Estevan’s annual Street Dance faced an unexpected challenge this year when heavy rain forced organizers to rethink their plans. Originally set to take place outdoors, the community celebration was quickly relocated indoors to the Power Dodge Curling Center. The move proved to be both necessary and successful.
Robert Godfrey, one of the event’s organizers, described the experience as a bit of a whirlwind but emphasized that the quick pivot helped save the party.
“We were extremely happy with that decision as the rain rolled in right about 9 p.m. when our event started,” Godfrey said. “The party went on all night long, and everyone had a really good time.” Despite the sudden change in venue, approximately 700 people attended the Street Dance, nearly reaching the indoor venue’s 800-person capacity. This showed that the community’s enthusiasm was undeterred by the weather.
Organizing such a large event is no small feat even in ideal circumstances and the last-minute shift added another layer of complexity. Godfrey explained that the team had to cancel outdoor fencing and quickly move equipment like light towers and portable washrooms to the new location. “We never planned to have this event indoors, so figuring out how the setup would look inside, along with the adjusted capacity, was a big task,” he noted.
Entertainment this year was a standout feature, with local talent The Sad Dads opening the night with a high-energy set that had the crowd excited from the start. Headliner Brayden King and his band followed, delivering a dynamic performance that kept the energy going well into the evening. “We got so lucky with top-tier entertainment,” Godfrey said. “Some of the best acts we’ve ever had on the Street Dance stage.”
Beyond being a popular community gathering, the Street Dance serves as the Downtown Business Association’s main fundraiser each year. The funds raised help support a variety of other local events, including the street fair and the Miracle on 4th Street Christmas festival. They also provide important investments in downtown beautification and improvements.
“This fundraiser is extremely important to the work that the Downtown Business Association does,” Godfrey explained. “The funds help us put on other events and invest in our downtown core in different ways.”
The DBA and event organizers expressed heartfelt thanks to the City of Estevan’s Leisure Services division for their prompt support in accommodating the sudden venue change. Volunteers were also praised for their efforts in making the transition as smooth as possible.
“We want to give a big thank you to the community for coming out and supporting this event like they always do,” Godfrey said. “And to the volunteers and city staff who went the extra mile for us. This wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
The success of this year’s Street Dance, despite weather related challenges, demonstrates the strong spirit and resilience of the Estevan community. Organizers are optimistic about continuing the tradition and building on this year’s achievements in the years to come.