MAYFAIR — As of this week spring will officially arrive. Aren't we fortunate to have endured those few terrible blizzards that happened only in March? Yes, March sure came in like a roaring lion. Keeping our fingers crossed that it doesn't end like the beginning.
There still might be enough snow left on Saskatchewan Snowmobile's Association Trails which boasts 6,875 miles well groomed by volunteers. If there is adequate snow, the trails are open from the end of November until early April going through frozen lakes and other water bodies, forest and prairie land. There are 233 warm-up shelters along the way that house wood-burning stoves with fire-making materials supplied. The local trail near Rabbit Lake and area was meticulously groomed by an elderly man Doug Lamb who is training younger ones to take over this volunteer position.
Faye and Keith Liebaert of Mayfair were fortunate to see their 15-year-old granddaughter play hockey in the Western U18 finals in Penticton, B.C. last week. Bailey Schwartz from Flin Fon, Man. is one of the goalies for "The Rink" in Winnipeg. She is the daughter of Michele and Chad Schwartz. Their team lost but gained extra experience. They had a chance to visit Keith's niece Sybil (Rene's daughter) who resides in Penticton and a relative of Faye's in Edmonton en route home. They noticed many homeless in the streets and back alleys in Penticton,
It is the time of the year for figure skating clubs to showcase skaters. The Battlefords club is hosting its annual ice carnival this Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. at Access Communications Centre in North Battleford. Spiritwood's carnival was last Sunday the theme being "Kaleidoscope of Colours.” Sherryl Britton Krause, the skating instructor, has been their head coach for many years. Many intermediate and senior skaters are program assistants. A large crowd filled Spiritwood's arena to see the wonderful exciting program.
Medstead hosted its annual ice carnival at the end of February. Medstead and Spiritwood combined for a synchronized team that displayed their talent at Medstead's carnival. Carnivals are always a joy to watch as spectators enjoy the skills of the wee ones right up to the more advanced talented skaters. Every act on the program has vibrant costumes to go with the theme. Figure skating is, unfortunately, still a female-dominated sport in smaller towns. It is great entertainment watching how agile, flexible and flamboyant many skaters are. They put their whole heart and soul into this sport.
Kids at the tender age of five years old apparently can learn how to curl with wooden curling rocks. This Saturday in Spiritwood the Lions Club is hosting a cordwood curling bonspiel for kindergarten to Grade 6 children. Kids are invited to come out and enjoy curling with these lightweight wood rocks. There is a pancake breakfast to start the morning off which is free for the registered curlers. For others, admission is adults - $5, students $3 and one year and under $1. The breakfast is sponsored by Scotia Bank. For more information please call Marg Pretli at 306-883-9497. In past years the registration has been more than 100 kids. That rink will be hustling and bustling with much laughter and excitement.
Thickwood Hills Wildlife Federation's annual fish fry March 30 at Mayfair Hall brings people from great distances. The evening features raffle tickets and a 50/50 draw. The cost is $20 for adult and kids 12 and under are free. Advanced tickets only. For tickets please call Martin Toews at 306-441-4137.
Hafford Goldenaires Club is having pie and coffee in the senior hall on Match. 22.
The snow is quickly melting but I'm sure there still will be a blanket of white somewhere on the prairies. Most people hate to see it disappear too fast as there can be flooding problems.
