The 1200 block of Fourth Street was a happening place to be last Saturday morning. Guests of all ages visited the blocked-off section of Fourth Street to be part of a celebration of the community spirit found in the downtown core of the Energy City.
The Downtown Action Committee held a street fair that attracted a significant crowd of about 200 people throughout the morning and afternoon. Many families came out to enjoy the attractions, which included games and deals at downtown businesses, and a number of offerings from local food trucks. Members of the Estevan Police Service, and Estevan Fire Rescue were present, giving guests tours of the new police cruiser and one of the local fire engines.
“It’s going better than expected. I’m impressed with the turnout. Summer’s hard to begin with, because you’re fighting with vacations and weddings,” said Chesli Melle, an event co-ordinator for the street fair. “I was worried with the weekend, being the one that it is, that everyone would be too busy with the Summer Games approaching. But it seemed like we got a really good turnout so far.”
Melle said that holding the street fair was a learning experience for her, since this marks the first year she participated in the planning and implementation of such an event.
“Next year, we’re hoping we can expand and make it bigger and better from there,” said Melle. “Most of the stores had something going on with the shop local campaign we’re running.”
Melle said the street fair was part of a larger goal of keeping people’s business in the community, an effort carried out in conjunction with the Estevan Chamber of Commerce. Among the most enthusiastic of the guests were the children, who flocked to the many games available, and the ever-popular bouncy house. Later in the day, a flash mob congregated in the streets. The small group quickly gathered to the sound of music and held a miniature dance party, much to the amusement of guests.
“It’s been pretty fun for the kids. Our boys loved the bouncy castle. They also loved checking out the fire truck that the fire department had set up,” said Michelle Thiessen, who visited the street fair with her family. “These kinds of things are always a hit with the kids.”
