SASKATOON — Running to Aug. 9, the annual Saskatoon Fringe Festival has been entertaining for over 30 years, produced by 25 Street Theatre. Sales Manager, Jensine Emeline says she believes the early years of the Fringe began in 1989.
The event’s website touts, “The Saskatoon Fringe Festival is an explosive celebration of art, community, and most importantly - THEATRE.”
Emeline adds, “Aside from weather which contributed somewhat to lower numbers on Tuesday, and again potentially a contributor Aug. 7, there are still awesome turnouts of people at the park and theatre venues. Especially considering we are competing with the Ex.”
The sales manager affirms that the most popular show “Family Crow at Refinery, which has been and is completely sold out, with the second favourite show being, “Jimmy Hogg the Potato King.”
“To Fringe is to expect the unexpected. There are so many wild and wonderful stories just waiting for you to find them. So be brave and see something new,” exclaims the organization’s website.
What makes the Saskatoon Fringe work is the same formula that multiple other groups and organizations benefit from and that’s hard work and enthusiasm of volunteers. Combine that with artists, Fringe partners, staff, attendees and donors, the collaboration makes the ten day event work successfully.
Construction on Broadway Bridge and parking restrictions in the neighbourhood did not deter hundreds of visitors from coming out and experiencing the Saskatoon Fringe.
The Fringe has hosted amazing street performers with Emeline stating that some of their regulars were accepted to Edinborough Fringe so they have had lots of community people come into those roles. There have been Indigenous Pow Wow dancers, and local talent as part of the entertainment package.
Come prepared for the weather as rain or shine, food trucks, vendors and buskers are still ongoing.
The Sales Manager said other than the weather, there have been no challenges as the patrons, artists, vendors are awesome and excited to be part of this annual Saskatoon tradition.
Sell out shows are definite highlights for Fringe organizers as well as they love watching the summer students thrive in their roles, taking ownership of the festival and pride in their work as Emeline says, ‘You can’t teach people to care.”
Today, over 250 Fringes are celebrated across the globe, pushing theatre boundaries and toasting to the artists who color outside of the lines. In Canada, “Fringe” is a trademarked brand, and every Canadian Fringe Festival is a member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals.
