Four-year-old Rebecca had a blast getting her face painted on Saturday at Bud Miller All Seasons Park during Fall Fest. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
With the changing of seasons comes a reason to celebrate, which is exactly what the City of Lloydminster and the Lloydminster and District Co-op did last Saturday when Fall Fest filled Bud Miller All Seasons Park.
A Lloydminster tradition since roughly 2014, this free, family-friendly event took over Bud Miller from noon until 5 p.m. and featured games for kids, fall-scene photos, food, entrainment, crafts, a hay maze, wagon rides, bounce houses, and more.
“We’ve got lots going on today,” said Cindy Rekimowich, manager of programming and events, City of Lloydminster.
“We have inflatables, we have hay-bale mazes, we have a petting zoo, wagon rides, the Lloydminster Museum and Archives are here doing crafts, we have mini donuts, a farmer’s market with a lot of great vendors, as well as axe throwing for the adults; there’s something for everyone.”
The Lloydminster and District Co-op also provided free hot dogs, treats, and water to all in attendance.
Not only did the community benefit from some fun and fresh air, but Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster also benefitted financially from the event.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster was also at the park on Saturday serving up the free food provided by the Co-op, but they were also selling corn on the cob by donation,” said Rekimowich.
“All proceeds from the corn sales were donated to BBBS.”
After missing a couple of years of Fall Fest due to the pandemic, Rekimowich was thrilled to see so many people back out in the community and attending public events.
“We just wanted to celebrate the fall season and get families out to enjoy the nice weather we’ve been getting,” she said. “It’s great to have the community out for a great community event.”
Kristine Knourek, director of marketing and community relations with the Co-op, was also thrilled with Saturday’s attendance and noted it’s always a bonus when local non-profits can benefit from community events such as this.
“Lloydminster and District Co-op is very excited to have Fall Fest come back. We haven’t seen this event since 2019 because of COVID restrictions, so to see so many families out here enjoying the day absolutely embodies the spirit of Co-op, which is community,” she said.
“We are so honoured to partner with so many non-profits in town. Big Brothers Big Sisters is benefitting from the corn roast proceeds, and I can see there’s lots of charities and small businesses here as well. It’s all about the spirit of community coming back together; it’s awesome to see.”
Rekimowich also wanted to thank the many community sponsors that helped make this year’s event such a success. Sponsors included Northern Livestock Sales – Lloydminster, Weir Veterinary Services, G Force Diesel Service Lloydminster, Anderson Insurance Group, L&A CPA LLP, Steamatic Canada, Agland, GMACK Oilfield Services Ltd., and Dobbin’s Lloydminster.
“We’d like to thank our major sponsor, the Lloydminster and District Co-op, but we also have many sponsors that have come on board to make this happen and make it free for the public. We really appreciate the community support,” she said.
“Also a big thanks to Tim and Sheila from The Prairie Dogs for coming out and entertaining the crowds today.”
