She said it was record setting in regards to attendance, with 500 people coming out during the day and evening. This is only within the event perimetre, so it is likely to be larger.
Street Fest grows each year, and in 2023, a major new event was added. The Boissevain Lions Club hosted soap box racing, with families purchasing kits and building the cars, or using ones made by the club. There was a great deal of creativity in making the vehicles, with many different designs. They were run off a ramp on Cook Street, and the streets were lined with fans. It was a huge addition to the community, one that Perkins feels was a definite highlight. She said it brought excitement the minute it was announced, and just kept building.
“On race day, it was definitely a sight to see – with all of the various race car designs, the excitement on faces of not only the drivers but also the families, friends, and visitors watching – it was really something special. When you walked down Cook Street and saw the hundreds of people lined up there you could feel that energy – from those involved and from all of crowd… it was a tremendous success. For being the first year, I think it far exceeded all of our expectations, and we are so grateful to the Boissevain Lions for organizing this event.”
Other event highlights included the visits from Anna & Elsa from Frozen, Spider Man, Mario and the Cookie Monster. The vendor market continues to grow, with around 30 this year. Perkins said the Shop Local Content was a big hit, with four Shop Boissevain prize packages given out, with half of the winners out-of-towners. The children’s entertainment went over well, the BBQ and dinner were well attended, and both the pie eating contest and auction were popular. As well, the live entertainment with the JakeLeg Blues Band and Crossfyre were a good close to the event.
Attendees appreciated Street Fest. Brooklyn Scott said it was a fun day, and well-organized event. She said her kids really enjoyed the kids’ carnival and all of the children’s events, with her youngest daughter especially happy to cuddle the kittens at the Westman Animal Rescue booth and meet Anna and Elsa, and she liked the vendors’ market and art show. They also attended the garage sales in the morning, it was a packed day.
“The weather couldn’t have been more perfect either,” Scott added.
Lara Maxwell, who flew a drone over the event and made a Facebook video, was impressed by Street Fest, saying it is growing each year. The soap box derby was a bit hit, and a favourite for many. She felt the working relationship between different volunteer organizations, businesses and the municipality really made the event special, bringing people to town and building an event for local families to enjoy.
“There were smiles all around, all day long,” Maxwell stated. “It’s so nice to see our community full of people.”
There was also plenty of kudos for Street Fest from Chamber members at their meeting on September 19. Many commented it was easier to run some events this year, as they have a little more experience in them. Everything seems to get smoother each time out.
Perkins shared that some businesses said this past Saturday they were able to break single day sales records, which makes the efforts worthwhile.
“After all, the intent of this event was to create a community celebration to gather and also to showcase everything that Boissevain has to offer, whether you are a community resident or a visitor to the town – and I think we accomplished that. Seeing our downtown so busy and buzzing on a Saturday was so great to see,” Perkins said.
Inge Carey of Paisley Pockets Emporium was very happy with the event. In the afternoon, once the first rush of the garage sales were over, she had plenty of people in her doors. Out of town people were very impressed with Street Fest and overall, she could feel the impact.
“My sales did jump a bit in the afternoon,” Carey said. “Things like this, or the Dunrea Flea Market (held on the Labour Day weekend), really bring people to town. When they come to town, then they come and do other business. For sure, these events are good for business.”
Perkins said her personal highlight was simply how well groups worked together to put Street Fest on. This includes the event volunteers, groups who held or sponsored events, and businesses that held something special on the day. She added the committee will be getting together soon for a post-event wrap up and plan for the future.
“Stay tuned for details, but based on the success of this year’s event, I think there’s a good chance you will see Street Fest return as it continues to grow momentum and possibly become a key signature event for our community,” stated Perkins.
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff