ESTEVAN — March in Estevan was a month filled with many events. The month unfolded with diverse activities and notable occurrences.
The 13th annual Victor Elias Memorial Shoot for a Cure Pink Basketball Tournament raised approximately $9,000 for local cancer fighters Bob Seibel and Roland Montebon. Estevan Comprehensive School's gymnasium buzzed with excitement as participants rallied for a cause.
Rachel Duncan and Kayla Pickard of the Estevan Figure Skating Club excelled at the Winter Classic competition in Kindersley, earning victories in their respective events.
On March 2, the inaugural Armageddon arm-wrestling event drew competitors from three provinces to the Power Dodge Curling Centre.
A winter storm swept through on March 3, dropping 20 centimetres of snow and bringing powerful winds to the Energy City.
The Estevan Great North U18 AAA Bears' best season yet ended with a narrow 5-4 loss to the Saskatoon Blazers in the playoffs.
March 8 saw the Estevan Bruins secure a playoff spot with a win over the Notre Dame Hounds, while the Lampman School Grizzlies celebrated their second consecutive provincial curling gold medal.
Betty McGillivray launched her humorous book Fun is Where You Make It on March 9 at the Estevan Public Library. The Estevan Kinettes also held their Kin Kindness Day that day, spreading goodwill in the community.
The Orpheum Theatre hosted the Saskatchewan premiere of the independent film Mother of All Shows, inviting audiences to reflect on mother-daughter relationships.
The Estevan Comprehensive School's Grade 9 students experienced two transformative Challenge Days, fostering connections and empowering youth to shape their school culture.
March's midpoint saw a flurry of activities. On March 14, French Foreign Legion veteran Marcus Jefferson shared his mental health journey in Bienfait. Estevan hosted the South East Regional 4-H Public Speaking Contest on March 16, featuring 36 young orators. Estevan Fire Rescue Service held its annual awards banquet the same evening, celebrating the dedication of its members.
Provincial commitments were announced on March 20 with the release of the budget, promising advancements in the southeast, including a $2.5 million allocation for the new Estevan Regional Nursing Home and improvements to Highway 18 from Estevan to Outram.
Gwen Keith, the director of education for the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division, announced her retirement after an 11-year tenure.
Envision Counselling's 50/50 for a Cause fundraiser culminated in a big draw.
March 21 was poignant for the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation, marking 123 years since their forced relocation. Their resilience and history were honoured with a Day of Honouring.
Estevan's annual Farmers' Appreciation Evening celebrated Family View Farms as the Farm Family of the Year, recognizing their agricultural contributions.
Sports and recreation thrived with the Torquay U11 Lions clinching the South East Minor Hockey League title on March 21. Estevan Sharks water polo teams also excelled at the Community League Finals, with U10 teams winning gold. The Estevan Murray GM U9 Cubs emerged as Highway 39 League champions, capping a successful season.
On March 23, Estevan's cultural and community engagement peaked, as the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum hosted its first Gin Joint Speakeasy fundraiser, blending nostalgia with entertainment.
The Estevan Mermaids Artistic Swimming Club impressed audiences with their water show the same day, showcasing skill and creativity.
Estevan Chamber of Commerce executive director Jackie Wall she would be stepping down later in the year, signaling leadership transitions for the organization.
March closed with community events. On March 26, the Estevan and District Music Festival wrapped up its 60th edition with a Piano Awards and Highlights Concert. Estevan's Orpheum Theatre celebrated its 110th birthday with a week of free movies. The Souris Valley Museum hosted a glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt on March 28, offering a unique twist to the holiday tradition.
However, not all endings were celebratory. The Estevan Bruins' playoff hopes were dashed on March 29, as the Melfort Mustangs eliminated the Bruins in five games.
SaskPower's Boundary Dam Carbon Capture and Storage facility announced its best-ever three-month performance, capturing over 240,000 tonnes of CO2.
Leadership changes marked the month's conclusion, with Warren Morrical named deputy chief of the Estevan Police Service on March 31. Outgoing deputy chief Murray Cowan transitioned to a provincial role as deputy commissioner and chief firearms officer.
