620 CKRM Harvest Country Cookout #7 with the Hoffart’s of Minton, SK

Every time I get the chance to tour through southern Saskatchewan, I’m reminded of how much there is to appreciate right in our own backyard. From the rolling prairies and endless skies to the small towns rich with history, there’s something truly special about this place. All you have to do is open your eyes, soak in the beauty around you, and strike up a conversation with the locals—you’ll uncover incredible stories and hidden gems you’d never find on a map. I’m feeling really grateful for these experiences and for the chance to connect with the amazing people who call Saskatchewan home. Just like the Hoffart’s from the Minton area. Thanks to Barry and his family for the hospitality and appreciation of the cookout. I made a bunch of new friends who knew me through the radio so it’s very rewarding to show my appreciation in person.

I took the privilege to roam the area and I just want to remind you, that if you get the chance, do yourself a favour, and take a cruise along highway 18 through the Big Muddy. My first stop was in Big Beaver. It was so nice to see the old Aust store open and busy, The Big Beaver General Store had a couple of tours come through and I recall the one lady from Bengough finding items she couldn’t find elsewhere. I also noticed that all of these communities have rodeo rings and ball diamonds.

Big Beaver was named after the CPR crew came through and they had to build around a massive beaver pond, hence the name. Click on the images to enlarge them.

: Big Muddy Lake

: I’m a sucker for lone tree’s in the middle of nowhere

: lots of small schools in the area

: If these walls could talk

: cattle country for sure

Were off to Minton where the town was named after one of the earliest settlers. It was incorporated as a town in 1951.

: Rita Nyhus Postmaster

: the old gas station at the Minton, Gladmar turnoff

I have just enough time to visit neighboring community Gladmar. Gladmar was named after 2 children from the towns first postmaster…. Gladstone and Margaret. The settlement sprang up in 1910 following the opening of a coal mine (inoperative now) in the area. There are salt mines to the south of the area in operation.