The 17th annual Gravelbourg Summer Solstice Festival d’ete greeted summer in style with two days of festivities running on June 23-24.
The atmosphere was one of fun, celebration and a closeness only experienced in small town Saskatchewan. Events kicked off with the International Food Festival at the skating rink on the evening of June 23.
Individuals from the Gravelbourg community who represent 14 countries or regions of the world manned booths with delectable foods. Visitors flooded the arena for the food festival coming from Gravelbourg, Assiniboia and surrounding communities as well as from as far away as Regina and Calgary to partake of the festivities. There was Korean sushi, Mexican empanadas, Chinese spring rolls, Jamaican jerk chicken among dozens of other foods to try.
While visitors sampled foods from around the world and socialized with friends, The Residuals entertained with traditional Irish, Scottish and Maritime music that kept the youth dancing in front of the stage for most of the evening. The Gravelbourg Lions Club provided free anniversary cakes in honour of Canada150 and the 70th anniversary of the Lions Club. Although the night was cool, it ended on a high note with spectacular fireworks sponsored by the Gravelbourg Lions Club.
The next day on June 24 the downtown streets were filled with more summer fun.
A street fair with artisans, businesses and organizations filled the entire length of Main Street that was closed to vehicle traffic for the day as pedestrians strolled back and forth, browsing at the hand-made wares and foods at each table. A Show and Shine displayed classic cars near the park.
There were also children’s carnival games and bouncy castles. The parade took place just before noon. It included horses, floats, classic cars and emergency vehicles among other floats by businesses and organizations.
In the afternoon, the burgeoning crowds sat on surrounding benches or in the outdoor café and were entertained by the Gravelbourg Music Centre students who performed different sets throughout the afternoon.
A seniors’ supper was served at the Centre Culturel Maillard later in the afternoon. But the musical entertainment really got going later that evening with an outdoor concert at Soucy Park.
The acts being showcased included Regina-based musician and songwriter Scott Richmond, songwriter Luke Dowler, and the headlining act, The Harpoonish and the Axe Murderer, a high-energy touring band. The groups packed the park and performed a variety of musical styles into the night.
