Canada Day in Estevan came and went with a great celebration as the Estevan Kinettes put on an event for people across the city at Hillside Park. The Kinettes hand off the event between themselves and the Estevan Kinsmen year-to-year, and this time it was the Kinettes' turn at the helm.
Raelene Fieber with the Estevan Kinettes says that the event is a long-standing one that she's helped out with for a while.
"We've done this for 25 years, so I've been heading it up the whole time I've been a Kinette for the last 8 years. So, I've headed it up every year that the Kinettes are doing it. It's a lot of fun, a lot of work, a lot of people, a lot of volunteers it takes."
This year, the event included the usual free hot dogs, along with cotton candy, snow cones, and a popcorn machine. Hillside Park also boasts a paddling pool and a play structure that are open during the day.
This year, their crowd was a bit more limited, as Fieber says there were other events both in and around Estevan.
"We normally have a lot more people. We thought, well, maybe because we've got lots going on, there's lots going on in Bienfait and other places. But, yeah, the people just come, keep rolling in, and we keep serving hot dogs until they're gone."
Putting on the event helps the whole community connect as Fieber says it's been a tradition for a quarter century.
"It's amazing. We love doing this. Like I say, the Kinettes and Kinsmen have been doing this for 25 years. I lived right across the street, and my kids came here. I came here as a kid, so, yeah, it's been many, many years we've been doing this. Our family has sat under the shaded tree for years. I hope they never get rid of that tree."
The event may also change in the coming years, as Fieber says they've heard about new facilities at Hillside Park.
"Big changes coming to the play park. They're going to be putting in a new pool, a new shack. I don't know what their plans are for the old pool, but yeah, lots of changes are coming for the pool and the park, too, so that'd be great."
Fieber thanked everyone who came out to support the event and celebrate Canada Day.