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Plum Coulee’s annual Plum Fest once again proved why it’s one of the region’s most anticipated small-town summer gatherings, delivering a perfect mix of fresh experiences, cherished traditions, and heartfelt community connections.
The weekend kicked off with a whimsical sight along Main Street as families “climbed aboard” fuzzy motorized animal rides, adding a playful energy to Friday evening. Laughter and smiles set the tone for a festival full of moments that brought people together.
Friday evening’s pulled pork supper at the Centre on Main fed both appetites and community spirit. For $12 a plate, guests enjoyed pulled pork on a bun, coleslaw, chips, and a drink, with proceeds going toward supporting local ball diamonds. “It’s about keeping our community sports strong,” organizers shared, noting that the fundraiser was met with a full house.
June Letkeman has been involved with the committee since day one of the festival, and shares that "it's been a great ride since the beginning." The festival has grown and changed over the years, adding on a permanent stage structure and integrating community fixtures like line dancing and a waffle breakfast. "And then, we have a great parade," shared Letkeman. "I'm really proud of everyone that enters our parade and makes it a really good event."
The Saturday morning parade is always a favourite, and festival-goers also enjoyed new additions this year, including axe-throwing challenges and a classic car show hosted by the Legends Car Club, creating a backyard-style atmosphere where people lingered, connected, and celebrated the town’s small-town charm.
With Plum Fest taking place along Main Avenue in the community, there is one feature along this road that is central to the festival that has also grown with the town: the Plum Coulee Elevator Museum. Volunteer Dorothy Doerksen shared that the festival offers an opportunity to give tours to festivalgoers from all over the world— and the community right outside their front door.
Of course, no Plum Fest would be complete without the return of line dancing, a tradition now spanning 24 years, kept alive by two dedicated locals. Their smooth-finished wooden dance floor once again became the heartbeat of the festival, welcoming both seasoned dancers and first-timers.
From fuzzy rides to axe-throwing, pulled pork to line dancing, this year’s Plum Fest was a celebration of everything Plum Coulee stands for; fun, friendship, and the kind of community pride that grows stronger with every shared step, laugh, and plate served.
With files from Mikaela Warkentin and Evan Warkentin.
