MELFORT — The Back Alley Tour is a one-day celebration of all things artistic and locally made in northeast Saskatchewan, taking place July 17 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sandra Dancey, organizer of the Back Alley Tour, told SaskToday.ca, “This is the ninth annual Back Alley Tour. There are over 50 vendors this year, so the number of vendors has almost doubled since the first year.”
Dancey said the main difference this year is the addition of food trucks. A supper will also be hosted by the Melfort Legion. The Legion lounge opens at 3 p.m., with food served from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will go toward new flooring for the Legion and the relocation of the flagpole at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
“The Ripley Ford entertainment stage has an impressive lineup this year, including The Lowland Sons and Gabe Rayne—a Tisdale performer who recently released a new album,” Dancey said.
The Melfort Public Library will host author Amber Antymniuk, who will read to children and offer a book signing.
New vendors this year include 3D-printed art, fused glass. Other vendors include beadwork, spray art, semiprecious stone jewelry, wood carving and turning, blacksmithing, desserts and more.
The annual show and sale celebrates the artistic spirit of Melfort and the surrounding region.
“It’s going to be our biggest one yet,” Dancey said. “There are lots of vendors and something for everyone.”
Started as a grassroots effort to showcase hidden local talent, the Melfort Back Alley Tour has grown into one of the city's most popular summer events, drawing hundreds of visitors each year.
