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Melfort looking forward to 10th annual Back Alley Tour

Uko Akpanuko
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Melfort looking forward to 10th annual Back Alley Tour

The Back Alley Tour returns to Melfort for its 10th edition on July 16.

The event runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and features a wide range of talented local artists who will showcase their work in a variety of genres and mediums.

Back Alley Tour organizer Sandra Dancey said the goal is to give local artists more exposure.

“There are lots of very talented artists who live in our neighborhood, who are international in some cases (and) fairly well known,” Dancey said. “I can’t really name them all. There are more than 50 others that I feature in my gallery in Melfort and a lot of them are part of the Back Alley Tour.”

The Back Alley Tour is a one day outdoor festival that features artists of all kinds from Northern Saskatchewan. The tour will be held in Melfort but the artists come from Prince Albert, Nipawin, Saskatoon, Tisdale, Carrot River and all parts of the northeast.

There will be more visual artists, wood carving, paintings, metal work, jewelry, pottery and so on.

“Life will be pretty boring without the arts so it’s nice that people come out and support all of the talented people that we have in the neighborhood,” Dancey said. “We really appreciate the support that we get from businesses in the neighborhood.”

Submitted photo.
The Lenvale Elevators perform at the 2025 Melfort Back Alley Tour. The group was one of 15 musical acts that took the stage at last year’s event. The 2026 tour is scheduled for July 16.

Dancey said they try to have a mix of exhibits and entertainment so families with kids can enjoy the event.

“There are artists who focus on kid friendly things and we have lots of teenagers who like to do fun things with the younger kids,” she explained.

Dancey said their 10th anniversary is a big deal, and the lineup of artists reflects that. The event will feature and entertainment stage with musicians from all over the area, including the Lenvale Elevators, The Turner Family, Trevor Bragg, the Tisdale Summer Band, and more.

“We are doing this to help support the event, support the community and support Sandra who is organizing the whole Back Alley Tour,” said Shaun Dancey, who be in charge of running the entertainment stage and will also be performing with the Lenvale Elevators and with Trevor Bragg. “Everyone should come and be part of this great day of art and music, and visiting and generally socializing. That is so important these days.”

Gabi Rayne is one of several musicians who will perform at the event. Rayne and said she always enjoys taking part in the event.


“It’s nice when a small town gets together and does something like this,” Rayne said. “Sometimes when you live in a small town people don’t really like to leave the house. It’s nice to have so many people come up to support the community.”


This year’s event will be Rayne’s second appearance at the Back Alley Tour. The local songwriter plans to play some of her new original compositions on the Entertainment Stage.


“I hope that the weather cooperates and everyone comes out and have lots of fun,” she said.

PAMC sets to host Multicultural Canada Day at the riverbank

Uko Akpanuko
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PAMC sets to host Multicultural Canada Day at the riverbank

July 1st promises to be an interesting and fun filled day for the residents of the Prince Albert and area as the Prince Albert Multicultural Council (PAMC) has packaged an interesting line-up of activities to make the Multicultural Canada Day unique.

The event will be held at the Dave Stuart Park on the riverbank starting at 4 p.m. (children’s area) with the main stage running from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

“We added multicultural to our Canada day event because it really brings people together, people from other countries, Indigenous people who live here,” said Sylvie Charpentier, Settlement Employability Support Coordinator, Prince Albert Multicultural Council.

The event will also feature short videos with local residents speaking about anti-racism, and residential schools. Other videos will have newcomers talking about their experience coming to Canada.

Charpentier said the goal of the event is to strive toward a culturally inclusive community.

This year’s Multicultural Canada Day will also have a line-up of performers showcasing cultural music and dance, children’s activities, cultural teachings, and arts and crafts. Kids activities include face painting and tattoos. There will also be a space for merchants and vendors.

The organizers are anticipating a large turnout and as such have concluded on plans to bring on large screens beside the stage that will air the different videos.

“We will have jugglers from Saskatoon, there will be a guy on steel and other performances,” the Coordinator said.

She also stated that there will be Multicultural Food Trucks during the event that will serve various cultural dishes “many of them have food from different countries.”

The Prince Albert Multicultural Council is a non-profit organization that fosters the appreciation of all cultures in the community, through education, settlement services, and celebrations. PAMC envisions a culturally inclusive and vibrant community.

The day will be rounded up with beautiful fireworks display that will close the event.

“Come and have fun with us,” Charpentier said. “Celebrate Canada and also understand issues in community and how to address them in nice, friendly way.”

ExploreSask Photo Contest 2026 gets underway

Uko Akpanuko
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ExploreSask Photo Contest 2026 gets underway

It’s that time of the year when Saskatchewan bursts into colour, and photos speak of the adventures, beauty and splendor the province has to offer.

That’s the incentive behind the 2026 ExploreSask Photo Contest that Tourism Saskatchewan recently launched. The contest is open from June 15 to Sept. 15.


“We put up this contest to celebrate the landscape, the people and the communities around the province and to inspire others to travel and discover new places and experiences,” said Amy McInnis, Tourism Saskatchewan’s vice-president of marketing.

Contestants can enter by submitting photographs or videos of their favourite Saskatchewan adventures. The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers and videographers.

“It’s quite a popular thing with people who are very interested in photography and also those who just love to celebrate beautiful images from Saskatchewan,” McInnis said. “It’s very popular.”


Last year, Tourism Saskatchewan received about 3,800 entries for the contest. McInnis said they’re aiming to surpass that number in 2026.

“It’s been popular for a number of years,” she said. “People enjoy seeing all these submissions and seeing the winners after the contest is over.”

All the contestants are encouraged to submit their most striking content that captures the natural beauty of Saskatchewan and tells stories about its people and communities.

There are six categories that contestants can enter: People & Places, Prairie, Wildlife, Winter, Woods and Water.

The contest runs till Sept. 15, so people have the time to get out on the road and take some great photos and submit them for the contest, McInnis added.

Contestants who are submitting video should submit an edited piece or single shot video (60 seconds maximum) of Saskatchewan wildlife, people, places and landscapes.

All the submitted photos will be assessed by a panel of external judges in each of the six different categories. Still photos are five categories and video category makes it six.

The prize-winning photographer in each category will receive a $500 Visa gift card. The Grand Prize winner, selected from the five photography category winners, will receive an additional $500 Visa gift card.

The prize for the Video category is a $1,000 Visa gift card. The winner in the Video category will not be considered in the selection of the Grand Prize.

“We encourage people, whether they are professional or amateur, to capture those aesthetic and captivating moments when you are out travelling or enjoying Saskatchewan, road trips or discovering the hidden gems of the province,” McInnis said. “It’s a great opportunity to share your adventures with others.”

For complete contest rules and how to submit their entries, the contestants should visit TourismSaskatchewan.com/Photo-Contest or call Tourism Saskatchewan.

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

Historic Post Office Dessert Cafe debuts in Melfort

Uko Akpanuko
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Historic Post Office Dessert Cafe debuts in Melfort

Residents in Melfort will be treated to a fun event called the Historic Post Office Dessert Cafe on June 19 from 5-8 p.m.

The event is organized by the Historic Post Office Advocacy Group in Melfort. Group chair Gailmarie Anderson said they will hold the event in conjunction with the Show and Shine Car Show that is happening on Main Street.

“We will be celebrating the post office building itself and letting the public into it to see the renovations that have been done so far and to tell them about what our plans are for the future,” Anderson explained.

There event will include refreshments, pies, ice cream floats, iced coffee and somethings for the kids. Music will be provided by Doug Holoien and the Hometowners.

“It is important for the public to know that we exist to preserve the Historic building,” Anderson said. “We are looking for the community support as it will help us to renovate the historic building for community use.

“This event will also raise our profile in the community and around the area as well as help raise funds for the renovation of the historic building.”

Currently, part of the building is being used by the youth groups and arts groups.

As part of its programs for fundraising for the year, the advocacy group will be organizing a series of events which will include an auction and barbecue in the post office in November. The Christmas Castle will also return to the historic building in December.

Anderson said funds raised from the event go into either building renovations or supporting other charities.

The group has not fixed a particular target for this fundraiser but they are expecting the Melfort Community to rise up as usual and support the work being done by the Advocacy group in preserving the building.

“We are very proud to be restoring and maintaining the historic building,” Anderson said. “It’s a legacy for us and for the future generation, The Historic building profiles Melfort and it shows that we care about our community and want to preserve it for the future generation.”

The music and dessert cafe will be the first time partnering with the Show and Shine Car show in Downtown Melfort.

Big crowds take over Little Red for Pine Needle Mountain Bike and Music Festival

Uko Akpanuko
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Big crowds take over Little Red for Pine Needle Mountain Bike and Music Festival

Mike Horn loves to see a crowd at Little Red River Park.

The park north of Prince Albert was packed on Sunday for the 13th annual Pine Needle Mountain Bike and Music Festival. Those in attendance were treated to good food, good music, and a day of good mountain biking.

“It’s great,” said Horn, the owner and Fresh Air Experience in Prince Albert and the festival organizer. “It’s why we do it, why we put it on, to see all the people out here, see some lines at the food truck and people sitting around and listening to the music, (and) the mountain bikers going round and round.”

The yearly event has become a constant in the Prince Albert community and the people look forward to it every year.

The mountain bike bikers covered about 6.9 kilometre loop just as they did  in  2025.  The trail consists of flowy single and double tracks that allows ample space for passing. There are two challenging climbs on the route with it being accommodating for all skill levels.

“We are so lucky to have this park, to get people out here to enjoy, experience it and appreciate it, not taking it  for granted,” Horn said. ” It is open to all ability levels. It’s not a trail that is overly intimidating and it’s a beautiful park, so why not go ahead and enjoy it?”

The event this year recorded a whopping number of about 160 mountain bikers with participants coming from different parts of the province.

Horn said the event was a success, and the conditions were a major part of it.

“The weather is the big variable that I can’t control and no one can control,” he explained. “We need mother nature to do her part. We’ve been very lucky.”

Horn said the was “one of the nicest” days they had for the festival.

Horn added that he was excited about the turn out for the outdoor season event and hopes this will remain an annual event in Prince Albert.

“It’s lots of fun to see the kids, see the families, and how many family events are in the city?” he said.

The organizer is putting together another event very soon for the Prince Albert community. He also took his time to appreciate all the volunteers.

“Without them it’s impossible,” she said. “I thank everybody that came  out to be part of this. I invite the participants, the spectators, invite your friends next year. Come back, let’s keep making this festival bigger and better every year.”

The Annual Pine Needle Mountain Bike and Music Festival is gradually get close to 15 years of operation.

Music was provided by the duo of the Edwards brothers, Mercy Gover,  Cupid’s Heart, Enderby, LJ Tyson and Ray The Nihilist among others.

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

Local businessman welcomes night in the sky in support of KidSport

Uko Akpanuko
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Local businessman welcomes night in the sky in support of KidSport

May 28 was a windy night for Prince Albert’s Cody Demerais, but he wasn’t complaining.

The Prince Albert resident spent the night in the Dr. Java’s parking lot after successfully raising $10,000 for KidSport PA.

The fundraiser started on the 1st May and run until the end of May, although donations are still welcome. Demerais said the support was incredible.

“Everyone knows what we are doing here today, they have been friendly and super supportive which is nice to see,” Demerais said.

A local business owner and public speaker, Demerais replaced longtime KidSport volunteer Dwight Bergstrom, who began the tradition of spending the night in the scissor lift to raise money. Demerais said it was a pleasure to take Bergstrom’s place.

“I know Dwight told us out with the old and in with the new but I don’t necessarily say that’s what we are doing today. I am excited to help out this year and see how things can go and support KidSport,” he said.


According to KidSport stats, roughly 35 per cent of PA kids are living below the poverty level and as such the kids need the community’s support to participate in organized sports.

Demerais said KidSport is extremely important to support because it helps pay registration fees for kids struggling financially.

Demerais said sports were an important part of his development. It helped him make friends and stay physically active. It also helped boost his confidence.

“One of the healthiest places a young person can be in is sports,” he said. “If we can help a few kids here get involved in sports that will be great.”

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Prince Albert Arts Board looking forward to second annual Arts Sign-Up Day

Uko Akpanuko
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Prince Albert Arts Board looking forward to second annual Arts Sign-Up Day

The Margo Fournier Arts Centre will host the second annual Prince Albert Community Arts Sign-Up Day on Wednesday, June 17.

This event is put together by the Prince Albert Arts Board and the Prince Albert community. It runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

“Parents and people who are looking for something fun to do can come and meet with everybody all at one time, all at one place to see what is on offer,” said Adreanna Gareau, the Chair of the Prince Albert Arts Board. “Then they can sign up right on the spot if they want.”

The event will also accommodate parents who are looking for fall classes for their kids or an artist eager to get involved in local programming. This event is the one-stop shop to discover the vibrant arts scene in the City of Prince Albert.

“Our role as the arts board is to inspire the arts community in whatever way that we can and to advocate for the arts,” Gareau said. “We want to help all these arts organizations to be as successful as possible and part of that is helping connect them with the community, get students to sign up, and help to show the community what programs are out there.”

Attendees will have the opportunity of meeting local artists and arts organizations, ask questions and get inspired to sign up for fall classes and programs on the spot.

This will be the second edition. Gareau said the first was a big success.

“It was great having everyone come out together,” she said. “We are hoping we can build on it to make it a bigger event of the year.”

There will be a variety of classes and lessons to choose from as put together by the event organizers such as dance lessons, a new choir, pottery classes, piano, or support for funding.

There will be different organizations such as PA Children’s Choir, the Margo Fournier Arts Centre for Creative kids, Lemon Yellow Arts Studio, Barveenok Ukrainian Dancers, PA Concert Band and many others.

“We have got digital arts, performing arts and music all in one place,” Gareau said. “Participants can stop by any time after school or work.”

The PA Arts Board will set up tables throughout the Margo Fournier Arts Centre with friendly faces ready to answer your questions and help you or your family get signed up for a creative season ahead.

“We are encouraging parents to come, bring their kids, ask questions of the people that are there and try something new,” she added. “Creative kids will have a booth there and they offer funding for arts classes for kids.”

Anyone that is interested in being a vendor can contact the organizers through the email –  princealbertartsboard@gmail.com.

2026 Drive for your Community set for PA

Uko Akpanuko
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2026 Drive for your Community set for PA

River Valley Resilience Retreat (RVRR) and Ford of Canada are partnering together to organize the 2026 Drive for a new community fundraiser.

Lakeland Ford will host the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 26. For every eligible test drive at the dealership, Ford Canada will donate $30 to (RVRR). The goal is to have 200 people from different households test drive a vehicle, which would generate a $6,000 donation from Ford.

“This is a national campaign to help fundraise for local charity events in the community,” Brad Thibaudeau, the General Manager Lakeland Ford Prince Albert said. “When this campaign came out and was presented to the dealership, because of my experience and relationship with the River Valley Resilience Retreat, and because of what they do for our community, we decided they will be the charity to pick.”

In addition to the test drive options, attendees can purchase burgers and refreshments, with the funds also going towards RVRR.

The test drives are free. The basic requirement is that the driver should possess a valid drivers licence and the willingness to be part of this initiative.

“Come to Lakeland Ford prince Albert, and you book a drive with one of the sales representatives, they will accompany you on a short drive around the city and interact with you about the vehicle,” said Evert Botha, the Communications Coordinator for River Valley Resilience Retreat.

RVRR offers specialized programs in a secure, trauma-informed, and resilience focused environment. This benefits a range of public safety professionals, including border services officers, communications officials, correctional workers, firefighters, Indigenous emergency managers, operational intelligence personnel, paramedics, police, RCMP, and search and rescue teams.

Botha said the comprehensive approach equips attendees with the skills to handle operational and traumatic stress effectively.

Stats show 4,025 individuals interacted with RVRR between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026. That’s a 54.1 per cent increase over the previous year. The number with Public Safety Personal who use the service has doubled during that time.

Botha said they’ve also seen a significant jump in the number of youth who need peer support services and programming.

“Every single dollar raised goes towards ensuring that our core demographic which are the public service patrons and their families are able to access services offered by the RVRR,” he said.

Attendees can test drive Ford gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles on real-world routes while being accompanied by product experts.

RVRR is a registered Canadian charity providing a safe, secluded, and serene space where Public Safety Personnel (PSP), Veterans, and their families can rest, recharge, and restore. From our 25-acre facility in the boreal forest near Prince Albert.

The organizers are inviting the entire Prince Albert community to join the drive by taking a quick test drive, thus helping to provide the resiliency skills needed for the frontline heroes in the community to reclaim their lives. Those who serve move toward crisis when others move away.

“This is our chance to give back to those who give so much and the people who look after us,” Thibaudeau said. “Essentially we need a minimum of 200 people to come and test drive our vehicles. They (RVRR) really do a ton of work to get these folks the help they need and we are excited to engage with the community.

“We are very excited to support such a wonderful group of people who have dedicated their lives to bettering the lives of the people who serve our community as first responders.”

The manager added that every first responders that gets a Ford vehicle is entitled to a discount within the year.

How to sew without a sewing Machine – Repair Cafe

Uko Akpanuko
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How to sew without a sewing Machine – Repair Cafe

The Prince Albert Science Centre in Gateway Mall will play host to a demonstration of how to sew without a Sewing Machine on Saturday.

The demonstration runs from 1-4 p.m. and is put together by the Repair Cafe, Prince Albert.

“What the Repair Cafe aims to do is to help people learn to repair things on their own without just throwing them away and getting something new,” said Cathy Dickson, one of the volunteers for the event. “On Saturday we will show how people who don’t have a sewing machine can still repair things and continue to use things without having a whole lot of sewing experience.”

The organizers stated that the goal of the event is to reduce waste, maintain and increase repair skills and strengthen social connections through a shared goal.

“We were surprised at how many people came in with sewing items, things that needed to be repaired with a sewing machine,” Dickson explained. “The thing is that if you don’t have the sewing machine at home you can’t repair it yourself, even if you know how you can repair it yourself.

“There are a lot of people out there who don’t have sewing machines and are struggling to even put food on the table let alone buy a sewing machine. It’s those people that we are putting these events on for.”

The participants will be taught how to sew on a button, how to fix the holes or tears on kids pants, how to iron on patches, patch jackets, hem the edges of pants, how or when to use fabric glue instead of wood glue, how to fix your zipper if it keeps splitting without a sewing machine or replacing it with something else.

“A lot of people are very interested in learning how to do it themselves so they can take care of that kind of thing on their own,” she said.

This will be the first time the Repair Café will host a demonstration on sewing without a sewing machine, although it has organized similar events. Residents brought their broken household items in and the volunteers worked with them to attempt a repair. Typical items include clothes/sewing, small furniture items, electrical appliances, bicycles, crockery, and toys.

Dickson also pointed out that in the time past, kids were taught how to sew, to cook basic things, and repair things, but that’s not as common any more.

Dickson added that the event is open to everyone.

“Anybody can come,” she said. “Men, women, children, it doesn’t matter. It’s basic life skills kind of things.

“You don’t need a lot of equipment to do it,” she added. “Teenagers could certainly benefit from it.”

There are over 2,500 Repair Cafés around the World and the Repair Cafe, Prince Albert is inviting the families in PA to come learn new things, enjoy a coffee or tea and meet new people.

“No sewing machine? No problem! We can help,” she added. “Come to the Repair Cafe on June 6 at 1p.m. to learn how to do basic repairs without a sewing machine or sewing skills. Everyone is welcome and it will be fun.”

City of Prince marks clean air day with free rides

Uko Akpanuko
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City of Prince marks clean air day with free rides

Wednesday, June 3 is Clean Air Day in cities across Canada, and the City of Prince Albert will mark the occasion by providing free all-day transit.


“Clean Air Day is happening all across Canada and it’s a good chance to raise awareness about the way we all can contribute to reducing air pollution and conserving energy for the betterment of our environment,” said Charlene Tebbutt, the Community Mobility Coordinator for the City of Prince Albert.


The Clean Air Day has been marked in communities across Canada since 1999. Tebbutt said day helps promote and encourage initiatives that support healthy Communities and improved air quality, and one of the best ways to do that is by taking public transit.


“Public transit is affordable (and) it’s available across the City to get you from where you need to go,” she explained. “(The day) is a great way to promote public transit for those who ride it regularly. For those who might want to try it, it’s a great day to try it.”


Residents are encouraged to ride the bus for free on Wednesday to help reduce air pollution and support environmentally friendly transportation options in the community. Those who qualify for Access Transit services will also be able to enjoy free transit for the day.

The City of Prince Albert has been supporting the clean air day for a number and keeps on supporting and creating awareness annually

Tebbutt said other ways to further improve and conserve clean air include unplugging unused appliances, reducing food waste, and using less water each day, walking, biking instead of driving and using public transit.


“Turning off lights, recycling papers and cardboards tin cans, all these things contribute to a more environmentally friendly way of life,” she added.

To learn more about Clean Air Day, visit Canada.ca.

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