With temperatures well below freezing and a wind chill taking cold to the extreme, those dedicated to making a successful Dickens Festival were out in full force.
Despite the cold Shelley Slykhuis, event chairperson, reported a total of 401 signatures in the guest book. This means that though the two day event brought some of the coldest temperatures for the event to date over 400 people attended as not everyone who attends signs the guest book.
These guests to Carlyle included many local people, but also saw visitors from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Wapato, WA, USA.
Visitors from Nova Scotia included a couple from Halifax who, as Slykhuis explained, "were traveling across Canada visiting family along the way and planned to stop for Dickens Festival."
So, the event, though the weather was uncooperative was still a success in the eyes of the organizers. Not only did they receive compliments on the event, but there was praise regarding the community spirit showed by the town in such a situation.
"Weather is always our biggest challenge," Slykhuis stated. "Most people were quite happy though."
"Some did not mind the cold!"
Slykhuis was asked multiple times if the event would be cancelled by various individuals, but the committee couldn't cancel as people were still going to be making their way out to Carlyle both days despite the cold.
She then heard people wondering if the parade would be cancelled, but this too would go on!
"People would be in their vehicles for the parade pulling the floats and just wouldn't have anyone on them," Slykhuis explained.
In nicer weather people are usually found standing and waving to the crowd from the floats, but this year they waved from their vehicles. In addition to those participating in the parade, many of those watching were found parked in their vehicles along the parade route to watch.
Winners of Scrooge Cash this year, the award for best floats, went to Home Hardware, the Town of Carlyle, and Reliable Metal Buildings on Friday, Dec. 6. New judges were found for the next evening and this saw the Carlyle Bakery take first followed by Carlyle Pharmasave, and One Church.
Organizers heard good things about the parade and many people were amazed at how many floats, approximately 15, to still come out in such cold weather.
Even though the carriage rides were cancelled due to concerns for the safety of the horses and the riders, Herman and Edna Fornwald of Estevan were still present and pulled their carriage behind their vehicle for the parade.
Another aspect of Dickens is the Decorating Competition. Winners of the residential categories included Terry and Laurie Fornwald for Traditional, Nancy and Giles Matthewson for Victorian, Bob and Betty Beatty for Novelty, and Karen Smith for the new apartment category. Business category winners included Dunn Transport for Traditional, Ramada Hotel for Victorian, and Dairy Queen for Novelty.
The event saw a busy Fezziwig's Pug where the greeters welcomed guests and the Festival of Trees was held by Cornerstone Family and Youth. Musical acts including the Happy Wanderers, Solace (Jacquie and Aaron Walbaum), Ken Hamm, and High Strung performed. While Barb Haddow and Diane Twietmeyer read a children's version of "A Christmas Carol."
Fezziwig's was also the place to find Santa Claus who was there for Breakfast with Santa and stopped by again for photos in the afternoon.
Another always popular facet of Dickens included the United Church's High Tea where harpist Sharon Elliott helped to transport people back to the Victorian times.
Three markets this year could be found along Main Street where various vendors were displayed. A fun new aspect included old style photographs by Nicole Gervais Photography. Being able to dress up in period pieces it was a fun way to remember Dickens.
Another new piece to Dickens included an Artist and Crafter display and sale with members of Paint and Palette, an extremely talented group of artists in Carlyle, organizing in the library. From larger paintings to Christmas themed picture cubes, to jewelry it was a neat display that showcased the wonderful talent in the area.
Food vendors were out to feed the masses as always, though one street vendor decided not to participate others found ways to keep from freezing as they planned for the cold bringing out heaters and setting up their booths in tents or behind a wall of cardboard.
Slykhuis reported that one street vendor chose not to participate at all due to cold. While others participated for one evening deciding the cold was too much the next night. The Chowder Shack sold 2/3 of its usual sales, but Slykhuis did explain they had run out of propane and had to close up early on Saturday. The firemen had quite a few turkey legs left over, while Shockwave youth found they had normal sales. The Knights of Columbus, however, were quite pleased with how their chili sales went both nights.
So, despite the cold weather which did prevent some from attending, the event was still a success and people are already thinking of new things to include next year.
Slykhuis laughed saying, "Even though it was cold there's still people talking about things we can do next year One suggestion was for a few more bobbies' costumes we might end up with an army."
Overall Dickens, though an event put on by a committee of inspired individuals, is a community event. Its success hinges on the community. The fact that Carlyle and area rallied together to bring about a triumphant festival even through harsh conditions shows the character, resilience, and spirit of community here.
