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By Prince Albert National Park

National Park Fun

A Summer Full of Fun for PA National Park

Aug 1, 2019 | 10:22 AM

A full calendar of events for August

Lake life in Waskesiu during August is busy with events and activities to keep visitors active, learning and having fun right to the end of summer.

Small- to large-scale events draw crowds from all over the region to the park this time of year.

Many festivals and events are led by non-profit community organizations and lots of volunteers. So after a hike on the trail or dip in the warm lake, many visitors spend with time family and friends at a dance or music festival which is a great way to wrap up the summer!

Get Ready to HOWL!

U18 Female AA hockey

U18 AA Foxes go 4-0 at Okotoks Classic hockey tournament

1h ago

Court proceedings

Byron Bear murder case returns to court

1h ago

Crime

Man, 23, sent to hospital after weekend shooting

6h ago

Returning this August and September is Prince Albert National Park’s popular Wolf Howls, a family-favorite activity that has been enjoyed by visitors since 1972. This interpretive program begins with a 20 minute introduction to wolves and their packs, followed by a journey into the park to howl for wolves. Visitors interested in learning about wolves and calling to the pack can take part in the Wolf Howl on Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. starting August 3^rd. Patrons are required to bring their own vehicle to a second location in the forest where an interpreter guides the group in practicing their howling. Lucky groups may even hear a wolf howl back!

12^th Annual Waskesiu Summer Dance – Beach Bum’s Ball

Saturday, August 3

Visitors can dance the night away to the music of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, Saturday, August 4^th at the Community Hall in Waskesiu. The dance beings at 9:00 p.m. and includes a midnight lunch. The evening is organized by the Waskesiu Chamber of Commerce and Waskesiu Recreation Association.

For ticket information contact the Waskesiu Recreation Association or (306) 663-5410.

32^nd Annual Grey Owl Howl Family Dance

Sunday, August 4

Waskesiu Seasonal Residents Association’s annual family dance is Sunday, August 5^th at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend and partake in the games, food, beverages, dancing and prizes.

For ticket information contact the Waskesiu Seasonal Residents Association.

Family Treasure Hunt

Saturday, August 10

Best suited for children 12 and under, the event provides kids with a treasure map to search for secret treasure around Waskesiu. Participants get to take home a sand pail & treasures. Activities, crafts & interaction with a life-sized pirate ship are followed by a lunch at Terrace Gardens.

For ticket information contact the Waskesiu Foundation.

Heritage Days

Saturday, August 10

The good old days of Waskesiu are brought to life at Heritage Days. Living in a shack tent, old fashion games like sack races and treats like grandma made are all waiting for you at the Waskesiu Heritage Museum’s Heritage Days. Family activities run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Waskesiu Heritage Museum grounds.

For more information contact the Waskesiu Heritage Museum.

Art Fest

August 16 – 18

The Waskesiu Recreation Association is hosting its 4th annual Art Fest featuring a beautiful selection of original works by local artists from Saskatchewan. An opening gala on Friday evening kicks off the art show which is open to the public beginning Saturday, August 17. Free admission to Art Fest on August 17 and 18.

For more information and tickets to the opening gala, contact Waskesiu Recreation Association.

Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival

August 23-25

Grab your dancing shoes, or just kick back and enjoy the musical performances at the 5^th Annual Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival. The weekend is jam packed with a variety of FREE family activities, including live on-stage musical entertainment, Indigenous performances, food vendors, and beer gardens. Cabarets (admission charge) are also planned for Friday and Saturday nights. Park entry fee applies.

Visit Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival or Facebook for more information.

Sun days are fun days… but remember to stay safe

Summer is the season of swimming, grilling, beaches and connecting with friends and family —it has the power to bring us back to the carefree days of our childhood and provide memory-making adventures for our own kids. But with warm weather comes some health risks. Sunburn, dehydration, and even heat exhaustion are all important things to think about during summer celebrations. To prepare for safe summer days, here are some simple reminders:

· Stay cool in the heat: Keep cool and hydrated and minimize your time in the sun between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Drink plenty of water, find shade, visit cool buildings, slow down, bathe in cool water and wear light-coloured clothing. Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle. More sun safety tips here

· Wear the right helmet: Everyone is encouraged to wear a helmet when cycling, inline skating and skateboarding. Unlike bicycle helmets, skateboard headgear is also designed to protect against multiple falls, whereas bicycle helmets should be replaced after one crash. Visit the Canada Safety Council for more information.

· When thunder roars, go indoors: Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder. If you can hear thunder, you can get hit by lightning. Take shelter immediately in a sturdy, fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing. If no solid building is available, you can take shelter in a metal-roofed vehicle. Read more about severe summer weather.

· Stay safe while camping: If strong winds, hail or a tornado is developing while you are camping in a tent or tent-trailer, move to the closest building or a hard-topped vehicle. Make every effort to get to a suitable shelter. If no shelter is available, seek refuge deep in a thick stand of trees in the lowest-lying area. Environment Canada has more summer weather safety tips.

· Make a (safe) splash: Never leave a child unattended in water, not even for a second. Pick the best time of the day to swim and avoid swimming at night and in stormy weather. The Canadian Red Cross offers tips for all kinds of water activities such as lakes, water parks, backyard pools and hot tubs.

Visit Get Prepared for additional tips on this hot topic,

Keeping the “wild” in wildlife

Prince Albert National Park is a great place to view wildlife in their natural habitat. With a vast range of recreational opportunities and camping experiences set in a wilderness full of elk, deer, fox, waterfowl and black bears, it is important to keep people and wildlife safe. Wildlife find their healthiest food in their natural environment and once they become accustomed to being fed by people, they stop looking for their natural foods and are no longer “wild”.

In national parks across Canada, it is illegal to feed wildlife. It is also important to reduce the chance of these animals getting into pet food, coolers, storage containers, barbecues and other items that have a strong smell. Visitors are encouraged to store items with an odor in vehicles, bear caches when in the backcountry or in bear-proof garbage and recycling containers provided throughout the park. More information is available from the Visitor Centre and upon check-in at campgrounds. You are in Black Bear Country and Visitor Safety provide detailed wildlife safety information visitors can read when planning their trip to the national park.

Prince Albert National Park Visitor Centre

Contact the Visitor Centre to learn more about activities and events in Prince Albert National Park at (306) 663-4522 or pc.princealbertinfo.pc@canada.ca.