Sports on Central was a big hit, and PADBID wants to see more events like it. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

More Downtown Events?

PADBID thrilled with Sports on Central, wants more events in future

May 2, 2023 | 3:30 PM

Downtown Prince Albert was abuzz on Saturday, April 29 for the Sports on Central event as kids and their families crowded the streets and parking lots along Central Avenue near Plaza 88. Downtown business owners would like to see the area that popular on a more regular basis.

Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District is already looking ahead to their next slate of events downtown, including their Street Fair, which returned last year to great local enthusiasm. Their goal is to build on the success of Sports on Central.

“The goal is to continue to encourage people and families to enjoy the downtown,” said Rhonda Trusty, executive director of the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District. “It’s events like this that help to create that positive energy.”

The Prince Albert Raiders and Saskatchewan Roughriders were both represented by players at the event, and other local sports organizations flocked to it as well. Sports on Central attracted hundreds of kids and their families, and while the economic impacts for local businesses were obvious, it was more the atmosphere of the day that Trusty recalled.

“For me, it was just a joy to see so many kids taking part, laughing and playing,” Trusty said. “Seeing families out enjoying the food trucks, all of the activities and the face painting, we were blessed with good weather. The intent was to get more awareness for kids’ sports.”

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Trusty is well aware that these events require a lot of preparation. After all, she’s the lone organizer for the Street Fair along Central Avenue in the summer and that event requires months of planning. In spite of the time it takes to put them together, however, she would still love to see more events like this taking place downtown.

“This community always steps up to the plate,” said Trusty. “The Prince Albert business community should be very proud of how they continue to support these types of events. The Street Fair is coming up, that’s our next big event downtown… it’s a great day of free family fun entertainment and it just creates a really great atmosphere.”

Trusty added they’re going to meet over the next few days to see if there are any ways to improve Sports on Central for next year, but they are very certain they want to have it again next year. She also said they’re preparing for another downtown bike derby in July.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP