620 CKRM Harvest Country Cookout #6 With Rebecca and Ross Stilborn of Balcarres

The vibrant colours of fall, crisp air filled with the scent of freshly cut fields, all take me back to my childhood on the farm. Every harvest season brings a wave of nostalgia—reminding me of the early mornings, the work, and the laughter shared with family. There’s something truly special about autumn that reconnects us to our roots and the simple joys that shaped who we are today. Here’s to celebrating the beauty of the harvest and the memories that come with it. It was another great night and time out in Balcarres with the Stilborns. Shout out to Rebecca and Ross and everyone in attendance for the hospitality. To our sponsors who make it possible and JJ Voss for bringing his talents to the farm, it made for another memorable day.

I toured Balcarres to start my day. The town got its name from the first postmaster of Indian Head, Balcarres Crawford. The first 2 settlers were Thomas Cavanaugh and Thomas Kelly, US Civil war vets who squatted in the area in 1880. They were soon followed by numerous others. The CPR line came through in 1903.

Balcarres has a lot to offer. Be sure to click on the photos to enlarge them. Enjoy

I also had a chance to take a hop skip and jump to the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley. First stop was Lebret. Metis settlers were the first in the area and in 1884 a residential school was constructed. Truth and Reconciliation has brought to light the disturbing facts of this time. The community was named Lebret by Senator Girard in honour of Father Lebret who was in charge of the mission in the early days. He was also the first postmaster of Lebret.

Next stop was Ketepwa. The lake’s name likely originated from the Cree word Kahtapwao, which means “What is calling?” Katepwa Lake is eastern most and farthest downstream of four lakes along the Qu’Appelle River known as the Fishing Lakes.