in and are non-refundable. Visa, Master Card, Debit Card and Cash are accepted.

Supplement to The Western Producer

Wynyard home of the

Quill Lakes INTERPRETIVE

part of

www.dlric.org www.rosetown.ca Rosetown Museum - 605 Colwell Road Open 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat. May 11 - Aug 24 Museum Days Sat. June 8th Rosetown Tourism Centre - Highway #7 Open 7 days a week - May 6 - Sept. 2nd NEW 18 hole Mini Golf Home of Fabulous Ice Cream 4th Annual Harvest Family Festival Oct. 7th - 13th Pumpkins, food, entertainment & more

Don’t Miss...

CASHBACK along with

Freddie & Shiela Pelleter Thurs. October 10th

The Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network

CENTRE

to The

OPEN

MAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM DAILY Winter viewing by appointment

Duck Lake, SK (Hwy #11)

Gift Shop now selling artwork by:

Glen Scrimshaw.

Featuring Artifacts & Art Galleries Guided Tours, 24m Viewing Tower & featured Gift Shop.

Stay right in beautiful Greenwater Lake Provincial Park



General

QUILL LAKE INTERPRETIVE CENTER

WYNYARD REGIONAL PARK

• Quill Lake Important Bird Area Tourism 9-HOLE GRASS Information Center GREEN GOLF • Interactive Displays COURSE and Education • Licensed Club House Resources • One of the “BEST” 9 • A must stop on your Hole Golf Courses in birding adventure! Saskatchewan

For further information please call:

• 22 well-treed electric sites • Bathroom and showers • Firewood • Trout fishing

(306) 554-3661 or visit www.townofwynyard.com

KERRY

VICKAR centre

Northeast Saskatchewan’s Premier Convention Centre Whether you are planning an event for 5 or 500, call us today for rental information. Program Coordinator,

Leah Terry

306.752.4177 www.kerryvickarcentre.ca 206 Bemister Avenue East, Melfort, Sk

See Scenic Saskatchewan

e m o c l e W n of

1-866-467-2057

STORE MEMORIES

r Coins

museum & antiques

15 MILES Northwest of BLAIN LAKE

Silve

EvenDAYt SpJULYecia1STlCANADA

Open

AY & SUNDAY SATURD 10 AM – 5 PM

STARTING

FEATURING BLACK SMITH DEMONSTRATION

MAY – SEPTEMBER

11th Annual

uided Self G TOUR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY JULY 27 & 28, 2013 9 AM – 8 PM

LONG WEEKEND

ALONG WITH OTHER ATTRACTIONS!



12– 40 AND BEYOND

www.12-40andbeyond.com

• Most cabins are equipped with • Enjoy golfing, fishing, boating and kitchens, bathrooms hiking in the summer or snowmobiling and satellite TV or cross country skiing in the winter • Rates vary by season and • Year round rentals of one, two by cabin type and three bedroom cabins.

For information or reservations call 306-278-3033 or email greenwatercabins@sasktel.net www.greenwatercabinrentals.com

• Serviced & Unserviced Sites Washroom & • Shower Facilities • Concession • Picnic & BBQ Areas • Soccer Field, Horseshoe Pits & Beach Volleyball

June 1 – 3

August 14 – 18

Rare & Exotic Fall Sale

September 28

PBR Bull Riding

Named after the Lieutenant Governor of the Northwest Territories from 1876 to 1883.

October 22

Student guide available Kyle Town Office 306-375-2525 or PHONE: 306-375-2242 or 306-375-2750 for appointments

Original Red Cross Outpost Hospital

• Display of Mammoth Bones, discovered near Kyle • Original Homestead shack, built in 1912. • River Transport “Basket” used to transport passengers over South SK. River. • Antique displays, sports, furniture and clothing.

LeRoy Leisureland

GOLFCourse

Regional Park & the CREEK

LOCATED 5 min. West of LeRoy off Hwy. #6 10 min. South of St. Gregor off Hwy. #5, 10 min. North of Esk off Hwy. #16 Stately poplars and pines along a meandering creek make this 9 hole grass greens golf course a must-see!

Please come and visit us We know you’ll enjoy it!

Campground is newly developed

• Potable water • Washrooms and showers • We also have a licensed club house • Man made swimming pool • Playground • Beach volleyball

To book or for more info call: 306-286-3437 From May - September

• Children’s Playground • Stocked Trout Pond • Pull Through RV Sites • RV Septic Dump • Reasonable Rates • Relaxed & Quiet Environment • Pay Phone

David Laird Campground PO Box 1383 North Battleford, SK S9A 3M1 Phone: (306) 445-3552

Don’t Miss Canora in Bloom

October 31 – Nov. 2

Ranch Horse Competition & Sale Christmas Bash

or Open fm er Su m

October 5

Harvest Feastival Stockdale Roundup

LOCATED: at Kyle, SK 20kms. N. of Sask Landing Provincial Park near Clearwater Lake Regional Park.

Is a fully serviced, well treed modern campground located between Highway 40 and Highway 16 just behind the Western Development Museum.

July 10 –13

Westridge GMC CPCA Finals & Cabaret

SASKATCHEWAN

FEATURES:

2013 Event Highlights* Colonial Days Fair Catch the Spirit!

KYLE

The David Laird CAMPGROUND North Battleford, SK

The Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association WELCOMES YOU!

4H Expo

Tow

July 14-20

Nov. 2

November 23

*all events listed above are subject to change. Please see our website for additional events!

www.lloydexh.com

Follow us on TWITTER @lloydexh.com and like us on FACEBOOK 5521 49 Avenue Lloydminster, SK S9V 0Y7 Phone: (306) 825-5571 Fax: (306) 825-7017

Discover fun activities with your family & friends

Hunting Fishing Golfing Swimming Nature Trails Baseball Tennis Museums Our Ukrainian Heritage

www.canora.com (306) 563-5773

Supplement to The Western Producer

ay B n o s d u H Town of

The Station Arts Centre Rosthern, Saskatchewan

~ 35 minutes North of Saskatoon ~

SUMMER 2013 Theatre Presentation “Salt-Water Moon” By David French. Directed by Johnna Wright Starring Caitlin Vancoughnett and Aaron Hursh

On a sparkling moonlit night on a little patch of rock known as Coley’s Point, Newfoundland, a love story unfolds. Charming, witty and lovingly written, this story will fill you with wanderlust and inspire a yearning to return home. 8:00 PM performances Tuesdays - Saturdays

July 5-28, 2013 Matinees Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays For more information and reservations

Call 306-232-5332 | www.stationarts.com sac.rosthern@sasktel.net www.facebook.com/StationArts

Pre-show dinners available by reservation

EVERGREEN

GOLF COURSE

Nipawin, Sask. 306-862-4811

www.evergreengolf.ca

➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤

2013 Summer Events: June 8/9 ~ Western Roundup July 1st ~ Celebration August 17~ Heritage Day

Explore Canada’s Boreal Forest & Untouched Wilderness Nestled between the Porcupine and Pasquia Hills Beautifully Treed 9 Hole Golf Course Regional Park with Remnants of a 300 Year Old Fur Trade Post Extensive Antique John Deere Collection Heritage Park & Museum Camping, Fishing, Hiking and ATVing Nearby

Valley Regional Park~Rosthern, SK 18 Hole Golf Course • 65 Site Campground • Picnicking Large Creative Playground • Mini-Golf • Beach Volleyball Great for Company Picnics, Golf Tournaments or Reunions!

SaskatchewanRegional Parks

www.valleyregionalpark.com Pro-Shop 232-5272 • Camping 232-5600 • Office 232-5000

Hudson Bay Tourism Hudson.bay@sasktel.net 306-865-2263 www.townofhudsonbay.com

OVER

$30,000 IN PRIZES

August 2-4, 2013

Macklin Lake Regional Park

IMAGINE YOURSELF AT A REGIONAL PARK! www.saskregionalparks.ca or call 1-866-565-PARK

• Beer Gardens • Live Entertainment • Cabarets • Car Show • Crafts •

*320 teams battle to be World Champion! For more information please contact Kim Gartner at (306) 753-2256 or fax (306) 753-3234 Email: town.macklin@sasktel.net Visit our website: www.macklin.ca

No matter where you are,

e m o l c e W to the Tisdale Bull-a-Rama

Town of

Experience Experience Saskatchewan’s Saskatchewan’s Year-Round Year-Round Playground Playground

Located on the Yellowhead Highway, The Battlefords has a variety of dining, shopping and accommodations to meet your needs. Plus convention and meeting facilities.

Enjoy the Beauty ... Nestled in the heart of Nipawin, the spectacular 18-hole Evergreen Golf Course offers players of all abilities a memorable day of golfing on some of the finest greens in the country. From the very first tee – a long and narrow 600 yard hole – you’ll realize that you’re in for something special. Each hole offers its own unique challenges and pleasures, from gentle hills, to silica hazards, to the ever-present forest.

NIPAWIN & DISTRICT REGIONAL PARK

Located in northeast Saskatchewan on the banks of the scenic river section of Tobin Lake, the Nipawin & District Regional Park boasts not only some of the best walleye fishing in North America, but also a wide range of services and facilities that are sure to please every member of the family.

306-862-3237 www.nipawinpark.com

See Scenic Saskatchewan

TISDALE RIVERSIDE GOLF CLUB GRASS GREENS

Keep in touch with our free mobile app. Up-to-date news, weather, classifieds and more. Download it today.

Allen Sapp Gallery Fred Light Museum Blue Mountain Outdoor Adventure Centre North Battleford Golf & Country Club Fort Battleford National Historic Site The Battlefords Provincial Park Table Mountain Regional Park

When you need agricultural information, we’re there.

GREEN FEES

(9 holes) $20 (18 holes) $33

POWER (9 holes) $20 CART RENTAL (18 holes) $33 Phone: 306-873-4222 | www.golftisdale.ca Town of Tisdale: www.townoftisdale.com

Gold Eagle Casino Western Development Museum Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum

www.battlefordstourism.com admin.battlefordstourism@sasktel.net 1.800.243.0394

Supplement to The Western Producer

LEFT: River Landing. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Eric Lindberg RIGHT: SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, outdoor stage. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Larry Goodfellow BOTTOM RIGHT: The Berry Barn. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography

SASKATOON SHINES! The time of your life starts here! Submitted by Tourism Saskatoon Saskatoon is a thriving city graced with the vibrant beauty of nature. In the Land of Living Skies, sunset is a magical time to sit and marvel at the beauty of life under surreal hues of orange, purple and pink. Divided by the winding South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon’s east and west face are joined by a series of bridges and lined with several kilometres of trails to jog, walk, and explore. In the warm seasons, a riverboat ride is a great way to kick off a visit and take in the landscape. 26

See Scenic Saskatchewan

The active person will find joy exploring the serene landscape at Wanuskewin and Beaver Creek, which are distinctly seasonal ecological and historical treasures staffed with educated guides, and are a true treat for budding young minds and nature or culture enthusiasts. Nature lovers will also appreciate the lush Mendel Art Gallery botanical garden and children will become happily lost in the magic of the butterfly farm at the

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. Though striving economically and excelling as a forward thinking metropolis, Saskatoon never stops short in honouring its roots. Visitors can catch a casual glimpse of the city’s history at Park Café, a local haunt that features the first photos of Saskatoon on every wall. The Western Development Museum is a province wide establishment that allows visitors to view the way of life in the days of 1910 Boomtown in an unforgettable visceral experience that is beyond the realm of age. History buffs will find no shortage of treasures throughout the city. Saskatoon actively remembers,

educates and shares First Nations heritage through preserved land and cultural gatherings. Take a leisurely stroll at Batoche, where you can almost hear the distant echo of the events surrounding the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. At Wanuskewin, explore the vast, unspoiled nature of this national historic site, and partake in hands-on demonstrations and cultural activities. Share in the joy of fiddlers and dancers at the annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest or one of the city’s powwow gatherings. Visitors often attribute their rich memories of the city to the energy and generosity of their resident hosts who are eager to share their stories and love for Saskatoon. Friendships are made as residents open their arms and show guests the way to the city’s best-kept secrets. From independent stores with niche gifts, unique jewelry and clothing, to independent local theatres and events, Saskatoon is filled with an abundance of extraordinary moments waiting to be discovered by everyone. The University of Saskatchewan is an architectural delight. While visiting campus, tour the world renowned

synchrotron at the Canadian Light Source where thousands of scientists from around the world have worked and studied. Lovers of the eccentric will be delighted with the sculpture garden that overlooks downtown on the other side of the river. A trip to the observatory to view the night sky in astonishing detail is a memorable way to end any day. Saskatoon is proud to be a golfer’s delight, with a variety of beautiful courses on the edge of nature. Even the most avid golfer will be met with refreshing challenges on courses like Dakota Dunes, which hosts a PGA Tour Canada stop every summer and was the highest ranked Saskatchewan course in Golf Digest and Score Golf magazines. The city of Saskatoon’s civic golf courses range from beginner and family fun at the Silverwood course, to the more mature, challenging Holiday Park course. As a host city, Saskatoon is a special place that delivers year round world class entertainment through everything from conventions, arts and cultural festivals, to sports, musical and industry events. The annual Folkfest is a fun- and food-

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Supplement to The Western Producer

filled favourite of the city, and the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival presents eleven days and nights of world-class artists. With an unassuming breadth of cultural diversity, Saskatoon offers a huge variety of entertainment. Saskatoon celebrates artistry through live music, gallery shows and events at TCU Place and has nightlife with a uniquely local stamp. The recent addition of the city’s first homegrown alehouse, The Woods was an instant hit. From the elegant cocktail lounge Flint, to the Yard and Flagon’s popular Tuesday wing night, to clubs such as Tequila’s where the spirited go to dance, Saskatoon has no shortage of evening entertainment. By day and in between outings be sure to take in the city’s maturing coffee culture at one of Saskatoon’s independent coffee houses. Saskatoon has a number of centrally located hotels and it’s easy to find the perfect accommodations in the hub of the city. With a hotel industry that’s on par with the rest of Saskatoon’s fast moving market, there’s something for everyone. The James is a new boutique hotel that sports a lovely cocktail lounge regularly frequented by city residents. The Bessborough continues to offer a quaint slice of history overlooking the river and is suitable for those after a romantically rich stay. Families will find their comfort at a number of hotels with swimming facilities and restaurants. Visitors are welcomed by a city eager to share the heart of their community through year round festivals and other casual city rituals, such as the weekly farmers’ market at River Landing. Saskatoon takes pride in being a generous and gracious host city.

Celebrating 100 Years at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo!

ght sleep A good ni ch more! and so mu

FREE!* Take a step back in time with the Forestry Farm Centennial Committee to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station.

Play Great Golf!

WAGON RIDES

COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY 2 P.M.

FUN & GAMES

Continued from page 27

We are pleased to present our upgraded guestrooms and the

Concessions

Garden

walk

Park Town Dream Bed.

Old-fashioned games & contests

“REDISCOVER”

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Demonstrations: horticultural, farrier, geneology, historical & more!

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1903 Forestry Farm Park Drive (off Attridge Drive)

Learn more at www.saskatoon.ca/go/zoo

Home of the PGA Tour Canada’s Dakota Dunes Open

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S A S K A T C H E W A N

RAMADA HOTEL & GOLF DOME

806 Idylwyld Drive North, Saskatoon, Sask.

www.saskramada.com Supplement to The Western Producer

LEFT: Visitors will be treated to a rail excursion similar to what pioneers of the 1920s would have experienced when arriving in this new and mysterious land— Photo courtesy of Southern Prairie Railway/Hans Arnold RIGHT: A 1944 General Electric Diesel Locomotive was purchased from Conway Scenic Railway in North Conway, New Hampshire. — Photo courtesy of Southern Prairie Railway/Hans Arnold BOTTOM RIGHT: This CPR Train Station has been fully restored and will be the focal point of Southern Prairie Railway. — Photo courtesy of Southern Prairie Railway/Hans Arnold

DARE TO DREAM A story of a town that refused to die By Joel Barker. Photos courtesy of Southern Prairie Railway In the beginning, a committee came together to see what could be done to save the town of Ogema from losing population and businesses. The Sask Power office was moved from Ogema and there was talk of the Sask Wheat Pool closing the elevator and Canadian Pacific Railway was removing the rail line. Four farmers with a member from Ogema community moved forward and saved the 115 km of rail line going from Pangman to Assiniboia. Shares were sold and in 1998, the Red Coat Road and Rail was formed and started moving producer

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cars for the farmers in the area as an alternative to market their grain. In 1998, at the Ogema Agricultural Society meeting, a discussion was held about having something different at the next fair day in Ogema to bring in more people. The Ogema Agricultural Society holds one of the longest continually running fair days in Saskatchewan and people wanted to add something to fair day. Thoughts turned to having a train ride as the community owned the rail line so they could capitalize on this asset.

The Deep South Pioneer Museum located on the west side of Ogema, was started in 1976 and since then it has accumulated over 100 pieces of working antique equipment, is located on 10 acres of land and has 31 buildings filled with corresponding artefacts depicting pioneer life in Southern Saskatchewan. With the community owned museum and rail line, a dream began to take shape. In 2002 a strategic plan led by Dwight Percy of Saskatoon, was devised by inviting representatives from the community. The target included, youth, community involvement, strategic partnerships and networking. We now had a growth strategy and this helped move the rail project forward. In 2003, a train station that was the

only remaining exact replica of Ogema’s train station was found at Simpson, Sask. in a farmer’s yard, full of canola. An exchange was made for two hopper bottom bins for the train station. The station was cut in half and moved to Ogema in two separate moves and put back in the gaping hole at the end of Main Street where the original train station sat. After putting the two halves back together, the real work began with cleaning and restoring the station back to its original splendor. Many volunteers, young and old alike, helped with the striping, painting, cleaning and yard work to restore both the station and the station yard. In 2005, at the Saskatchewan Homecoming celebration, the station and yard were a jewel in the community’s crown. The dream was a

big task but someone stated that it was like eating an elephant – you eat it, one bite at a time. The dream was starting to come together and this was a big step in the right direction. As the work progressed, the Town of Ogema applied for different strategic partnerships which included working with the Provincial Communities in Bloom committee. In 2005, Ogema worked on the different criteria that the Communities in Bloom program provided and the outcome was that Ogema won their population category and were invited to attend the National Communities in Bloom competition in 2006. That year the Canada Lands Company sponsored the new criteria award of Sustainable Development Award and Ogema won it Continued on page 32

Supplement to The Western Producer

Continued from page 31

over all the communities that participated in the National competition. This was a sign that Ogema was going in the right direction. In 2008, Ogema was invited to showcase their community at Dongguan, China and was the smallest of the 50 communities that presented to the Judges. Ogema won the Heritage Management award and this was a tribute not only to our community but to all of Saskatchewan as this was a confirmation that our practices were world class. In 2010, Ogema won the Saskatchewan Municipal Heritage Conservation Leadership Award which again confirmed that we are heading in the right direction At the same time, Devon and Cheryl Generous approached the Transportation Committee of the Deep South Pioneer Museum about collaborating with them as they had many years of experience working with fixing both diesel and steam engines. Devon had worked on the Royal Hudson and both worked for Mt. Rainier tour train. They were true heritage train enthusiasts and joining with the Train Group was like a marriage of the two ideas. Ogema had the station and the rail line and the Generous family had the knowledge and the expertise to run a tour train. The Transportation Committee formed a new charitable non-profit organization called Ogema Heritage Railway Association which owns the train station, 1945 44 tonner engine and the 1922 Pullman passenger car and 1950 baggage car. The Southern Prairie Railway is operating identity of the train tour under Ogema Heritage Railway Association. In 2010, a 1945 44 tonner engine was located in North Conway New Hampshire that would be well suited to our train tour. As the USA was in a recession, other train tours were selling their excess stock. The 1922 Pullman car was located at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and we were able to procure it as well. After much fundraising and sponsorships, the cars were on the move to their new home in Ogema. By June 2011 the 44 tonner and the passenger car were unloaded at Assiniboia as the wet spring had played havoc with the Red Coat Road and Rail and the car and engine could not get to Ogema by rail. Volunteers drove to Assiniboia during the summer months and got the engine and passenger ready for the move to Ogema by rail. Nov. 4, 2011, was the kickoff with the engine pulling the passenger

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Take a trip into the past with a visit to Ogema and the Southern Prairie Railway. — Photo courtesy of Southern Prairie Railway

car into the station with many people looking on. The dream was getting closer to reality even though there weren’t any seats in the passenger car as they had been taken out to be restored. A fundraiser supper with silent auction was held after the train pulled into the station and it was very successful. Over the winter months, restoration of the passenger car continued in a new shop that was built over the siding track in Ogema. Thousands of man hours were put into the restoration but it was worth the effort. On May 10, 2012 Tourism Saskatchewan representatives came for the first ride as a familiarization tour which included the Sask Wanderer. On May 27 an appreciation run was made and even though it was a cold and rainy day, all the volunteers appreciated the ride. On June 2, 2012 the first regular train tour went out with train tours every Saturday and Sunday until Oct. 20th when an all day train went out to Willows and back. Besides the Heritage train tour that went to the 1922 heritage Elevator in Horizon on Saturday afternoon and twice on Sunday, there was also a train every Saturday morning that went to the Pangman Farmer’s Market. There were Pitchfork Fondue trains each month, where Merv ‘s Pitchfork Fondue came to the Deep South Pioneer Museum and cooked supper for the train rides. This was a special tour as well as the Star Gazer Tour in September. During the regular season, all train tour tickets would also get you into the Deep South Pioneer Museum for free. The train tour operation paid the museum for all the people who went on the train and then went to the museum. This helped to pay for the university student working at the museum for the summer.

The experience of having the train ride showing how the settlers came to Canada to the prairies was enhanced by going to the Deep South Pioneer Museum to see how the settlers worked, played worshipped and went to school. On July 7, 2012 the Grand Opening of Southern Prairie Railway Train Tour was held as part of the Town of Ogema’s Centennial celebrations. During the first year of operation, the train tour had 3,500 that included visitors from all the provinces and territories, 10 states and 10 countries. We had charter tours from English Car Club, Saskatoon Harley Davidson Club, Canadian Student Leadership Council, and other family reunions and private charters. All was a huge benefit to the community and Museum. Our future plans are to keep on fundraising as we have put a down payment on nine more cars in the USA. We have to add to our infrastructure, add additional tours and keep working with other communities and organizations. In 2013, Heritage Train Tours will again run on Saturday and Sunday with Special Trains on Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Settlers Supper, Star Gazer Tour and are going to try to have some Christmas trains this year. The year of 2012 was a steep learning curve for everyone involved but at the end of the year, it was very successful. So after 14 years from when the dream was first thought of, the people who dared to dream saw the dream become reality. “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” For more information, visit www.southernprairierailway.com

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Supplement to The Western Producer

Element 2.1: Premier’s Prize Dimensions 2009 Artist: Zane Wilcox, Saskatoon, SK

Historic Saskatchewan: Premier’s Prize Dimensions 2006 Artist: Elizabeth M. Cuming, Saskatoon, SK

DIMENSIONS You are about to enter another dimension. A dimension not only of sight and texture, but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of creativity and imagination. By Vivian Orr, Saskatchewan Craft Council Celebrating 30 years of DIMENSIONS - the Saskatchewan Craft Council’s (SCC) biennial, touring, juried exhibition of Fine Craft is intended to encourage and reward excellence in craft, and is open to anyone living in Saskatchewan. DIMENSIONS is selected by curators and craftspeople with jurying experience, who are 34

See Scenic Saskatchewan

masters in their own discipline, and who are also well versed in various mediums. The SCC selects one juror from the province and one juror from outside the province and charges the jury to select 35 of the best pieces submitted. The result has always been a spectacular exhibition representing Fine Craft from Saskatchewan.

This year the two jurors are: Michael Hosaluk, wood worker, designer, educator and Saidye Bronfman Award winner from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He has a varied experience with DIMENSIONS: as a participating artist, award winner and juror. The out-of-province juror will be Susan Rankin, a glass artist from Apsley, Ontario. Susan grew up in Saskatchewan and maintains family and artistic ties here. Her work is exhibited nationally and internationally. She recently had an exhibition at the SCC Affinity Gallery. DIMENSIONS will be juried on April 18th and 19th, 2013 at the Lawson Heights Mall in Saskatoon, with a public critique on Saturday, April 20th from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon. Everyone is welcome to attend this critique, to better understand the

judging process. Jurying is about the process of ‘seeing’ and jurors have this expertise because they have honed and exercised this ability. A public critique session has always been an integral part of DIMENSIONS: all entrants and interested public can meet with the jurors to discuss the work. An overview of the process and thoughts about the works are followed by questions and

Thinking Cap #3: Premier’s Prize Dimensions 2011 Artist: Cathryn Miller, Grasswood, SK

Continued on page 36

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Saskatchewan FACTS

Continued from page 35

comments from the audience. This serves to benefit the larger community, providing an understanding of the jurying process to everyone. An exhibition catalogue is published that contains descriptions of the participants’ work as well as the processes they utilize. It contains jurors’ statements about influences that have shaped the exhibition, and/or how the pieces address the contemporary scene. This year, the SCC will be producing more catalogues as well as touring DIMENSIONS outside the province with assistance from the Saskatchewan Arts Board Culture on the Go grant. DIMENSIONS touring exhibition schedule: MacKenzie Art Gallery, 3475 Albert Street, Regina May 4 to August 25, 2013 Awards Ceremony and reception, MacKenzie Art Gallery Friday, June 14, 2013. The public is invited to attend this gala reception. SCC Affinity Gallery, 813 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon November 15, 2013 to January 5, 2014 Barr Colony Heritage Cultural Centre, 4515 44 Street, Lloydminster February, 2014 Godfrey Dean Art Gallery, 49 Smith Street East, Yorkton March/April, 2014 University of Lethbridge Art Gallery, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta May/June, 2014 Other venues at the time of this writing have not yet been confirmed, but will include galleries in Saskatchewan, and perhaps also in Manitoba and Newfoundland. DIMENSIONS came into being when the Town of Battleford lobbied the Government of Saskatchewan for some promotional assistance linking craft and the tourism industry. Exhibitions were organized by the Saskatchewan Department of Industry and Commerce in 1974 and 1975 in conjunction with the Handcraft Festival. The newly formed SCC provided a jury in 1976, and the first Premier’s Prize Award for the Outstanding Entry was awarded in 1977. Premier’s Prize winners have always crafted outstanding examples of creativity and imagination, successfully pushing the dimensions of Saskatchewan Fine Craft forward.

See Scenic Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s official flag was adopted in 1969. It features the provincial shield of arms along with the floral emblem, the western red lily. The flag’s upper half is green, representing Saskatchewan’s northern forests; the lower half is gold, symbolizing the southern grain areas. In 1941, the western red lily was chosen as the official flower of Saskatchewan. This lily grows in moist meadows and semi-wooded areas. With its flaming red blossoms, it stands out brilliantly against a natural green background. The western red lily is a protected species. The sharp-tailed grouse is one of Saskatchewan’s most popular game birds. It was selected as the provincial bird emblem in 1945. In 2001, needle-and-thread grass was designated Saskatchewan’s official grass. It’s a native bunchgrass common to

the dry, sandy soils of the Northern Plains. Seed stalks may reach 1.3 m (4 feet) in height and leaves are up to 30 cm (12 inches) long and very narrow. The name comes from the shape of the seeds, which are sharply pointed and have long, twisted, thread-like fibres. In 1988, the white birch was adopted as the official tree of Saskatchewan. This hardwood tree is found across the northern three-quarters of the province. Typical uses for the wood include lumber, plywood, veneer and fuel. Sylvite, also known as potash, is Saskatchewan’s official mineral. We are the world’s largest producer and

exporter of potash. Our vast reserves of potash are expected to last for hundreds of years at current rates of production. Over 95 percent of the potash produced in Saskatchewan is used for fertilizer purposes. Saskatchewan designated the white-tailed deer our official animal in 2001. Here in our more northern latitudes, the white-tailed deer tends to be larger than its southern brethren, reaching heights of more than a metre (3.5 feet) at the shoulder and weighing as much as 180 kg (400 lbs). Curling was named Saskatchewan’s official sport in 2001, although many have considered it so for years. Once called the “roaring game” because of the thunderous noise made by corn brooms used to sweep rocks down the ice, curling has a rich history in the province. The fabled Richardson brothers, curling out of Regina, won four Canadian and World men’s championships between 1959-63.

Historic Saskatchewan: Premier’s Prize Dimensions 2006 Artist: Elizabeth M. Cuming, Saskatoon, SK

Lattice Reading Chair: Premier’s Prize Dimensions 2008 Artist: Nicola D’Agnone, Rouleau, SK

Estrella: Premier’s Prize Dimensions 2007 Artist: Mel Bolen, Humboldt, SK

Thursday

June 20