Indigenous acts are daily feature at new stage
Saskatoon Ex showcases performers daily on new stage for the first time
This year, for the first time at the Saskatoon Ex, Indigenous performers are featured daily on a new stage.
“The idea has been around for a few years. We always thought that it would fit at the Saskatoon Exhibition because we have such a high number of Indigenous people who support the Saskatoon Exhibition,” said Lorna Arcand, coordinator of the Indigenous stage.
“At this time of reconciliation, and Saskatoon leading the way in the area of reconciliation, we thought this is an opportunity for us to showcase our Indigenous artists, musicians, and dancers.”
The Ruth Street Patio and Stage is new this year, set up in an area formerly occupied by dairy barns.
“It does give us a new venue; it’s an area that we just finished renovating in the park, so now it’s a new area that we can continue to build on,” said Susan Kuzma, Prairieland Park’s manager of special events.
“This is just one of many good opportunities for people of all ages to be able to find something that they really enjoy ... it brings community into the fair, and adding to the variety of entertainment.”
Indigenous performers on the Ruth Street Patio and Stage include Phillip and Dallas Boyer, a Metis father and son duo from Saskatoon, and the feature artist, Donny Parenteau of Prince Albert.
Arcand said most of the artists are local, because organizers only had about three weeks before the Saskatoon Ex to book the performers.
“We contacted as many artists as we could, and these ones stepped forward,” she said.
“It’s a nice place to come and enjoy your exhibition food, and share time with friends in a quieter space, and for me, I know that the kokums will all come and watch the entertainment and wait for their grandchildren to come and have supper and take time with family,” she added.
“I just encourage people to come on out and enjoy the entertainment and the atmosphere, and we hope that we’ll be able to do this again.”