Carlyle Fun Dayz and Fair draws over 2,000 to town

CARLYLE — Each summer, the town of Carlyle transforms the area around the Carlyle Sports Arena grounds into a vibrant hub of free, family-friendly festivities known as Carlyle Fun Dayz and Fair.

What began as a humble block party has swiftly evolved into the region’s largest no-cost festival, drawing crowds of over 2,000 from across southeast Saskatchewan and beyond. The fair has a cost for the rides.

Conceived in the aftermath of an economic downturn in an oil-field town, the founders — led by Tim and Jennifer Sedor — envisioned an all-ages celebration that would reinvigorate community spirit without any expense barriers. Over successive years, it has grown from a second-year Canada 150 celebration in 2017 into a full-fledged festival that this year ran from June 27-30.

It all started with the fair rides and setup crew on Wednesday, June 25 getting all the rides setup and running.

Friday the fair started at noon with the fair rides and fair food booths. The performances started off with Rein from Wawota at 5:30 p.m. followed by The Tilted Kilts at 7:45 p.m. and the night ended with our local gal, Teagan Littlechief at 10 p.m. The performances were over the top great.

The tradeshow was held on Saturday and Sunday at the Carlyle Sports Arena. There were 32 tables, and many people came through the doors.  

Saturday morning the pancake breakfast was a huge success that was put on by the Carlyle District Lions Club which was held at the Happy Gang. The parade began at 11 a.m. and started at the town yard, proceeded down Railway Avenue then Main Street, passing in front of the Moose Mountain Lodge and ending up at the Pharmasave.

The music played on and on Saturday. Performers for Saturday were Judah Wardrope which was at 3 p.m., followed by All About the Swifties at 5 p.m., Switch hit the stage at 7 p.m. and ending the night at 10 p.m. was Dr Rocktopus.

The Southern Plains Coop sponsored the Family Fun Zone which was a huge hit with the kids. Cooper the mascot from Co-op even went into the foam pit. There were also bouncy castles, climbing walls and more.

Food trucks were onsite offering burgers, poutine, Filipino food, and fresh lemonade. Facetastic Faces was on site for anyone wanting to get sparkled up for the fair with getting their faces painted. They were available on both Saturday and Sunday.

Next year’s Carlyle Fun Dayz and Fair will be held Friday to Sunday, June 26 to 28, 2026.