Residents of Bienfait have been counting down the days until they host a Saskatchewan Roughriders Block Party.
The event will take place on Aug. 11 in and around the Bienfait Memorial Arena. There will be a supper from 5-7 p.m. and a cabaret with a DJ from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Several members of the Roughriders will be making an appearance at the party during the evening. An announcement has not been made on which players will be coming to the town.
Amanda Pukas, who is the president of the Bienfait Rec. Board, said players will be signing autographs, posing for pictures and speaking to the fans.
“They’re also going to be having a question and answer period,” said Pukas.
Roughrider cheerleaders, hype team members and the team’s mascot, Gainer the Gopher, will also be present to meet with fans.
A silent auction will boast a variety of items, including a signed Saskatchewan Roughriders jersey. Businesses will also be donating to the silent auction, and Pukas expects there will be some sports-related merchandise.
“We’re not limited to anything anyone wants to donate,” said Pukas.
Bouncy structures, face painting and other activities will be outside the arena, and Pukas said Estevan Minor Football also hopes to also have some activities.
But the bulk of the attractions will be inside the arena.
Pukas said all of the activities, including the cabaret, are open to people of all ages. Children who attend the cabaret will have to be accompanied by an adult.
About 20 to 30 volunteers will be helping out with setting up and running the event, and all of the sports organizations in Bienfait will be involved. The Bienfait Volunteer Fire Department will be supplying security.
Pukas said they would welcome anyone else who wants to help out.
Bienfait earned the opportunity to host a Block Party earlier this year. Resident Daniyale Lalonde submitted the town’s entry for the Block Party promotion. Bienfait was among the 10 finalists selected, and then there was a public vote to determine which six communities would host a bash.
“I think we’re pretty excited to be a small town and to be able to offer this,” said Pukas. “How often do so many … well-known people come down to talk and meet people around here? I think it’s pretty exciting. A lot of people have shown a lot of interest and been inquiring about it.”
Regina, Vibank, Watrous, Watson and Hudson Bay are the other communities to host a Block Party this year.
From the moment Bienfait was selected, Pukas said people have been asking what they could do to support the event to help.
People from all communities are welcome to attend the Block Party.
Proceeds from the Block Party will be directed to the Bienfait Rec. Board, which supports youth sports and other recreational projects in the town. Pukas believes this will be a great opportunity to have a fundraiser.
“We’re limited for our fundraising opportunities as a whole … so this is a great opportunity for us to make some great money for our little organization to keep going,” said Pukas.
While most of the activities will be free for the public, there will be a charge for the supper and beverages. Money from the silent auction will also go to the recreation board.
