I love this job. I’ve already spent some time at a Red Hatter Spring Fling and facilitated a couple of storytelling workshops with grade 5 classes in Maidstone. I’ve talked to several cultural groups and made a few stops in communities along the Yellowhead. Yesterday I spent the afternoon visiting various facilities in the Battlefords taking to staff about their plans for Culture Days 2012. There are so many interesting places to discover the culture of the area.
One of my favourites is the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. I’d driven past it many times when in Battleford but didn’t stop in until a couple of years ago when I was there for a tour with other freelance writers. I was amazed. I am often amazed by the treasures in the this province and I’ve often recommended a visit to this gem. There are so many things we miss along the way and every year I commit to stopping more often. The baseball museum is filled with the treasures of youth and so many items that tell the story of a time not really so long ago. I was never a huge fan of the game but I remember childhood summers at my grandparents’ house where there was always a grainy baseball game being played on the tiny television in the tiny living room.Baseball is a connection to my childhood.
Battleford was the site of the 1st recorded baseball game in the North West Territories in May of 18-15 and the museum has hosted heritage baseball games sharing not only the stories but the action as well. The director of the museum was telling me yesterday that it was a classroom visit to the museum during Culture Days that led to many cards and letters and an opportunity for her to teach a basic baseball clinic and set up an old-fashioned game, complete with old style hats and neckerchiefs for the students. Culture Days was their first contact and the clinic and game are being held this week. Culture Days really does build community!
Culture Days Danica 