While there’s no shortage of things to do in Estevan during the summer months, one thing we have been lacking for some time is that big summer festival that gets the community out and has something for everybody.
The closest we’ve come in the last few years is Beach Bash. It was a big hit back in 2013 and 2014, with its spectacular fireworks, music and variety of activities. But for a variety of reasons, Woodlawn Regional Park opted for a Family Fun Day last year. When that event struggled, the park decided not to bring the fun day back for 2019.
Prior to Beach Bash, we had the Pure Energy Motorsports Weekend, which showcased the different types of racing in the community.
This year, though, a group has resurrected the Rafferty Rumble. And the organizers are going all-out with the activities.
It truly will have something for everyone.
Several different sports organizations have events planned. The most unique might be Fresh Air Fitness’ Force Fitness Challenge. It’s something that we haven’t seen before, and it’s making good use of the Fresh Air Fitness site at Woodlawn Regional Park.
But you’ll also have more traditional events such as soccer, slow-pitch and beach volleyball tournaments.
Downtown Estevan will be a hub of activity throughout the day, with a pancake breakfast, show and shine, artisans market, street fair and music festival happening during the morning and afternoon. Downtown Estevan will be buzzing with activity.
A big street dance for adults will be happening at night.
We’ve seen lots of good events in the downtown area in the past, but nothing to this degree. We hope the vendors will capitalize on the number of potential shoppers, and will have sales during the day.
The music for the festival and the street dance should be great. You’ll have local favourites such as the Ross LeBlanc Trio and Hook & Nail. You’ll have performers such as Megan Nash during the day and Fogdog at night who have been here previously.
But there are a lot of acts who will be performing in Estevan for the first time. The Rumble will be a great opportunity to witness to these talented Saskatchewan performers for the first time locally.
We hope that people will remember to enjoy the activities in a safe and responsible fashion. With so many functions happening downtown, particularly the street dance, you are going to have some indulging in the party atmosphere.
But that is not an excuse for reckless behaviour, public intoxication or impaired driving. Have fun, enjoy the party, but do so in a law-abiding fashion.
There are a lot of reasons to hope for the Rumble to succeed. As stated before, it’s the big multi-day festival the likes of which Estevan hasn’t seen in some time.
The money from the activities downtown will go to a great cause, the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, which, like a lot of local cultural agencies, has felt the pinch of funding cutbacks in recent years. It’s commendable that the EAGM is involved with a big fundraiser to try to generate funds, rather than a series of small ones.
All the tournaments going on will benefit local sports organizations as well.
It should be a great day for our downtown merchants as well. You’ll see more people milling about in that area than there has been in a while.
Finally, this is a weekend that is going to bring a lot of people to the community. Whether the crowds are going to be as large as organizers are hoping for remains to be seen. But you will see an influx of people into the community, which should mean more people in our hotels and restaurants.
Hopefully local residents will greet these visitors with open arms. Hopefully those who come here expecting a big summer festival aren’t disappointed.
It’s going to be a fun weekend. Let’s make it a safe and well-supported weekend, too, and that the Rafferty Rumble can be part of Estevan for years to come.
