The Downtown Business Association’s annual Street Dance was back in full swing Saturday night, with Saskatchewan’s own Lisa Moen keeping the party going with a mix of country, and rock classics.
Robert Godfrey from Lemon Wedge Marketing said the event, which drew around 1,000 people, was a success.
The Street Dance, typically held on Fourth Street, was moved to the Affinity Place parking lot this year. Godfrey noted that the change did not have any negative impact on the event.
“Something that was important for us was keeping it centrally located in an open space where we had lots of room to hold the event,” said Godfrey. “We were really happy that we didn’t see any negative impacts from moving the space. It worked out really well.”
Before the pandemic, the annual event was known as the Rafferty Rumble and was organized by the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum. After COVID-19, the Downtown Business Association took over and rebranded it as the Street Dance.
Godfrey highlighted the event's flexibility in meeting the audience’s preferences, mentioning that they have considered various formats, including a DJ, live music, an opening act, and a headliner.
“I think that it’s kind of a fluid thing, and we’ll see where we land in future years. But we definitely have a lot of opportunities for how we’re going to fill that entertainment slot,” said Godfrey. “Another thing we want to mention is if anyone ever has any ideas, please feel free to reach out to the Downtown Business Association about them because we want to make sure that when we’re putting on this event, we are creating an event that people are really excited about and have a lot of fun at.”
The Street Dance serves as a platform to promote Saskatchewan talent, with Moen being a prime example. “We were really excited to bring in a super talented Saskatchewan artist and introduce her to a new audience in Southeast Saskatchewan.” Godfrey added that the event also helps build community, and set to the backdrop of live music is a great time to reconnect with old friends or to make some new ones.
“The Street Dance is the main fundraising event for the Downtown Business Association. All the funds raised go back to putting on more events for the community and supporting the downtown.”
Funds raised will be used for initiatives such as Miracle on Fourth Street, Night Markets, The Garden on Fourth, and continued beautification of the downtown area. He noted that without the contributions from local businesses, and the hard work of the volunteers this event wouldn't be possible.
With another Street Dance in the books, the Downtown Business Association is already looking forward to next year's event.
“The renovations and upgrades happening with the downtown revitalization are going to make for an incredible space for holding events. We are super excited to bring the Street Dance back next year on Fourth Street."