As the days are becoming noticeably shortened, and the drought-induced premature leaf falling on some of the trees in our neighbourhood, we are becoming more aware the lazy, hazy days of summer are clipping along quicker than we had hoped. However, instead of lamenting what鈥檚 gone, try to focus on all the summer and warm weather there is yet to take advantage of.
I missed this in the last column as I had to send it in early due to vacation time. Aug. 3 long weekend opened with a bang when Unity experienced a big summer storm that included high winds, minor hail, plenty of thunder and lightning along with听听 rain ranging from six-tenths to nine-tenths. It was much needed moisture but will it sustain us as temperatures remained high with little or no rain on the horizon?
The ball season was a big one in Unity this year, hosting multiple events as well as many championships earned. Mosquito Cardinals won their provincial title. Senior Cardinals competed at their provincials this weekend in North Battleford. On the softball side, every single team in Unity Minor Ball earned medals at provincials, sending three of the four teams eligible to Western Canadian events. The U16 girls are competing this weekend in Kelowna, B.C.
The U19 Unity Panthers won the first ever Unity Minor Ball gold medal at Western Canadians August long weekend. Swinging through three opening wins, the team met some tough competition losing two straight. However, knowing their last round robin game was crucial, they pulled out a big win against Manitoba sending them to playoffs.
They squared off against a tough Manitoba team, who had already defeated them in round robin and once again suffered a loss in the 1 vs. 2 game sending them to a must-win series Sunday.
Playing off against a Team Saskatchewan they had beat in provincial championships, the intense matchup had the Panthers coming up with a 2-1 victory, sending them to the gold medal game where, once again, they would meet the Westman Magic Manitoba team.
It was clear the Unity Panthers were on a mission and when the last out was called, it was Unity that was on the winning side, earning them a well-deserved gold medal at home.
Numerous accolades have been received through social media and other manners regarding the ball diamonds venue, in addition to praise for the organizers and volunteers. The grounds crew has been at the top of the 鈥渒udos鈥� list for these events, especially during the Western Canadian championship when they were at it early Friday morning, Aug 3 to deal with the remnants of the previous night鈥檚 storm. They also dealt with another storm and downpour during the last games Aug. 4. These weather systems made Sunday even earlier for them as game times were moved up.
Get your registrations in for the first-ever ball hockey tournament taking place to raise funds for the new outdoor recreation complex. Registration forms can be picked up at Unity Credit Union. Aug. 24 is registration deadline for this Sept. 8 event.
It鈥檚 that time of year when the annual garden produce swap and shop is in full force. This time-honoured tradition in Saskatchewan, when those who have production exceed expectations are either swapping for other produce that they don鈥檛 have or sharing it with their neighbours or even bringing it to the weekly farmers market to get a small return on their labors. As well, the annual 鈥渨ho has the weirdest shaped vegetable鈥� informal contest has begun. A friend of mine had the most perfectly shaped potato in the form of a heart.
Coffee row folks are starting to regroup in their usual numbers as many are now done their summer vacations. Table talk revolves around the weather and the predictions, which also includes harvest talk. Local sports and national sports are always part of the conversation, too. And, it never gets old to review all that has taken place in Unity this summer while anticipating yet again what events and activities are still to come. So you can see life is full of fun and activity in Unity with our friends at coffee row sharing this traditional part of our community culture. Until next time 鈥�
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