When some of our dear city friends found the love of their life away out in Pontiac County several years ago some of their relatives told them: “You’ll be bored out in the country. There’s not much to do away up there.”
Our city cousins had forgotten that this country was founded by farmers, forest workers and other hard working rural folks who not only worked very hard but also learned fast how to create their own entertainment.
If there was no wedding or other organized gathering to attend they would have a house party where home grown music, dancing and visiting would go on until the wee hours of the morning. Early settlers not only worked hard, but played hard too. Besides when you first get married, newlyweds don’t need a lot of outside entertainment for the first few years.
When we move the calendar ahead to this century, rural families not only have activities that keep city dwellers busy like hockey, baseball, soccer, dance lessons, etc. But there seems to be a larger circle of friends.
When a friend dies in the city, there is always a respectful group of neighbours and relatives who attend the wake and funeral. When a friend dies in the country, the wake sometimes goes on for three days and the church is filled for the funeral.
After living in the country for several years, when the lady of the house goes grocery shopping she often spends several hours away. Not because she doesn’t know what she needs but because she meets so many friends to talk to in the grocery store.
When there is a political position up for grabs there are usually all candidates debates organized in our county. Whether the position is federal, provincial or municipal all candidates have an opportunity to express their goals and opinions and answer questions.
No candidate would dare to not show up at these debates. No shows at the debate often come in last in the race. Rural people take their decisions to elect political representatives very seriously.
The yearly cemetery services, when people have an opportunity to remember and honour their deceased friends and relatives who blazed the way for them to enjoy life, here is (and should be) attended by many.
On most weekends it is a difficult decision to decide which anniversary, wedding reception, birthday party or other function to attend and which ones will have to be missed this year. Usually three parties are all that can be attended in one night.
One Saturday in early September started with a breakfast which included a guest speaker who is a doctor in the local hospital. He spoke informatively about the health difficulties and inconveniences of someone with diabetes who needs dialysis treatment several times per week. Then the day got hectic. There were five weddings, five birthday parties, an old time dance, a fireman’s ball, a hunt camp music party which was recorded for future presentation on a local radio station, a marathon race of running and swimming, a valley fair only a few minutes away (that my nephew who worked at our farm for several summers is president of) and several more events that escape my memory!
If I missed attending your party, please excuse me. If you came to mine, thank you! I feel honoured.
Are you bored living in the country yet?
Chris Judd is a farmer in Clarendon on land that has been in his family for generations. gladcrest@gmail.com
