ASSINIBOIA - Many people who attended the fundraiser at the Shurniak Art Gallery on June 23 were singing their own version of the song, “Went to a Garden Party”. Their version would include praises for the excellent performance by Jeffery Strakker and his accompanist Brinn.
The concert was a preview of Straker’s newest record that features songs about rural Sask., one about grain elevators that had the crowd recalling those sentinels of our rural landscape that are fast disappearing. The duo spent time connecting with the audience in very personal ways, that endeared them to the performers and their music.
There was no shortage of things to do during the afternoon, and most of the activities were just for fun. Highest points in the bean bag toss went to Howard Ellis who won a gift certificate. There were many donations from many local businesses, people could spin a wheel and win one of a variety of prizes, plants, gift cards, tickets and forced photo just for the fun of playing the game.
Added to the afternoon were games of chance as well. Participants could enter to win a set of three beautiful photographs who were won by Graham Harvey.
The Penny Parade attracted many of the attendees who were blown away by the value and quality of the prizes offered. Everything was planned to reflect the theme of the Garden Party. Tickets were placed in a series of watering cans. The prizes themselves reflected the theme, from an attractive hand-painted birdhouse to a bird bath, garden tools, outdoor toys, straw hats and sunglasses and much more.
A photo scene in the courtyard which was painted by the high school students at ACHS, provided folds with a way to create a photo memory of a fun-filled afternoon. People in attendance enjoyed fresh fruit and enjoyed iced tea as part of the experience.
The afternoon ended with a traditional prairie picnic meal of various salads, pulled pork and beef on a bun which could be enjoyed al fresco or in the air condition interior of the gallery. It was an event not to be missed, and one which will hopefully be repeated next summer.
