The numbers are in for this year’s Rafferty Rumble, and they show that the resurrected event was a big hit in the community.
The Rumble, which was held from July 26-28 at locations in and around Estevan, raised a total of $56,615 for the participating organizations: the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, Estevan Slow Pitch, the Estevan Snowmobile Club, the Estevan and Weyburn Adult Recreation Soccer League and Fresh Air Fitness.
Each group that held an event will receive the net proceeds from that activity. Money was generated through ticket sales, admission, registrations and other means.
Committee chair Josh LeBlanc noted the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, which was responsible for the activities in downtown Estevan, should be receiving around $50,000, making it one of the biggest fundraisers in the EAGM’s history.
“The board is definitely pleased with all of the money that was raised,” said LeBlanc. “We’ve had a tough couple of years through funding cuts and what not, and this is going to be some very welcome money.”
The funds will be directed towards the exhibits and the programming the EAGM offers throughout the year, as well as general operations.
The other organizations will spend their profit at their discretion, he said.
Thousands of people attended activities on Fourth Street, which included vendors, a show and shine, live music and children’s activities. Downtown merchants had specials during the day. A cabaret and street dance that night also attracted large crowds.
Sporting events included a slow-pitch tournament, soccer tournament, golf clinic, beach volleyball tournament and the inaugural Force Fitness Challenge. Those events were held at the different amenities of Woodlawn Regional Park. The fitness challenge was organized by Fresh Air Fitness.
The Facebook post noted that the Rafferty Rumble would be returning in 2020, and LeBlanc said they would still be raising money for the EAGM and the other participating organizations.
A meeting will be held Sept. 10 to discuss the event, and that will allow them to go over the different aspects of the event, including what they think they need to change and how they can change it.
“There will be some changes. Probably some of the biggest changes that you’ll see are a change to the band and entertainment lineup. I’m not sure if we’ll book as many bands in the afternoon.”
But people were very happy with the bash, and they feel like they got their money’s worth.
