PAYNTON — The First Rhubarb Festival in Saskatchewan, held at Paynton June 21, was a resounding success.
The day began with a kick-off ceremony and ribbon cutting. Mayor David Pelletier complimented the committee and thanked his fellow dignitaries, Reeve Kevin Garrett and MLA James Thorsteinson, for their participation. Chair Tracy Rumold and MC Shaunna Rhinehart officially cut the ribbon as people lined up for the tea, where $5 bought you homemade baked goods, tea, coffee and rhubarb lemonade.
For many, the rainy day was a perfect day to check out the festival and fresh baking, and tea. On the stage, there was live entertainment by Val and Fran and Eldon and the Table Mountain Boys. All day, patrons could also enjoy the beer and wine gardens. There, the Bee and Thistles wine and fruit slushies and a selection of 9 Mile Legacy Brewing. Thank you to the Kin Club for equipment and the Maidstone Legion volunteers. DJ Don Rushton played music and sang along, too.
The much-welcome rain did not dampen the attendance. Some vendors moved inside the town hall, while others set up under tents. Twenty-four vendors offered a wide variety of unique goods. The committee members and volunteers were outstanding in their red aprons with a rhubarb label handcrafted by Katelyn McCracken.
While it was too wet for the bouncy castle and disc golf, in the kids' tent there were crafts, face painting by Danielle Vachon and Larry the Balloon guy. Volunteers from Maidstone High School assisted board member Heather Honoroski.
The fire truck and Austin Swyryda and the vintage tractor and cart rides offered by Vincent Garalinski were huge favourites.
The food trucks were lined up all day long. “Given the crowd, we need more food trucks in 2026,” chair Tracy noted.
The tractor show, organized by Richard Meynberg, featured old tractors and farm equipment brought in by locals, including his 1967 John Deere Garden tractor.
The silent auction organized by Stephanie Knorr was a hit with donations from far and wide.
The signature event, was the first-ever Saskatchewan Rhubarb Baking Competition organized by Marg Webb, with Marion Pellizzari as judge. The ribbon winners were the following:
Pies/tarts/crisps:
First - Debbie Lastowski: second -: Marcella Peterson ; third -: Louise Blais
Cakes/ Desserts: First - Michelle Buechler; second -: Helen Tootoosis; third -: Joanne Gregg.
The children's baking competition entries of decorated cupcakes by the Dutton children were thrilled to be awarded a mini trophy.
Overall, the day was a resounding success. Thank you to everyone who came.
Everyone was so impressed by the first rhubarb festival that the committee is already planning bigger and better for 2026. To be held on Saturday, June 20.
All proceeds will be used for projects in the town of Paynton.
