Canada turned 158 years old yesterday - and a small southeast Saskatchewan town threw a large party to celebrate.
Bienfait has been known to throw elaborate Canada Day celebrations in the past, and 2025 was no different. Yesterday, the small town just east of Estevan started the day with a parade that featured local businesses, charities, first responders, and even individuals who wanted to show their Canadian pride. Candy and treats flew to the adoring kids and adults in the crowd, with the crowd themselves fighting back with water guns. A pancake breakfast was also held at the Bienfait Memorial Arena to get the community energized for what was a busy day for the town.
Shortly after the parade, the community gathered at two locations in town. Some made their way to the Bienfait Legion Hall, where patrons sat in the sun while listening to a local band play covers of songs. They were treated to some games on the lawn, as Legion members sold hot dogs, burgers, alcohol and lottery pull-tabs on site. Others made their way to the Bienfait Memorial Arena, which was the site for cheddar smokies sold by donation. The arena was also home to the beer gardens, as well as games for children provided Canuckcade Rentals. A good number of kids and their parents made their way to the Bienfait Coalfields Historical Society Museum, which featured bouncy castles, axe-throwing, and a climbing wall provided by the Estevan Bible Camp. A 'toonie swim' at their outdoor pool was on hand for the families that wanted to beat the heat.
Entertainment was provided by Conner Piche, a local southeast Saskatchewan singer, who serenaded the crowd with timeless favourites, as well as current radio hits. A talent show featuring local talent from around the area shortly followed his performance. Eight performers took the stage last night, wowing the crowd with their talents.
"I think people were really happy. I think they really like the smokies. I heard the smokies where a hit, so we'll definitely be doing that again next year. I kind of took a risk with the talent show. And [with] the little bit of feedback I've had and the turnout we had, I am more than happy with how it turned out. I think it was wonderful. Connor again brought in that crowd for us, and I just hope that he's here next year because I think Bienfait was obsessed with him, to be honest," shared Sarah Yoner, the town's recreation director.
While Canada Day will be taking place in another year's time, Yoner shared that she's learned a lot from this year's execution. Plans are already underway for next year, with one notable part of the event that she hopes to bring back.
"I'm really hoping that the talent show becomes an annual part of the Bienfait celebrations. It just was so fun. And to see kids younger than myself and not even in their teens performing and getting up there, it's really fun and cool to see the next generation live performing. I just hope that it continues and [it] gives other people confidence to come perform next year and make it even bigger."
"It has been an annual event [for] my whole lifetime. My grandma and grandpa still come out to the parade. My cousins come out, you know, the whole family, every family comes out to Bienfait. Whether they're from Lampman, Estevan or surrounding communities, it's really nice to see them pull together and support Bienfait. It's always been our thing, and I really hope that it always stays our thing."
The day ended with a fireworks display launched at Weldon School.