Estevan area residents have been entertained this month by a Sign Wars involving local businesses and now even schools.
It started when Brady Johnson, who owns the Encompass Fitness studio, used her business sign to say that Estevan needed a sign war. It has since grown to include a number of businesses from several different sectors.
Johnson said she had seen a post about a sign war in the U.S. community of Christiansburg, Va.
“I just thought it would be such a fun idea to do in Estevan,” said Johnson.
Blackbeard’s Restaurant, located in the Days Inn Hotel, was first target for Encompass. The restaurant was chosen because they have a couple of signs to post a response, and she finds that Days Inn general manager Jeff Pierson has a good sense of humour and a good mind for the banter seen in Sign Wars.
“It was really great. Their feedback was really good. And it’s been really fun seeing other businesses catch on and want to play, too.”
Now other businesses have joined in. Some have targeted their competitors in an effort to bring them into the fray. Businesses that don’t have signs have posted messages in their windows to issue or respond to a challenge.
Johnson has been surprised with the reaction.
“I didn’t really know what to expect, or if anyone would want to catch on and play along. But I am surprised at how many businesses are starting to join in the fun, whether they have signs or not, and getting really creative. It’s fun for the businesses, but it’s even more fun for spectators getting to see the signs and the fun camaraderie.”
Among her favourites was one from the Southern Plains Co-op, who chirped fellow grocery stores Sobeys and Clifton’s No Frills.
But there have been comments made to businesses with looser connections. Such was the case when Blue Sky Air praised the wings at the Black Grasshopper Pub and Eatery, but wanted to know whether those wings could fly.
Johnson is pleased to see those businesses interacting.
More recently, schools have been trading barbs, with Hillcrest School using their sign to take a jab at Spruce Ridge School and the Estevan Comprehensive School.
Other Saskatchewan communities, including Melville, have had Sign Wars as well, making it into the Meanwhile in Saskatchewan Facebook page. Johnson doesn’t know if that one occurred before Estevan, as her inspiration came from the U.S.
Johnson said it would be great to see more of the downtown businesses involved and playing along with each other.
“I think it’s a lot of fun, it’s good-natured and it’s great for Estevan,” said Johnson.
The feedback from the public has been terrific, with people sharing the post and having laughs at the messages.
She believes this can continue for a while, as long as the fun banter continues.
“It’s definitely a lot of work for us, though, changing our signs, but it’s fun, so hopefully (it will last) until the end of the month and hopefully it will continue even into the summer.”
An Estevan Sign Wars Facebook page has been created, with many of the creative signs that have been created. Johnson said she's not involved with it.
