The Endiang Hall was packed with friends, family and neighbours on Saturday afternoon for the 80th birthday celebration for Ken Schultz. Ken's family hosted the social, serving birthday cake and ice cream as well as beverages. There was a picture display with numerous photographs spanning Ken's 80 years. Congratulations to Ken on reaching this special milestone and best wishes for many more happy years.
Some folks from our district took in some of the Old Time Music Jamboree in Hanna on the weekend.
Ken and Eleanor Schultz hosted their 33rd annual camp-out on the weekend at their Endiang farm.
They had 18 RVs and two tents set up in their camping area, with one couple coming from as far as Valemount, B.C. They were also joined by many non-campers who came to enjoy the festivities.
Saturday evening included a barbecue supper followed by music and singing around the campfire and a spectacular set of fireworks to end the evening.
A pancake breakfast kicked off Sunday morning, followed by the 12th annual Great Endiang Balloon Race. One hundred tagged balloons were launched, including a special 80th birthday group of balloons set free by Ken.
In past years balloons from the balloon race were reported found throughout a large area of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Those areas in Alberta included Hanna, Spondin, Scotfield, Youngstown, Cereal, Halkirk, Castor, Brownfield, Consort, Monitor and Metiskow. In Saskatchewan the Endiang balloons were found at Eston, Keeler, Rouleau, Kerrobert, Kyle, Osler and Rockglen (which is about nine miles north of the Montana border).
It will be interesting to see how far the balloons launched this year will travel.
The afternoon saw folks of all ages enjoying the Frisbee golf tournament. First place went to Blaine David, Hanna and Rachel Drummond, Calgary. Second — Rich Meyer, Valemount, B.C. and Judy Crawford, Calgary.
Third — Eileen Smyth, Craigmyle and Jeff Crawford, Calgary.
The "honest golfer" award went to Lauren McBain, Lethbridge and Herb Gutsche, Hanna for being good sports.
It was a great weekend enjoyed by many. Thanks to Ken and Eleanor Schultz and their family for the fine hospitality.
Brenda Zeimer from Vancouver returned home Wednesday after spending nearly a week with her sister and brother-in-law Linda and Bill Smith. Brenda also visited with several other family members, including her niece Kristy Smith from England who was also visiting at the same time.
We extend sympathy to the family of Dale Anton on his sudden passing.
Dale has lived southeast of Endiang for the past few years on the Gary Gibson property (a portion of the former Art Mattheis farm the Gibsons purchased from Wes and Karen Gutsche). Dale looked after the cattle on the Gibson ranch as well as some of the neighboring herds. He was a regular visitor to the restaurant in Endiang. Dale had a likable personality and will be missed by all who knew him. The funeral for Dale was held in Hanna on Monday.
Dwight and Heather Tucker and their children Callie and Kai enjoyed a trip to Seattle, Wash. where they took in three major league baseball games between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays.
We send get well wishes to Garnet McLearn who is recuperating from heart problems.
Endiang's main street has an addition to it. Dan and Verla Buchwitz have moved a building in, situated north of Ruthie's Roost café, which they plan to operate as an antique and collectable store.
Keep in mind the Byemoor Hotel is hosting a steak barbeque on July 31from 4-8 p.m. Be sure to come out and enjoy some Alberta beef at its finest.
Thought for the day — "Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked, the good fortune to remember the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference."