Carlyle Fun Dayz Celebrates Community and Canada's 150th
LYNNE BELL / CARLYLE OBSERVER
JUNE 14, 2017
After a successful start in 2016, Carlyle Fun Dayz is set to return to the community on Saturday, Aug. 19 and will feature a parade, a small midway, an inflatable activity zone, a street dance, musical performances, a beer garden, a farmer's market, food trucks, fireworks, and more.
“We're basing our fair on the fair in Morden, Manitoba where their entire Main Street is shut down and people can walk around the midway while walking through the town,” says event organizer Jenn Sedor. “Instead of having a fairground that's on the outskirts of town and charging people per car, Carlyle Fun Dayz is something that people can attend and enjoy and see the community, too.”
“Last year was a total success,” says Sedor. “It was more like a block party, but we deliberately did it that way to gauge interest and if the interest was there - and it was.”
“This year, we have created a whole fair and it's one where it's easy for people to walk to the different attractions and by doing so, explore Carlyle.”
“This year, we're also celebrating Canada's 150th, so that's another reason the committee is happy to have done Carlyle Fun Dayz already last year,” adds Sedor. “We're adding a lot this year, so it will still be a steep learning curve and a lot of work, but I'm confident that it will be a great day for people of all ages.”
Sedor says the committee welcomes volunteers and adds that they're “A great group to work with.”
“The Carlyle Fun Dayz Committee is awesome,” she says. “Nicole Currie is our business rep, Tim Sedor is our parade marshall and is also on our main-stage committee. Rolland Bouchard is our advertising guru, Michelle Romaniuk is our rink rep and Natalie Miller is our treasurer.”
“We're very happy to welcome volunteers and they're greatly appreciated,” says Sedor.
The event will officially begin with a Main Street parade at 11 a.m., preceded by a pancake breakfast at the Carlyle Sports Arena hosted by the Carlyle & District Lions Club.
“Last year, the parade kicked off with kids riding their decorated bikes down Main Street and this year, we're continuing that tradition,” says Sedor. “We had 35 floats in 2016 and we're hoping to add to that number this year. I can tell you that one of our parade entries is a VW Beetle sporting a custom-quilted cover that was crafted by a quilting club, so we're off to a fun start.”
“Our Main Street merchants will also feature special promotions and events during the weekend,” says Sedor. “So stay tuned.”
“Close to Main Street, the Rusty Relics Museum will be hosting High Tea,” she says. “And near the library, part of Souris Avenue will be blocked off and transformed into the Co-op Family Fun Zone. There will be a bounce house, facepainting, fire truck games and the Co-op Kids Station. And nearby, there will be a Farmer's Market and Trade Show.”
“And any interested sellers can text me at: (306)-575-7290,” says Sedor.
The area near the Carlyle Sports Arena will be home to Fun Dayz' fairground attractions, says Sedor.
“There will be an inflatable activity zone inside the rink, which is also an arena fundraiser,” she explains. “We're calling it the 'Teen Zone' but it's suitable for all adults. It's basically an inflatable midway and it will feature laser tag, obstacle courses, jousting, a giant hamster ball, mini-golf and more. To enter it's a flat-rate fee - your wristband will get you in.”
“Outside, Big Sky Amusements are bringing a traditional mini-midway to Carlyle, with two traditional rides for adults and two for kids. Those rides will be priced at a dollar per ride.”
“There will also be a food truck fair, with our own Michael's Coffee Shop and Bakery being one of the confirmed vendors. There will be a corn roast supper and we're planning a beer garden later in the evening at our street dance, too.”
“All of the other attractions around the rink are free,” adds Sedor. “Our main stage will feature free entertainment for all ages - and we've got the Bromantics confirmed already.”
“Weather permitting, we'll have an outdoor street dance near the rink and of course, the evening will be topped off with a fireworks display south of the rink around 10 p.m.”
“In keeping with the spirit of community, the committee's working hard to make Carlyle Fun Dayz a true community event - affordable and with something to offer all ages,” says Sedor.
“We're thrilled that Carlyle Fun Dayz is back for a second year and it's truly an event for all ages. Not only will we celebrate Canada's 150th birthday as a community, but we're looking forward to welcoming visitors and showing them all Carlyle has to offer.”