By paNOW

Thousands descend on downtown for Street Fair, Duck Race

Jun 16, 2018 | 4:24 PM

Residents were scattered about, milling over a countless line of vendors offering everything from jewellery to art and fresh produce along Central Ave. Others tapped their toes to indie-rock or melodic harmonies that echoed throughout historic downtown Prince Albert for the 15th rendition of the annual Street Fair.

Hugh Tait strummed away at his cigar box guitar and watched as children passed gleefully by and others pulled out their phones to record the twangy tunes. He drove up from Saskatoon Saturday morning to take in the affair for the first time.

“It has just been fun all day. I am having a great time,” he said, pointing to the stool he purchased earlier in the day from a vendor as he forgot his chair at home.

This is Hugh Tait. He drove up from Saskatoon just to check out the fair and play some music on his cigar box guitar. pic.twitter.com/cM7hROYq48

— Tyler Marr (@JournoMarr) June 16, 2018

“I drove the hour and it was well worth it,” he added, as a juggler strolled behind him.

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Over 100 vendors under tents, in trucks and leaking into the street from storefronts packed the corridor and provided no shortage of intrigue. One could chow down at a food truck or take in live music at one of four stages, browse home-based vendors or peruse the many businesses.

For recently instilled Executive Director of the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District, the day was better than she could have imagined. Carolyn Carleton said in her previous roles, she was accustom to welcoming everyone who attended an event; an “impossible” task Saturday.

“I am blown away by how many people are here,” she said.

This guy is making spuds on a stick with a power tool. pic.twitter.com/Qif8fCKo1S

— Tyler Marr (@JournoMarr) June 16, 2018

One month ago, Carleton was welcomed into the downtown community and was excited to see thousands of others sauntering along and taking in everything the central business district has to offer. 

The event comes in the wake of a streetscape survey being undertaken by the city to collect feedback on what residents want to eventually see downtown and following news the University of Saskatchewan is slated to open a new campus in the old Forestry Building by 2020. Carleton said the festival, coupled with the exciting atmosphere surrounding the future of the core, will only pay positive dividends long term.

“One of the things I am doing is working to find locations as many businesses want to be here and we are going to be filling the vacancies,” she said, stressing the importance of walkability. 

Carleton said Saturday’s event is the start of many planned for the summer, such as the Art Walks taking place on the first Thursday of each month until September. She said these promise to be mini versions of the Street Fair, with buskers and art galleries spread about for patrons to enjoy.

And the ducks are heading down the river trailed by a couple in a canoe. pic.twitter.com/222QpPivpE

— Tyler Marr (@JournoMarr) June 16, 2018

Later in the evening, residents flocked to the river bank to watch a gaggle of plastic waterfowl flutter from the Diefenbaker Bridge and race down the river for the first Kinsmen Club Duck Race in 15 years.

Cheers of “go duckies go!” echoed from the crowd prior to the plastic rubber ducks taking a loud splash off the bridge and trickling slowly down the river.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr