At this time of the year, with a new one having just begun, there's certainly a lot of talk related to resolutions and goals.
And while I certainly have a few of those myself, I'm more interested in things that are happening in and around Outlook and the surrounding Lake Diefenbaker area.
That's because when I look back on the year that was 2023, I can't help but shake my head at not only how BUSY it was, but how landmark it ended up being, too. For instance, the Bounty Theatre hall located on the grounds of the Outlook & District Heritage Museum had sat dormant for a number of years, having been moved over to Outlook in August 2014, with no real signs of momentum as far as being reopened.
Of course, that changed at the end of May with the return of the Prairie Festival, which saw the grand reopening of the Bounty Theatre as one of its premiere events. I can't tell you how happy my family and I were to witness my uncle Dale and aunt Shirley take to the stage they'd so loved when they were growing up, paired together to play the first musical notes heard in the hall in nearly 23 years. There were tears, there was laughter, and there were without a shadow of a doubt, a lot of memories both revisited and new ones made on that evening. My family and I will remember that night forever.
Events in 2023 weren't only historic, they were downright bizarre, as was the case on only the sixth day of the year when a pair of foreign motorcyclists brought themselves - and their bikes - to Outlook to spend the night at the motor hotel. I had to see this for myself, so I walked across the alley and interviewed Robby and Magali, learning their unique life story and all about their decision to shelf their current lives and hit the road on a pair of Siberia-ready motorbikes. The looks of some people driving on the north end of Franklin Street had to be seen to be believed, as they couldn't believe they were seeing motorcycles in the first week of January. Sometimes, life is funny in the strangest of ways.
But of course, what we're talking about here is what's in front of us - 2024. So with that, a new year brings with it all manner of hopes, dreams and predictions.
Where are we headed in the new year? What awaits communities like Outlook, Conquest, Elbow, Dinsmore, and everywhere else in between? What are some things that I personally would like to see? Well, let's look into the ole crystal ball here....
Starting off, one thing I'd love to see return in 2024 is the Community Appreciation Awards in Outlook. This was a once-beloved event that seemed to really draw the community together, honoring the citizens, youths, businesses, and events of each passing year. The event has been on the shelf for five years, with the last one being held in 2019. In my opinion, this is just far, far too long to go without recognizing the very best people, businesses and events that make life in the riverside community so unique and interesting. There's just too much good happening in our own backyard, and it's unfortunate that it hasn't been given a proper spotlight.
Could the awards return? Sure they could! We here at The Outlook have always co-sponsored the event along with the local Chamber of Commerce, and we've talked about the awards making a return here and there. Maybe the event gets revamped with a different approach? Maybe we get the entire community involved and let the people choose the winners by voting? I think there are a lot of possibilities, but at the end of the day, what's important is that the deserving people, businesses and events get recognized.
I know a general election here in Canada isn't expected until late 2025, but I've just got a feeling that we'll be headed to the polls this fall instead of the next one. There's a lot of jostling, grand-standing and unrest on Ottawa and it's managed to sweep up all of Canada. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if by this coming October, Canadians across the country are headed to the polls. Oh, and the end result of that election? The Conservatives will win, sending a message to Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party that Canadians not only desperately wanted change, they desperately wanted HIM out of office.
Speaking of elections, this fall will also see civic elections, and it'll be interesting to see who throws their name into the hat when it comes to Outlook and communities dotting the local landscape. Does 'Mayor Moe' look for another go as Outlook's mayor, and if so, does she win and retain the position? What about Council? Will we see some new names pop up and gain a seat? Things like civic elections, particularly when it comes to a town like Outlook, are always interesting to me because I think it's great when you see a fresh lineup of people make up your local councils. New people = new ideas = new perspectives = interesting dialogues = a unique simmering pot of humanity designated to lead the community. It'll be interesting to see what late 2024 brings in that regard.
And me? Well, for one thing, my book that was originally intended to be published last month will have to wait. As it stands, my new goal is to publish 'Riverside Tales - Stories & Headlines from Small Town Saskatchewan', a collection of stories from my now-17-year career and autobiographical anecdotes and passages, this coming June. If I can time it to release around the time of the River and Rail ArtVenture, where I hope to be one of the Outlook artists featured with my photography, that'd be perfect. I hope you'll stay tuned.
The next twelve months hold within them all manner of possibilities. Of course, it's up to us to realize them.
I'm looking forward to it.
For this week, that's been the Ruttle Report.
