CARLYLE - Excitement began early on Aug. 19 and continued throughout the day during the annual Carlyle Fun Dayz.
Work started weeks before to organize the big day. Main Street in the town was cleared out the night before the festivities for setup. Barricades were put into place at each end of the street and the main stage was rolled in. Grandstand benches were placed for visitors to enjoy the music and picnic tables were added for those that wanted to enjoy a sit down meal.
The work carried on into the early morning hours Saturday, only for the volunteers to return bright and early hours later to welcome trades people and food vendors.
It started with a pancake breakfast served by the Carlyle District Lions Club at the Memorial Hall. Also in the hall, a trade and craft show attracted over 20 vendors. It was a great place to check out for baking, jewelry, oils, lotion, nail products, art, sewing, birdhouses, specialty coffee, stones and so much more.
The Fun Dayz parade hit the street with both sides of the road lined with people and eager kids looking for candy. The parade was led by the Carlyle RCMP, followed by the familiar sound of the bagpipes. Many floats followed.
The street filled with people and a large crowd remained all day.
The Southern Plains Co-op in Carlyle held a family fun zone with bouncy castles spreading from Souris Avenue to Coteau Avenue. A climbing wall was a popular attraction with the youngsters as well and had a steady lineup.
A petting zoo ran behind the Carlyle Public Library, while Pharmasave hosted Joe the Ventriloquist, a laser shoot, a candy cannon and a foam party.
All the stores remained open along Main Street during the festivities, giving visitors time to shop and look around.
There was no shortage of food and drinks along Main Street, as vendors lined up along the centre of the road.
There was a great variety of food with Moxy Tailz, Get in my Belly, Filipino Pride, Smokin' Okies BBQ, Fluff and Slush, Booster Juice, Bake and Cook by Shao, Buzz’s Spiral Spuds, Asian food and ice cream.
An old-time dance was done by Lorne Frape and Ryan Bender on the main stage, and high tea was served at the Rusty Relics Museum.
The main stage had plenty of entertainment, and many people took the time to sit and relax, and listen to and watch the performers.
Once the Bromantics came on stage, this changed as many people hit the street to dance to the oldies.
As the crowds continued to flock the streets, Brody Siebert took to the stage, and the evening ended with Switch performing tunes until midnight.
Throughout the day, the wind caused a lot of dust and dirt to blow around, but by late afternoon the winds slowly diminished, and a beautiful evening was had, bringing smiles to everyone who enjoyed another year at the Carlyle Fun Dayz.
