ESTEVAN - The Estevan Local 25 Métis Nation was pleased with the response from the community for its Summer Wind Down on Saturday at the Wylie-Mitchell Air Cadet Hall.
A trade show and a kids' zone attracted large crowds, said Linda Sopp with the Métis Society. They believe more than 400 adults attended the trade show, not including vendors. They also didn't have a figure for how many kids attended.
"We're having another one in November," said Sopp.
More than 40 vendors were part of the event, bringing a variety of merchandise with them. The kids' zone featured a bouncy castle, games, snacks and other activities.
"We went through popcorn and snow cones like crazy, and cotton candy as well," said Sopp.
People were very happy with the trade show and the exhibitors said they would be happy to come back the next time the Métis society hosts a similar event.
The vendors didn't think it would turn out so well because the day started slowly, but people came steadily throughout the late morning and early afternoon.
"Right until 4 o'clock, people were coming through the doors," said Sopp.
The evening featured at a cabaret with Saskatchewan musician Donny Parenteau, who is Métis. Once again, the attendance started slowly, but supporters showed up as the night rolled along.
The number of people in attendance peaked at around 70. It wasn't as many as they wanted, but it still turned out really well.
Parenteau sounded great throughout the night, she said.
"He plays a variety of everything. He plays country and modern rock. It was awesome. He played the fiddle. He's a good entertainer, and he's a well-known Saskatchewan entertainer, too."
Sopp said it was important to have a talented performer at the concert.
A final figure for how much money they raised isn't known. The proceeds from the fundraiser will be directed to establishing a food pantry for the community.
"You can just come in when you need something and you can just get what you need," said Sopp.
The pantry wouldn't be just for Métis people; it would be for anyone in the community because Sopp knows a lot of people are struggling and groceries are expensive.
Anyone who wants to reach out to society can do so through the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan's Facebook page.
