Every season gives us reason to be excited. (Yes, even winter).
But from my perspective, the next few months are the most fun time of the year, whether it be in southeast Saskatchewan or elsewhere.
We get more daylight. The temperatures are warmer. Down here in Estevan, we've already had one taste of summer with several days above 30 C, although the heat wasn't too stifling because the temperatures were more moderate at night than in July.
While summer technically runs from June 20 to Sept. 22, most people will tell you it's from the Victoria Day long weekend in May to the Labour Day long weekend in September, regardless of the weather conditions. It's when the campgrounds are open for the season. It's when people expect to spend the most time outdoors. And it's just when we're most excited for all of the outdoor activities we get to choose from.
If you're into camping, then you're in the right place in the southeast. There's no shortage of regional, municipal and private campgrounds to choose from, and Moose Mountain Provincial Park is a great place to be in the summer months, regardless of whether you're camping or not.
Water sports? You're in luck. There are lakes and reservoirs for boating, fishing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and more. The Souris River offers more than just pretty scenery and water hazards for golf courses. I know a lot of people who love it for kayaking or canoeing.
Golf? Yes, we've got it too. There are courses that range from challenging to not-so-difficult. They're clean, well maintained and so many communities have a fun place to play a round.
Tourist attractions range from a beautiful night at the Estevan Motor Speedway to the entertaining productions at the Souris Valley Theatre to the informative museums found in so many communities. Baseball and softball are a big part of life in many communities at this time of year.
Estevan also has its extensive network of pathways that have connected the community, and give you the chance to exercise and view parts of the community you normally wouldn't see.
You can sit outside and enjoy the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets you'll find anywhere. You can have a great meal while sitting on the patio of one of our great restaurants.
Outdoor pools, playgrounds, parks – we have it all.
And it seems like every community will have a special event this summer. There's no shortage of marquee events in Estevan over the next 3 1/2 months, from the Energy City Ex. in June to the Downtown Business Association's Street Dance in July to so much more.
Carlyle has its Carlyle Fun Dayz, Oxbow has the Bow Valley Jamboree. Torquay is going to celebrate its 100th birthday in June. Lampman has its Sports Weekend. Midale has the Pioneer Echoes Weekend. Frobisher has a Thresherman's Reunion. That's just the start.
And there will be so many communities hosting festivities to mark Canada's 158th birthday on July 1.
If you prefer to sit inside and let the air conditioner cool you off, well, you can do that, too, although it wouldn't be my choice for a good summer activity.
For me, if I'm not out in the community covering an event (hopefully one outdoors), then you might see me out for a long walk on the pathways (I've been using them even more in an effort to be healthier). Or I'll fire up the barbecue, enjoy a homemade, delicious supper outdoors, listen to some music and read my book.
It's a special time of year. So enjoy it. Embrace it. After all, it won't take long before summer is over (whenever you believe that to be), and we're spending time indoors because we have to, rather than we choose to.
