Excitement builds for Goose Festival weekend
BY KATE WINQUIST
Preparations are in full swing for Kindersley’s 53rd annual Goose Festival, set for September 18–21, with organizers promising four days packed with entertainment, food, and community fun.
The entertainment stage will be set up early in the week, and food trucks are rolling in from across the region, including vendors from Rosetown, Biggar, and Regina. According to Kevin Martin, Executive Director of the Kindersley Chamber of Commerce, vendor spaces sold out quickly this year—a sign of the festival’s growing popularity.
Click for larger images of last year’s Goose Festival
“It’s not just people from Kindersley who come out,” Martin said. “We’ve had visitors from as far away as Hawaii tell us they plan their trips around Goose Festival. The parade especially draws people back year after year.”
Early events include the Kindersley Fire Department’s Open House on Thursday from 5:00–7:00 p.m., featuring hotdogs by silver collection, and Cruise Night, with classic and custom vehicles lined up along 2nd Avenue between the Co-op locations and Lifetime Dental. A Co-op BBQ will also be held, with proceeds supporting a local cause.
Saturday highlights
The weekend officially kicks off Saturday morning with a pancake breakfast at the Legion, hosted by Redemption Baptist Church. At 11:00 a.m., the much-anticipated parade takes over Main Street, which will remain closed to traffic throughout the day.
After the parade, families can enjoy a full slate of attractions, including the Better Together group’s popular barrel train ride, the veggie car contest beside Prairie Rose Florist, and heart-stopping bike stunt demonstrations. TD’s fan-favourite Plinko game returns, raising funds for local charities, while a downtown photo booth will help capture festival memories.
Community events and fundraisers
The Saskatchewan Roadmen Car Club will present its Show & Shine from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Main Street, while the Red Lion will host a Motorcycle Show & Shine paired with a burger, beans, and pop fundraiser for Special Olympics Kindersley.
The Kin Club’s Duck Derby fundraiser is also set for Saturday afternoon, taking place between the Co-op Pharmacy and the Co-op Gazebo.
Sports action
The Goose Festival also coincides with a busy sports weekend. On Friday night, the Kindersley Kobras will play their traditional “Under the Lights” high school football game against Delisle, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday evening, the Iron Horse Junior Klippers hit the ice for their home opener against the Battleford North Stars. Fans will get their first look at the team under a new coach, with a mix of returning veterans and local talent. The puck drops at 6:30 p.m. at the InterPipeline Arena in the West Central Events Centre.
Looking ahead
While the focus is firmly on Goose Festival, the Chamber of Commerce is already gearing up for the holiday season. A Christmas craft show and farmers’ market is planned, with more than 35 vendors expected.
For Martin, the festival represents more than food, rides, and games—it’s about community. “It’s just a fun, social atmosphere,” he said. “We might be considered the big brother or big sister because of our population, but it’s important for all of our neighbouring communities to support one another. That’s what makes events like this so special.”