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Pine Needle festival unique experience, showcase of Little Red

Jun 3, 2018 | 1:40 PM

Families basked in the sun spread about on blankets as young kids bounced around in the background. 

Dozens of others watched on as mountain bikers weaved elegantly along trails and past a stage where an acoustic indie rock band strummed notes that echoed among the trees during the Pine Needle Mountain Bike and Music Festival Sunday.

“It is really good to see people out there enjoying the trails in Little Red and showcasing what we are so fortunate to have,” organizer Mike Horn said.

This was the eighth time the event has filled the grounds of Little Red River Park. Among the six-hour mountain bike marathon and six bands taking the stage was a wide variety of food and children’s actives. This years mountain bike event was the largest yet with around 140 riders, and one, if not the, largest in the province, according to Horn.

As the event has grown over the years, it has never strayed from its fundraising roots. Since its launch, it has raised over $44,000 for various initiatives like the Rotary Trail and other projects in Little Red. The money collected this year will once again go towards improvements at the park.

Horn said the event is unique in Saskatchewan and draws attendees from as far as Regina and The Pas. The event is free, a significant component for Horn, as the central priority of the event is to draw families out to enjoy the grounds.

“Families are busy, but this is something they can come out and do together,” he said. “We really want to bring awareness to Little Red River Park and its beauty and make people realize how fortunate we are to have such a wonderful park.”

Horn said the event has rapidly flourished, thanks in part to healthy support from the community. Going forward, he plans to make minor tweaks to the trail and other aspects of the festival to help keep it fresh for the regulars.

“There are lots of things that could be happening in the park and moving it in the right direction and we just want to keep doing that,” he said.

 

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr