In school classrooms this week, elementary students will likely be asked to write that traditional essay on the topic: “What I did on my summer holiday.”
I’ve always wondered what the teacher would say to the student who simply wrote “nothing” on the blank piece of paper.
The adult in us is a snoopy critter and so when we see acquaintances during this time of year, we ask, “What did you do this summer?” or possibly “Did you have much company this summer?”
No one suggests an essay be written, but there’s always time volunteered to listen to the answers to the questions – answers that sometimes are longer than any essay.
In our household, because of some tricky health issues, we didn’t have plans for any long trips even though we remembered fondly our lengthy voyages to Ontario, the Maritimes, Newfoundland, the North West Territories and Yukon.
Our first long day trip this summer was to Creelman, where we attended the “Biggest Little Fair in Saskatchewan.” We had read about the fair in a well-read magazine and immediately marked off the date in July.
We got into town just in time to park and find a spot to watch the parade. While others sat in their lawn chairs, we plunked ourselves in the seats of our walkers and immediately felt welcome. Strangers talked to us and were impressed that we had come all the way from Moose Jaw to attend the fair. I explained our long-standing involvement in fairs and exhibitions and that seemed to explain why we had driven so far this day.
The parade was an excellent start to the fair, with more than 59 entries keeping us entertained for an hour. If I had any advice to offer, it would be that candy not be thrown by the parade participants. If that had been the rule, I would have escaped the hard candy that hit me on the head thanks to the inaccurate aim of a participant. After being assured I wasn’t bleeding and likely didn’t have a long-term injury, we all stood around laughing at me being the first injury of the day. I do not know if there were others.
Then off to the fairgrounds we went, paid our admission and were directed to a parking spot in a field. Our mouths dropped open in shock and amazement to see the horse and cattle rings, tents for refreshments, food vendors, and in the arena, a trade show and household arts displays of immense size.
I learned that the fair attracted 93 exhibitors showing off 789 exhibits; 24 craft and trade show vendors; 33 riders in equestrian events; 11 cattle show exhibitors; and 200 children registered in the games area. A few days later, the fair committee announced attendance at more than 1,300 — pretty amazing for a community of around 103 residents.
In keeping with a community theme, lunch that day was a cold plate of ham, salads, baked beans, homemade buns and large slices of homemade pie. Supper was to have been roast beef sponsored by the 4-H, but our elderly legs gave out before then and we headed home, also before hearing the entertainment in the refreshment garden.
The next weekend found us in Riverhurst for the annual Bean Festival. There we saw a trade show, 4-H gymkhana, mutton busting, a large show and shine car show, several food vendors and a full afternoon of musical entertainment in the refreshment venue. And Housemate had his hearing tested. I didn’t want to take a spot from someone else in line, so I stepped aside and acted like a really kind soul. There’s nothing wrong with my selective hearing.
A friendly organizer explained the purpose of the large pieces of equipment on display and provided some history of the festival to educate about beans in Saskatchewan.
I escaped any head injury in Riverhurst, but those darn gophers made walking with a cane a definite challenge. I came home with two packages of cinnamon twists and a decent sunburn. I escaped being bitten by a large dog tethered in front of our parking spot. He/she must have realized I was harmless.
To be continued next week.
Joyce Walter can be reached at [email protected]
