The village of Paynton, Sask., hosted its inaugural Rhubarb Festival on June 21, and despite steady rain, spirits were anything but dampened.
The day kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by festival chair Tracy Rumold and emcee Shaunna Rhinehart. Mayor David Pelletier welcomed attendees and praised the organizing committee, which was joined by RM of Paynton Reeve Kevin Garrett and Cut Knife–Turtleford MLA James Thorsteinson.
Attendees lined up early for the festival tea, where $5 bought a selection of homemade baked goods, coffee, tea, and rhubarb lemonade. Meanwhile, a full lineup of entertainment took to the stage, including Val & Fran, Eldon and the Table Mountain Boys, and DJ Don Rushton, who kept the tunes going well into the afternoon.
While wet weather sidelined a few outdoor activities — including the bouncy castle and disc golf — vendors and organizers quickly adapted. Twenty-four vendors set up shop under tents or inside the town hall, offering everything from handmade goods to preserves. Volunteers were easily spotted in bright red aprons adorned with a handcrafted rhubarb logo created by Katelyn McCracken.
“The rain was actually kind of perfect for tea and fresh baking,” said Rumold. “People really came out to support it.”
Kids stayed busy in the children's tent with crafts, face painting by Danielle Vachon, and balloon creations by Larry the Balloon Guy. High school volunteers from Maidstone, coordinated by board member Heather Honoroski, helped keep things running smoothly.
Highlights included vintage fire truck and tractor-cart rides offered by Austin Swyryda and Vincent Garalinski, as well as the popular Tractor Show, organized by Richard Meynberg, which featured classic machines, including his own 1967 John Deere garden tractor.
A beer and wine garden served up local favourites, including fruit slushies from Bee & Thistles and craft selections from 9 Mile Legacy Brewing. Food trucks stayed busy throughout the day, so much so that organizers say they’re planning to expand for 2026.
The festival’s signature event, the Saskatchewan Rhubarb Baking Competition, drew sweet-toothed competitors from across the region. Judged by Marion Pellizzari, the winners were:
Pies, Tarts & Crisps:
🥇 Debbie Lastowski
🥈 Marcella Peterson
🥉 Louise Blais
Cakes & Desserts:
🥇 Michelle Buechler
🥈 Helen Tootoosis
🥉 Joanne Gregg
In the children's category, the Dutton siblings proudly claimed mini trophies for their decorated cupcakes.
A silent auction organized by Stephanie Knorr added to the fundraising tally, with donations pouring in from across the province. All proceeds from the event will go toward community projects in the village.
Organizers say the success of the festival has inspired big plans for next year.
“Given the crowd, we’ll need more food trucks in 2026,” Rumold noted with a laugh. The next Rhubarb Festival is already scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.