Country line dancing was among the popular activities during this week's Fine Arts Festival. (Submitted photo/Sheryl Kimbley)

By Nigel Maxwell

Events

PAGC Fine Arts Festival returns with a bang

May 20, 2022 | 5:32 PM

After a nearly three year hiatus, the Prince Albert Grand Council Fine Arts Festival made a triumphant return this week.

The event, which is traditionally held at the Senator Allen Bird Gymnasium, was held instead at the Art Hauser’s Ches Leach Lounge. Festival coordinator Shone Stapleton admitted to some feelings of uncertainty.

“You know with COVID still around and people still kind of leery about being around a bunch of people, but it was good,” she said.

Between four divisions, there were over 800 youth and chaperones registered. Acknowledging this year’s festival was a bit smaller than normal, Stapleton promised a bigger event next year.

“This is back to normal and this is what we want to see again,” she explained.

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The festival helps bring youth together from all corners of northern Saskatchewan. (Submitted photo/Sheryl Kimbley)

Throughout the week, youth engaged in a number of activities, including dancing (jigging, square dancing, country line and creative), drama, music, visual arts and literature.

Stapleton said arts helps bring a community together, adding the events also help bring the kids together to create their own confidence and self-esteem and make new friendships,

“They were all so happy this week and it went off so well and the kids were really excited to get together again. They needed it,” she said.

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte with Prince Albert city councillor Don Cody. (Submitted photo/Sheryl Kimbley)

The most notable change this week lied with the venue. Prior to being consumed by fire last month, the Senator Allen Bird gym has hosted the festival for 27 of the past 29 years.

“We miss it,” Stapleton said. “We miss access to all the things that we always use for the festival. And it was kind of a weird feeling not to be in the gym.”

One of the highlights of the week was an impromptu jigging challenge between Montreal Lake Cree Nation Chief Joyce McLeod and Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook Searson. Stapleton was asked who she thought won.

“I’m not gonna choose a winner but the both did very well and I’m gonna say they both won,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell