This weekend, the season of festivals in the Pembina Valley continues with Plum Fest.
For June Letkeman, an adviser for Plum Fest, the weekend-long event, under the organization of a new committee, is set to be one to remember.
“I'm excited about everything,” she said. “I love that we have some awesome entertainment and ... we have added some new things this year.”
New features and classic favourites
Letkeman said that some of Plum Coulee’s newest additions consist of axe-throwing, a car show by Legends Car Club, as well as a backyard favourite — cornhole.
On Sunday, the community is invited to participate in a cornhole tournament that will showcase every airmail and 4-bagger shot.
In addition to the new activities, the classics of the weekend will also be back, including the crackles and waffle breakfast on Saturday morning.
“It draws a lot of people,” said Letkeman. “We usually get close to 600 people, which is amazing.”
Food and live entertainment
Before the crackles and waffle breakfast occurs on Saturday, there will also be other opportunities for good food at Plum Fest.
Friday evening, the Plum Coulee Baseball Committee will hold a pulled pork fundraising dinner, followed by the first set of musical entertainment of the weekend.
“That night we have the Bob Catz ... and then The Brothers Keep,” said Letkeman.
Friday will also feature Stuffy Riders, an opportunity to ride along Main Street on large stuffed animals.
“Evidently, it’s really, really fun,” said Letkeman. “We're very happy to have them. It's something new, and it will be [enjoyable] for everyone, adults and children.”
A hometown favourite
Saturday’s Plum Fest schedule features the annual parade at 10 a.m. marshalled by Rosemary Siemens and Eli Bennett, which Letkeman said has about 40 entries this year.
“It's really nice that Rosemary and Eli come home for Plum Fest,” said Letkeman. “It’ll be great to honour them.”
The Plum Fest Street Market will also be brimming with handmade goods and nods to the festival’s fruity namesake.
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The day also includes a duck race at Plum Coulee Beach, and a wide variety of children’s activities spanning from a climbing wall and petting zoo to a bicycle decorating contest sponsored by Access Credit Union.
“The kids can decorate their bikes and win a nice new bike,” said Letkeman. “It’s a great idea.”
For the adults, there is the Fireman’s rodeo, bull riding, and line dancing west of the elevator.
Saturday ends with fireworks in Plum Coulee.
Sunday at Plum Fest
The last day of Plum Fest kicks off with a community church service and a lunch of hot dogs, homemade fries, and revels.
At 12:30 p.m., the festival will be capped off with entertainment from Plum Coulee’s own Jordan Janzen.
“It’s a real treat,” said Letkeman. “We're very, very fortunate to have him on Sunday.”
For the complete schedule of Plum Coulee’s Plum Fest, click here.
With files from Ty Hildebrand