Rider pride will be strong in Stewart Valley tomorrow night when they host their Rider Block Party.
After the village suffered the devastating loss of their school and community centre back in August they are using this celebration as a way to look forward and fundraise combining the block party with their community fire fundraising event.
One of the organizers of the event Jennie Moen provides details on some special guests and events taking place.
"Basically, alumni, Gainer the Gopher will be there. We will have the band there, they are bringing the football toss, the Gainer slide, the football bucket toss, corn hole, and a whole bunch of games for the kids and adults. We're going to have supper at 5 pm, we've got a roast beef supper. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors."
Moen adds that they had actually applied to host the block party prior to the fire and just recently found out they had won by thousands of votes as everyone began voting for them after the village's unfortunate loss.
The event begins at 4 p.m. and the Rider game begins at 6 pm. In between the game, there will also be both a live auction and a silent auction taking place. Moen says they have over 140 items that have been donated by everyone just about everywhere. Auction items include everything from hair salon products to Roughrider game tickets to electric bikes.
Moen details the love and support they have received not just from the community but as far as across Saskatchewan and Alberta.
"Its been amazing. You know from the day of the fire moving forward, I mean we have had people just calling us, texting us every single day. Asking what they can do to help or asking us to pick something up that they want to donate. It has been unbelievable. We are very blessed and so grateful for the amount of support and love that's been shown."
In addition, Moen adds that its a tragedy to lose the school and the community centre not only for the kids but the local economy she says everyone is banding together to try to help get back to that pre-fire state and they can't thank everyone enough.
The event will be held at the RM of Sask Landing Fire Hall and the grounds behind which can be found just off Steven Road to the west as you drive into Stewart Valley.