The population of Mortlach Saskatchewan has briefly skyrocketed, as one of the biggest events in the prairies took over most of the town.
The 14th annual Saskatoon Berry Festival transpired over the weekend, and the event was bigger and better than ever.
Prairie Berries Inc. kept the concessions well supplied with a whopping 550 Saskatoon Berry pies. Some of these were consumed faster than others, thanks to a staple event since the festival’s conception, the pie-eating contest.
Contestants were each given a full pie, no forks or knives, and a chance for great prizes and bragging rights.
The other activities were far from bland as well, such as a car smash, axe throwing, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Two musical guests were also key to the small town’s ambiance that day, with folk music by Jeffery Straker, followed by the graceful fiddle performances of Kelly Sapergia.
There were areas to enjoy for everyone, including a kid's zone with multiple bouncy castles, and beer gardens near the music performers. A parade also ran through the town which featured painted horses, farm equipment, and many classic cars.
“Since I started here, this has been the most vendors we’ve ever booked in,” states Ashley Buckley, Chair of the Mortlach Community Development Agricultural Society (M.C.D.A.S.). “It’s a great way to show off a place that we’re proud of, and it’s also a way for people to see their community be big.”
According to Buckley, this has also been the biggest year for visitors, with over 1500 people along with the workers and volunteers.
“Some people say that they live in the city but they come out here because it's a small-town fair.” MCDAS committee member Cheryl Searle recalls. “Some older people are brought back memories, and lots of things for kids that draw in families.”
The town can use this festival as a means to showcase its eight small local businesses and nostalgia-inducing museums.
“It is to bring in support for literally every club within our community,” says Buckley, before mentioning there were 36 shift volunteers and a total of 75 workers.
In a town with a population of 261, most would see that as unreasonable, if not impossible. Mortlach seems to have come together in a way that is unique to their community, and the Saskatoon Berry Festival will certainly remain a highlight in southwest events.