Wacky Saturday was back, and by all measures was a rousing success.
Hundreds of people, including many families and happy-looking kids, took in the one-day street festival on Main Street in Westlock last Saturday, which included everything needed for a good time: food, music, and games.
“Every little kid had a look of wonder on their face,” said volunteer Sasha Volic.
The event, which was organized by the Town of Westlock and Family & Community Support Services (FCSS), is reminiscent of an event by the same name that local businesses used to put on, but which has been defunct for several years.
“We’re putting a spin on Wacky Saturday. It’s not really a business-oriented event, it’s a family-oriented event,” said FCSS director Jayme Baxter.
The weather was not as co-operative as organizers would have hoped; while it stopped short of actually raining, it was overcast with chilly temperatures for most of the afternoon.
Of course, that didn’t stop families from taking in all the festival had to offer.
“It’s been fabulous; great turnout. It’s been an excellent day,” she said. “We were very surprised with the turnout, especially considering the weather.”
A stage was set up at the north end of Main Street, with live music performances and a DJ all day long. Another stage was set up two blocks south, meaning a festive atmosphere permeated all of Main Street.
There were several games for kids set up throughout the area; a street hockey game got going outside the bowling alley, while Parent Link and FCSS had all kinds of games for kids.
An inflatable bouncy castle proved to be a popular attraction, as well as a dunk tank with several volunteers braving the water throughout the chilly afternoon.
The “Awe” factor was satisfied by the presence of not just the Second Chance Animals Rescue Society, which had volunteers showing off several dogs looking for homes, but also a petting zoo that feature a wide range of fur and feathers.
Several food vendors and a face painting station rounded out the festive atmosphere
“Every station was lined up constantly,” said Debbie Miller, an FCSS worker who helped organize the event. “It was awesome.”
As with any event of this magnitude, organizers emphasized the importance of having so many volunteers to pull it off, as well as such strong support from the town’s business community.
“I couldn’t have done it without my team,” Baxter said. “We work like a well-oiled machine.”
The event is likely to once again become an annual fixture, with planning to begin some time in September.
Anyone with any suggestions, or anyone looking to get involved in the organizing aspect of the event can contact FCSS or the town office for more information.
