In just over a month’s time, the second annual Streetfest will be happening in Humboldt.
From August 21-22, residents can see street dancers and local bands and gorge themselves on the food provided by street vendors. Like last year, there will be sidewalk sales and activities for kids. The beer gardens will be open on Friday and Saturday and performances will be happening on the stage for both days as well.
New this year is a rock climbing wall that will be available on both days as well as bouncy castles, a car show, a drag race, and a Comic Con.
“We’re just building on last year, but this time is will be more centralized and closer together,” said Alfred Washburn, one of the main organizers for the event. “Last year, people said it was detached and that they didn’t know what was going on, so we fixed that for this year.”
Despite the enthusiasm the town has for another Streetfest, the committee had some initial troubles with fundraising this year. However, the business community stepped forward and pitched in donations, especially businesses like Office Experts and the Co-op.
Now the only thing they need is more volunteers to help out with things like cleanup and setup.
“We haven’t confirmed anyone to help clean tables (after the concerts) and clean porta-potties,” said Washburn.
One of the more interesting events to take place this year is the bike show that will be put on by the Guardians of the Children (GOC). The GOC has a Saskatoon chapter, but they’re trying to establish a Humboldt chapter as well. The group is a public benefit organization that attempts to educate the public about abused children and child abuse prevention. They try to create a safer environment for abused children in a variety of ways.
“What we do is when an abused child comes into our “family,” we offer support, so when they’re feeling scared, when the abuser is tormenting them or when they’re having a bad day, they can contact us or we can ride out there and hang out with them,” said Ryan Olsen, who goes by the road name “Sinister.” “We empower them to get their childhood back so they’re not looking over their shoulder scared of something.”
The group also escorts the child or children to court and sits with them for support because oftentimes the abuser is also there. Since the members are usually dressed as intimidating bikers, it can help give the child a sense of protection and security.
To spread awareness about who they are and what they do, the group will be displaying their bikes and selling tacos in a bag on Friday evening and Saturday for Streetfest.
“We just want (people) to know that we’re not bad guys, we’re just there to help,” said Sinister. “If they know of a kid in need, we’re there to help.”
