Saturday, July 8, 2017

SASKATCHEWAN, "LAND OF THE LIVING SKIES"


BY CLAY LARROY

When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Here are some tips to help you. Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Travelling is a great way to use your airline miles.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!


SASKATOON, "BAND CITY"
Saskatoon is a city in central Saskatchewan. With a metropolitan population of about 257,000 people, it is the province's largest city. It's a little oasis among wheat fields.

See

The Bessborough Hotel overlooks the Saskatchewan River and is probably the most famous landmark in the city.
Be sure to check out the six bridges (including two railway bridges); sadly, the city's first bridge, the Traffic or Victoria Bridge, is (as of 2012) in the process of being dismantled.
Bessborough on an early evening from the street(s).


Do

If you have young children, the rides at Kinsmen Park cannot be beat. There is a miniature train, Ferris wheel and merry-go-round (all of which were upgraded in 2015). This attraction is near the Kinsmen Play Village, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada and across the street from the former Mendel Art Gallery, which as of fall 2015 is in the process of being converted into a children's museum. (The art gallery itself has been replaced by the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan in the new River Landing development downtown.)
There are various shopping malls all around the city. Midtown Plaza, is probably the most convenient place for tourists to go to since it is in downtown Saskatoon. It is the largest mall in the city with over 130 stores and services, with two fairly large department stores such as Sears and The Bay. The next biggest malls are The Centre at Circle and 8th on the east side of the city, and The Mall at Lawson Heights in the north; the latter is the closest major mall to the numerous hotels and motels in the airport area.
Saskatoon Blades - Catch the local Western Hockey League team in action at the Credit Union Centre. The Centre is located in a remote part of northern Saskatoon; although there is a bus route serving the area, expect to have to take a taxi or rent a car.

Festivals

Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer. These include:
Saskatoon Exhibition. Annual fair with the usual assortment of midway rides and live entertainment. Usually held in early August.
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan   - Saskatchewan's only professional theatre. Performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August.
Art in the Heart - this is a great little event in the Caswell area. There is artist vendors from Saskatoon, as well as crafts, face-painting and henna. Live local music is playing all day, and there is a kid's area in the Church Basement where they can do crafts and learn a play. Truly a unique experience to check out when in Saskatoon. Late September.
SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival   - Major jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July.
Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival   - Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June.
Saskatoon International Fringe Festival  - Street performances and alternative theatre centered around Broadway Avenue in August.
Folk Fest  - an annual, multi-cultural festival comprised of up to 25 ethnic pavilions located throughout the city. Inside each pavilion, visitors will find cultural displays, dance, song, food, folklore, fables and skits. Runs in August.
Canada Remembers Airshow   - Dedicating to remembering Canada's veterans, combines ground displays of intage aircraft, WW II trainers, fighters and bombers as well as the latest in jet-powered aircraft. Has active air acts which include vintage WWII aircraft, current military aircraft, and the Canadian Forces' Snowbirds Demonstration Team. Runs in August. 2009 will be its last year of performance.
"A Taste of The Saskatchewan  - An Annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants are featured and provide Hors d'oeuvre and live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location provides an excellent atmosphere.


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