The most popular feature is a working electronic and mechanical candy cane machine, which the family built from scratch
ELFROS, SASK. — For 26 years, Gary Folster, wife Heather and son Quenton have brought Christmas merriment to hundreds of people visiting their Christmas light display at their home in Elfros. Visitors from all across Western Canada and even England have signed their guest book and made donations in their gift box for the Wadena […] Read moreFarm Living
Tree farm in the business of growing memories
On the Farm: The family sold more than 225 Christmas trees last year and are also developing other attractions for visitors
SYLVAN LAKE, Alta. — The joy is in the hunt. Bundling up, tromping through glistening snow in crisp winter air, examining it from all angles, is all part of the quest for just the right tree. Then after “the one” is discovered, cut, and packed for the journey home, there’s additional outdoor excitement to prolong […] Read more
Christmas joy delivered in a brown paper bag
This simple symbol of giving stands out like a sentinel in the flood of unforgettable memories from bygone Christmases
The school Christmas concert was an unparalleled event at the time — with the last item topping all the rest on the program schedule. Santa Claus followed by his elves (the chair of the school board and trustees) stomped in from outside, brushing off the snow and cleaning their boots, making us shiver not only […] Read moreDifficult transition to spiritual goals can spark midlife crisis
Q: Here we are, near 2020, the year in which I turn 50 years old. My wife warned me the other day, “watch out for your midlife crisis.” I chuckled and went on my way but to be honest with you, other than it is supposed to be bad, I have no idea what a […] Read more
Carbon tax increasing on Sask. electricity
SaskPower has issued a reminder to customers that the federal carbon tax applied on its bills increases from $20 to $30 per tonne on Jan. 1. According to a news release, the crown utility expects farmers will have to pay an extra $60 in 2020. The year-over-year increase for residential customers will be about 1.5 […] Read more
Stressed about food? Relax.
Every day, millions of Canadian moms try to do the right thing. Get the kids to school on time, make a quiche for a sick neighbour, go on vacation with the in-laws, keep the house reasonably clean, find a good math tutor for their son and the list goes on. There are about 300 more […] Read more
Accidental sheep producers have no regrets
ON THE FARM Raising three breeds of sheep allows the Bieganskis to lamb out of season and spread out their income
CARBERRY, Man. — Paw Patrol and Play-doh. For an average three-year-old, a cartoon about rescue dogs and a container of Play-doh is enough to keep them occupied. At least for 35 minutes, while mom sits down for tea with a visitor. Alayna Bieganski isn’t a typical three-year-old. During an early November visit to Alayna’s farm, […] Read more
Cooking for the holidays does not have to be extravagant
There are so many facets to the holiday season: shopping, gifts, travel, parties, casual get-togethers and concerts. It is such a busy time. For some it causes anxiety, but I want to remind you of what I consider the most important part of the holidays — food. We love to come together around food. Menus […] Read more
Children need parental help managing their cellphones
Q: Against my better judgment, my husband and I have agreed to put a new cellphone under the Christmas tree for our 12-year-old son. My husband is about as enthusiastic for this thing as I am, but we see our boy wandering into the classroom in his school as one of the few students not […] Read more
Alberta to add 500 new RCMP positions to fight rural crime
The Alberta government plans on adding 500 more RCMP positions in the province, though it will be requiring small communities to shoulder the majority of the new costs. The province announced Dec. 4 that it’s implementing a new police funding model that will see communities and the federal government inject an additional $286 million over […] Read more
