Swift Current residents can rejoice as Market Square makes its triumphant return to downtown this Saturday, promising a day filled with celebration, live entertainment, and an array of food.
Marlene Johnson, the City of Swift Current’s market manager, was enthusiastic about the upcoming event.
"Opening day is going to be great because we have WW Smith Insurance, celebrating 110 years that they’ve been in business,” she elaborated. “So, they're going to be giving away prizes on the stage quite often, just to explain what they do. It's just going to be a great celebration for them because 110 years is quite something.”
The festivities will continue with a performance by Glenna Switzer and her band, Blackwater. Adding to the excitement, 33 of Switzer's talented students will showcase their singing skills on the stage throughout the afternoon.
Reflecting on last year's challenges, Johnson seemed optimistic about Market Square's return, noting that this year, they are better prepared and have witnessed increased interest from both vendors and the community.
"We're definitely more ready this year," she assured. "We have a full slate of entertainment lined up, including dunk tanks and a chilli cook-off, the same as last year. It just seems like everybody is more apt to come out and celebrate."
This year, six food vendors will offer a variety of delicious food for attendees.
“We've got Chinese food, we have Asian food, Filipino food, we've got a lady coming just doing hot dogs and lemonade, and we’ve got Saffron House coming as well,” Johnson elaborated. “It's going to be a really great variety of food vendors for people. Cattle Boss is back, of course, and they do beef on the bun and things like that.
“It's going to be really good for the kids, especially when there's hot dogs around because we had troubles trying to keep up with food vendors for the last little while just because of the pandemic I think, but they're coming back full steam ahead this year.”
The inaugural Market Square of the season will kick off at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Swift Current.
“We couldn't do it without partnering with the Farmers Market, they're the reason why Market Square is what it is,” Johnson concluded.