MIDALE – Entertainment of all kinds is planned for the Saskatchewan Day long weekend in Midale.
The small community is going above and beyond to turn the long weekend into a real family-friendly celebration for everyone around them, thanks to their Pioneer Echoes days.
Aug. 4-6 will be loaded with activities, events, competition and entertainment.
The weekend will open with a Bull Bash on Aug. 4 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Midale Sports Grounds. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. As of Monday, the bull riding competition had 20 entries, including a few local riders, with a capacity of 25.
"There's one local rodeo athlete from Yellow Grass, Aaron Roy, he's a professional bull rider and he'll be there. And also, Grady Young, who is from Saskatchewan. And he's sitting number 2 in the standings already. There's also another Saskatchewan guy that is going to be around, and then there are a couple of other good, solid contenders. So good, top-quality athletes are coming," said Adam Carlson, the president of the Midale rodeo committee, adding that over half of their stock contractors are from Saskatchewan as well.
With a few days left, they were putting the final touches on the Bull Bash, including the setup and last bit of sponsorships. He noticed their participation went up a bit, and the interest in sponsorship has been "right where it needs to be", which helped with organizing the event.
The opening night will continue with a cabaret featuring Weyburn band Switch.
The weekend will also see some fun events in the arena like team roping and a lot of entertainment for kids, including bouncy castles and more.
The 57th annual Midale Threshing Bee, organized by Souris Valley Antique Association, will take place Aug. 5 and 6. Both days will start with pancake breakfasts, and proceed with a tractor parade at 2 p.m., followed by a blacksmith art demonstration, live threshing and more.
Ryan Swenson, vice-president of the Souris Valley Antique Association, said a week ahead of the big event they had some building repairs that need to be done, but other than that everything was ready.
"We have a soft floor in one of the houses that we investigated the other night, and turns out that there was a cellar underneath that house that we were unaware of. So, we're in the process of repairing that. But other than that, it’s just a matter of getting everything cleaned up and getting our tractors running," Swenson said.
About 60-70 tractors are to partake in the parade each day.
As of July 28, they still were short on volunteers for the weekend. If anyone is interested in helping with the events, they can contact Swenson at 306-458-7032 or send them a message through the SVAA Pioneer Echoes Facebook page.
Another big happening of the weekend is the street dance on Aug. 5. The big outdoor party will include The Johner Brothers featuring The Johner Boys, as well as American Idol participant Brayden King of Weyburn and rising star Micah Walbaum of Forget. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m., entertainment will start at 5:30 and music will go on all night long.
Kyle Hoium, who is organizing the street dance, said everything is coming together quite well.
"We're very excited for the event. Seems that things are starting to fall into place," he said, adding that this year will mark the first time Midale is bringing in the street dance since 2003.
The organizers wanted to have local entertainers who would also be exciting for the public. Brad Johner is from Midale, and King has family in Midale and Weyburn, while Walbaum is from Forget and is well-known in the southeast.
Proceeds from the dance will support the Midale Rink, Midale Fire Hall, Midale Pool, Midale Library, Kids Fun Zone, Midale Daycare planning committee and Midale Rodeo Association.
"It's tough to do it for one, so it was easier to try and include everybody. And then in a small town, all of us can always use a little extra cash. And it's quite a project to take on, so the more associations you involve, the more help you can get," Hoium noted.
The event will also see Midale Minor Hockey Association's barbeque and Souris Valley Antique Association's 50/50.
The street dance entrance will be at the north end of Main Street with parking on the grass. The organizers can help arrange transportation within 45 kilometres of Midale. People can contact Hoium at 306-458-7169.
Aug. 5-6 will also see the Midale Slo Pitch Tournament with proceeds going towards diamond development. To enter teams, please contact Brad at 306-458-7298, Rylan at 306-458-7087 or Mitch at 306-861-4861.
Aug. 6 will feature the Midale Classy Show and Shine from noon-3 p.m. on Main Street.
Scott Stabenow, one of the organizers of the Midale Classy Car Show, said they've been preparing for the event for the last month and now are looking forward to greeting participants.
In previous years, the event attracted anywhere from about 30-70 vehicles of various makes and models. Stabenow said they are hoping for quite a bit of interest this year, but they won't know until the day of the event.
"Anybody that has a car or is interested in cars and the public and whoever wants to come and see some interesting vehicles is welcome to come," Stabenow said. "Anything from a motorcycle to a car is welcome. We encourage people to come with work in progress that they are halfway done building; if they can make it to the show, that is great. We're even trying to get some Class As, some semi trucks in our show, which we've had in previous years."
The show will culminate with the People's Choice Award, for which everybody can vote. Participants are invited to come starting at 10 a.m. to get parked for the show on Main Street. For more details, contact Stabenow at 306-458-7596.
Food and beverages will be available throughout the weekend at various event locations.
"If you are looking for something to do on the weekend, come enjoy the events here in Midale. There will be lots going on," said Carlson.
