The premier summer event in Humboldt has come and gone for another year.
The Summer Sizzler took over Centennial Park this past weekend, with everything from the midway to concerts to the always-popular demolition derby entertaining the crowds.
Friday night saw the Battle of the Bands take place at the Uniplex. Put on by the Humboldt JCI, the event saw Brutally Honest take home honours as the top - and only - band. A second act scheduled to perform dropped out at the last second, leaving no doubt as to who would win the prize of recording time in the studio.
The cabaret, held later that night at the curling rink, also ran into some unforeseen problems. Headlining group Hey Romeo got stuck in Alberta due to the extensive flooding and was unable to make the show. People who purchased tickets in advance were given a refund and opening act 40 Ounce Philosophy played throughout the night.
"It was very successful despite the circumstances," said JCI Humboldt treasurer Vanessa Ollerich. "There were about 450 people there and many people who had their tickets refunded just put the money in the donation box."
Saturday afternoon saw a crowd of at least 1000 people take in the demolition derby at the exhibition grounds. A long line of people braved the muck heading into the grounds to witness the sold-out event.
Four cars, if the beaters in question can even be called that, participated in each heat, though by the end only one was left standing. The crowd reacted to each collision and gasped as smoke flew from more than one hood. Spinning tires showered the judges and emergency personnel standing outside the track with chunks of mud. The rain held off for the most part, leaving the track somewhat firm, though still muddy.
The winner of the eight-cylinder division was Matt Schidlowsky of Humboldt, while Austin Kemper was the runner-up. Matt Bunko was the winner in the four-cylinder division. "We had six four-cylinder cars, which is up from two last year," Ollerich said. "We also had drivers all the way from Estevan."
A constant presence throughout the weekend was the midway, with its bright lights and ever-present smell of popcorn. Young children seemed to enjoy the rides, while groups of teenagers strolled about the grounds, trying their luck at the various games being hawked by the carnival's employees. There was a place for pony rides and a petting zoo, complete with snakes and a newborn goat.
Sunday morning featured the Red, White & Run, put on by the Humboldt Community Trails Committee and the Running Room. Well over 100 runners of all ages participated in either a 5K or 10K run. Many crossed the finish line exhausted but obviously happy.
By Monday morning the midway was gone, the rides and games now a thing of the past. Another Summer Sizzler was in the bag.
