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Something to look forward to

Just before all of the fear regarding the COVID-19 virus erupted earlier this month, many in the community were looking forward to the traditional assortment of events and activities in mid-March that typically usher in the beginning of spring.

Just before all of the fear regarding the COVID-19 virus erupted earlier this month, many in the community were looking forward to the traditional assortment of events and activities in mid-March that typically usher in the beginning of spring.

That was before we were forced to become obsessed with COVID-19 and how quickly it was spreading. We stopped talking about banquets and started thinking about symptoms we had to watch out for, and terms like self-monitoring and self-isolation became part of our vocabulary.

It’s easy to forget the ideas that were discussed before COVID and how they might impact the community. But one stood out that could have some pretty good benefits.

The Downtown Business Association started talking about a weekly outdoor market that would run from late May to early September. It would be an opportunity for vendors to sell their wares to the community.

The support was overwhelming. People were intrigued by the concept, and speculated when the market would occur, where it would be and which vendors would participate.

We knew two things: it wouldn’t happen Saturday morning, because it wouldn’t compete with the Estevan Farmer’s Market sales in the Estevan Shopper’s Mall’s parking lot; and you would have downtown businesses open at the same time to capitalize on the influx of downtown visitors.

It would likely be on a Wednesday or Thursday night, when people will be eager for some evening shopping.

As for a location, the initial expectation was the parking lot in behind the House of Stationery, which could handle a number of booths. But due to the amount of early interest, that parking lot might be too small.

The Tower Café’s parking lot, which was home to the farmer’s market more than a decade ago, might be another option.

But the most probable option would be the 1200-block of Fourth Street, which makes perfect sense, because it’s big enough to have vendors, while giving access to the downtown vendors on both sides of Fourth.

As we continue to rethink our community, downtown Estevan is brought up repeatedly as having an important role to play. We’ve seen some good efforts to get people into downtown. We’ve had street fairs and show and shines in the summer, and Moonlight Madness in December for Christmas shopping. Those are annual events.

The Rafferty Rumble was an undisputable smash hit last year that drew thousands of people into downtown Estevan, and created a buzz for the community.

But, as great as it was, it was still just an annual gathering. (And something that big could only happen once a year).

Once nice addition last year was the downtown patio adjacent to The Tap House, which was open daily for several months, and was full on a lot of occasions.

We have some wonderful businesses downtown, and on a nice evening, it’s a very inviting place. But all too often, it’s quiet.

Sure, the shopping habits of people have changed over the years, and shifted away from downtown businesses. But it still plays a vital part in the life of a community. An economically vibrant community is likely going to have a healthy downtown business community.

One day, the threat of COVID-19 will pass. The recovery will begin. We’ll start to have events again. And we’ll want to get out and do things as a community and support our local businesses, hopefully more than ever before.

An outdoor market in downtown Estevan on a beautiful midweek night in mid-June would be a great way to start.