Communities show their spirit of resilience in challenging times, and this region is no exception, with community events that help ensure our sanity and provide opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, our weather and to support each other.
In the past while, such events included the Weyburn Police Service鈥檚 bike rodeo, held on the fair grounds by the Sports Arena on Friday afternoon.
In past years, bike rodeos were held at each of the elementary schools in the city, usually organized by city police members and parent volunteers. They were all-day affairs, as each grade and class got a turn to go through the bike rodeo (they spelled it 鈥渞oadeo鈥� at that time) to reinforce bike safety and the rules of the road.
This event did much the same thing, but with several volunteers all converging at the site, and chalked-out road routes all laid out to ensure that the children on bikes could all get a turn, and be physically distant at the same time.
That鈥檚 the sad reality that we鈥檙e living in right now, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, which literally touches every aspect of our lives right now.
In spite of the pandemic, which has ruined more lives and community and family events than was needed, the bike rodeo was a very successful venture, with 72 children registered.
In addition, with the police鈥檚 partnership with Canadian Tire鈥檚 JumpStart foundation, bicycles and helmets were provided to at least 17 children who were not able to afford their own.
There were snacks provided, prizes, give-aways and information pamphlets on safety, and many, many community volunteers, including from our police, fire and EMS departments.
This was a great way to give children a fun afternoon, and with distancing and hygiene protocols, you may be sure everyone was kept safe.
All through the spring and summer, there have been parades to celebrate everything from grads to birthdays to retirements and even a baby shower, and one was a triumphant return of a tiny cancer fighter to her home.
Coming up this Friday evening, Aug. 21, is another event for another cancer fighter, as organizers are setting up a drive-in concert at the fair grounds with loads of Weyburn and area talent.
The drive-in aspect is to ensure that everyone is physically distanced from each other, and the music will be provided by The 7th Avenue, Dead Levee, Switch and singer Onello Bahingawan. The concert is to help out Ensley Akins of Weyburn, who is in her second round of chemo fighting cancer.
Everyone is hoping for good news as she has been undergoing treatment, and the good music will help involve the community in supporting her and her family 鈥� and that鈥檚 what a caring community does. We take care of each other!
