A normal practice for many families is to plan out a vacation trip, often involving travel to a far destination in Canada or down to the U.S., or else overseas.

This year, that practice may be seriously curtailed by many families with skyrocketing gas prices that promise only to go higher this summer, with no signs there will be any decreases.

Rather than forcing a cancellation of the yearly vacation trip, residents would be advised to look at doing regional or area trips, or day-trips around the southeast area.

Many people have travelled to many places around the country, but rarely have they seen the interesting sights that are within a few hours driving or less here at home. Many times people assume, "Oh, that's a local thing, I can see it anytime ", but then they never get around to seeing it because of their busy schedule.

The closest example in Weyburn is the Soo Line Historical Museum, with the world's largest silver collection, the famous Charlie Wilson Collection. There are many other interesting exhibits at the museum, located in a historic building, Weyburn's former power station along the Souris River. In addition, there are attractions like the Heritage Village, which grows and improves every year, and the Turner Curling Museum in the Leisure Centre. Has your family seen these attractions?

Looking outside of Weyburn's boundaries, there is a veritable treasure trove of events to attend. On almost every weekend, one of the area towns is featuring their special fair day or exhibition; for example, Stoughton Daze was just held this past weekend, and coming up on Saturday, July 19, is the Creelman Fair, the "Biggest Little Fair in Saskatchewan."

Creelman's annual event includes the perennial favourite event, the pig scramble, along with many other exhibits and activities.

Coming up later this summer, Ogema is holding their Fair and Deep South Museum Day on the weekend of July 11-12, and down at Midale, the museum and heritage village there will also hold Pioneer Echoes threshing days, often featuring a parade of antique tractors and an old-fashioned threshing bee, on the weekend of July 26-27.

Looking ahead into August, Weyburn will be a centre of attention with the annual Wheat Festival, with many events taking place with it, including a professional rodeo, the annual Horticultural Show, and the Douglas Centre will feature a summer theatre performance, Pirates of the Living Skyes, a localized version of the musical Pirates of Penzance. Heritage Day at the Heritage Village will also be a part of this city-wide event, with other events taking place at River Park and the Soo Line Museum.

In short, there is no shortage of events right here within a half hour to 45-minutes' drive (or less) from Weyburn, and you have the advantage of not using much gas, and you get to know your neighbours in the southeast region. This summer, take a motor trip and find out what fun and heritage this southeast area has to offer you! - Greg Nikkel