Saskatoon’s prairie lily could be gone by 2025 – Saskatoon
THE Prairie lilies has been sailing on the South Saskatchewan River for 13 years now.
That was more than enough for captains Mike and Joan Steckhan, who are now considering retirement, and it means 2025 could be the final farewell for a Saskatoon icon.
“We’ve had a bunch of emails and a lot of people have expressed sadness because they really appreciated it. … So it’s a little bit sad, but there’s also some joy for us.”
Mike says the ship is more popular than ever and the service could have even been extended beyond the summer, especially with the nice weather Saskatoon is having.
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“We could have done it later in the year, of course. But at some point you say, ‘OK, that’s enough.'”
The captains say they will remember the people most.
“A lady sent me a message this morning, telling me about her two-year-old grandson, who went on a cruise a few weeks ago. And when they left, the little boy just said, ‘No more boat, no more boat.’ But it’s that kind of fun and the appreciation that people have – those are the favorite things.”
They want the community to know how much their support over the years means.
“Without the people coming to enjoy the ship, we have nothing either. So it’s a huge thank you to the community and the support we’ve received.”
Even though the Lily’s captains are set to retire, that doesn’t mean the riverboat has to do so as well.
Prairie lilies will go on sale after the 2025 season.
The captains are hoping a new owner will come forward to keep the Lily on the river and continue to bring joy to Saskatoon.
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