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As it turns out, the City of Estevan can throw a Canada Day celebration.

And they’re pretty good at it.

Granted, the festivities weren’t actually on Canada Day; they were held the day before. The city didn’t want to infringe on the events that take place in Bienfait each year, nor did they want to create competition for the Estevan Kinsmen and Kinettes Clubs’ annual July 1 activities.

But the city didn’t want to be left out of the Canada 150 festivities (and for good reason), so they opted for a June 30 event.

Some wanted the city to have their Canada 150 bash on Canada Day, but it was probably for the best that they offered a Canada Day prelude.

A lot of people gathered in central Estevan for the city’s bash, thanks to the various activities offered for families.

But people who don’t have children could also have a good time, thanks to the live music and the activities that went into the night.

And the city was likely one of the few communities, anywhere, to have something right at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, when Canada turned 150. Those who stuck around, despite some rain in the evening, enjoyed a flag raising, a rendition of O Canada and birthday cake.

Now that the city has organized an event for Canada 150 that was well attended and well received, the lingering question is why can’t they do it every year?

It’s likely something that would have to happen on June 30, as opposed to July 1, so that the city does not create competition with Bienfait and other communities that have existing events. But nobody seemed to be complaining with the pre-Canada Day timing.

It should be noted there was talk about having the Canada Day parade and fireworks in Bienfait, and the other activities in Estevan, but there would be logistical challenges involved with such an arrangement, and it would have been difficult for people without a vehicle or a driver’s licence to attend.

There are other factors that need to be considered. The city received a grant to host this event. The money might not be available next year. Would taxpayers be willing to see the city shell out a few thousand dollars to have bouncy castles, children’s activities and live music for a celebration?

The timing for the city’s event worked out well for many people, too. It was on a Friday night. Would it be as well attended in a few years when June 30 falls on a Tuesday? Or would the attendance be higher if June 30 and July 1 fall in the middle of the week, since people wouldn’t be out of town for the long weekend.

And would organizers consider adding fireworks, or would that cut into what is traditionally the biggest draw for Bienfait on Canada Day?

These are things the city has to consider if they want to make the pre-Canada Day festivities an annual tradition.

The events on June 30 in Estevan need to be considered a success. People had a fun time. There was something for everybody. And now that we know the city is more than capable of hosting such an event, let’s cross our fingers that this won’t be a one-off deal.