ESTEVAN — June 2024 was an active and memorable month for Estevan, marked by significant community events and celebrations.
The month began with the 54th annual Emergency Response Mine Rescue competition in Saskatoon. Westmoreland Mining LLC's Estevan mine team came home as the overall runner-up in the surface competition.
On June 4, the No. 2901 Estevan (Elks) PPCLI Army Cadet Corps and Pipes and Drums Band wrapped up their season with a traditional sunset service.
The Southeast College's Estevan campus celebrated graduates from its various programs and scholarship recipients during ceremonies.
Estevan was well-represented on the international stage, as the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing on June 6 saw local military historian Craig Bird and his wife Tina join commemorations at Juno Beach in Normandy, alongside Second World War veteran Jim Spenst, who was part of a Canadian delegation.
A number of southeast oil and gas industry personalities were recognized during the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show.
Sports and competition played a significant role in the month. Mark Spencer emerged victorious in the Estevan Oilfield Technical Society's Oilmen's Golf tournament. Meanwhile, the U15 Thunder baseball team claimed a silver medal in the Borderline League's tournament in Carnduff, and Estevan's U15 softball team finished second at a 24-team provincial tournament in Moose Jaw. Randi Milbrandt and Jayden Kuchinka were named the Estevan Comprehensive School's Female and Male Athletes of the Year.
Estevan's connection to the national stage was further exemplified by Kadence Kraushaar's silver medal win at a national 10-pin bowling competition in British Columbia.
A team of pool players from Estevan qualified to compete at an international event in Las Vegas, after winning a Canadian Poolplayers Association (CPA) Saskatchewan title.
The Alameda Regional 4-H Show and Sale on June 7-8 attracted strong participation and impressive sales. That same weekend, the first-ever River Bottom Rods and Rides Car Show showcased a stunning array of vehicles at the Hidden Valley Golf and RV Resort.
Pheasant Rump's Nina McArthur was recognized after winning the Best Achievement in Makeup award at the Canadian Screen Awards.
June 8 was a day of generosity as the Village of North Portal received $60,000 in donations during its Party in the Park fundraiser. Funds were earmarked for a new shelter in Maxwell Park.
The Estevan Police Association's Max-Fun Colour Run saw increased participation, with 130 people taking part in the lively event at Woodlawn Regional Park. In the meantime, Estevan Police Chief Richard Lowen has announced his resignation, effective Aug. 31. It was later announced he was taking on the role of deputy chief marshal with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service.
In the arts, local artist Bethany Dittmann unveiled her latest exhibition, Finding Wonderland, on June 14 at Woodlawn Regional Park, where she shared insights into her creative process with attendees. Later in the month, Brick by Brick: Absence & Presence by Heidi McKenzie, and Atim Maskikhiy, curated by Jordan Woodsworth, opened at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum.
The Energy City Ex, one of the brightest and most exciting summer weekends in Estevan, featuring a fair, rodeo and much more, took place on the June 14-16 weekend. This year the event saw the addition of an ag pavilion to its annual offering.
ECS celebrated its graduating class of over 170 students with a ceremony and grand march on the same weekend.
Marcel Macfarlane, a 10-year-plus veteran of the Carnduff Fire Department, crossed the finish line of the Big Horn 100-mile ultra-marathon on June 15, after two gruelling days of running through the rugged terrain of Wyoming.
The second annual Kidney Walk in Estevan took place on June 17, with participants gathering at the Days Inn before walking along 13th Avenue to the Orpheum Theatre.
Other notable events included the Rotary Club's annual Lobsterfest on June 21, which combined fine dining with fundraising, and the Souris Valley Museum's Heritage Day on June 22, which blended cultural exhibits with family-friendly activities.
Police and conservation officers in Estevan responded quickly after a cougar was spotted in the southwest part of the city on June 26. Officers were unable to locate or confirm the cougar sighting, and no further sightings were reported to officers.
The month concluded with the Energy City Exposure softball tournament from June 28-30, and the inaugural Coal Creek Festival in Bienfait on June 30, which highlighted Saskatchewan's musical talent and boosted regional tourism.
