Summer fest was the best day

On Saturday, August 12, from 2 pm until 9 pm, several streets in downtown Whitecourt were buzzing
with activity. Summer Street Fest 2023, put on by the Town of Whitecourt’s Economic Development
Committee, featured live entertainment and various cultural performances. Performers on the stage
included Nicolas Melnychuk, Chinese Lion Dancers, Beauty and The Beats, a bagpiper, Sweet Disasters
and local rockers, Analog Smokeshow.
The Whitecourt Wolverines, only a few short weeks from preseason action, sponsored Brews and Bites
at Sagitawah Brewing, which made for a fun spot to stop. The Whitecourt Mountain Bike Association
also brought their love for riding to the downtown core. The group set up an obstacle course to give
attendees a taste of the sport. They also had a show & shine to show off their rides.
The Whitecourt Farmer’s Market was underway during the event, enabling folks to shop for various
products, including fresh veggies, baked goods, art, preserves, handmade items, different foods and
much more. Twenty-five vendors signed up for the market, giving lots of selection. Vendors were both
inside the Whitecourt Legion and outside on the sidewalk.
Several downtown businesses extended their floorspace outside, inviting shoppers to dig into sales and
see what they offer. Even companies outside of the street fest zone took advantage. Several businesses
located elsewhere in the community set up booths along the sidewalk area of the festival.
As residents and visitors walked down 50 Street and along 51 Avenue, there were many things to see.
There were glitter tattoos and hair tinsel, and a continuously long line for a face paint design by Diana
Wedel from Stardust Designs. Those interested could even create a dream catcher at an ongoing
workshop and make something unique to take home. Roving performers spiced things up even more,
with a juggler and contemporary mime added to the mix.
When the drums kicked in for the Chinese Lion Dancers, the crowd shifted from along the sidewalks to
the centre of the road by CIBC. Three pairs of dancers donned Chinese lion outfits together, creating
imaginative characters that danced up and down the streets, giving a close-up experience to those
watching. The dancers climbed on each other, making the lions appear tall before jumping down quickly
and throwing candy. Their colourful act was a bit hit.
The road in front of Sagitawah Brewing was home to an open doubles cornhole tournament, which was
fun for players and spectators. Another neat addition to the event was the Sidewalk Art Challenge.
Participants registered in advance for free, with up to ten spots available. Each artist was given a four-
foot by six-foot space to work within and create something magical. Artists received five hours, from 2
pm until 7 pm, to complete their work of art. Once the bell sounded for 7 pm, event participants went to
work voting for the winners.
The top three vote-getters received some Whitecourt Bucks. The creativity along the sidewalk in front of
Whitecourt Stationary and White Wall Wood was exceptional. Artists created elaborate pieces, blending
colours and bringing their images to life. There was a two-sided barn owl with a colourful left and brown
right, a seagull on a rock by the beach, a dragon rising from flames, a beautiful Indigenous person in full
regalia, several landscapes, colourful ribbons, and a couple of anime characters.

Families, couples, teenagers, young and old, Summer Street Fest 2023 brought out a mix of everybody.
Though the wind was a little intense at times, requiring vendors to weigh down their setups, the
beautiful summer sunshine made for a fantastic day and evening.