Boogie Fest, Carlyle's weekend of fun, games, food and most importantly bikes was a success according to organizers. From burgers and potato salad to beer and pop, Boogie Fest kicked off at the Home Hardware grounds on Friday June 21 with a free lunch, the occasion was visibly rooted in the hearts of Carlyle residents.
Neither the repaving of Main Street nor the irregular weather didn't prevent residents from taking part in arguably the most festive occasion of the year.
This, the 12th annual Boogie Fest has become an event that many people describe as a Carlyle tradition and as always the spectacle of the event were the bike games. There was a burnout contest and other games that the riders participated in but the occasion involved all family members. The weekend was also filled with kid's games and face painting at Lions Park. There was something for everyone as children, teenagers, parents and grandparents were scattered across town in their brightest of "Boogie Fest" t-shirts.
Larry Brady co-organizer of the event said on Friday they sold $41,000 in tickets and received $900 worth of donations. He also added that over 120 riders took part in the poker derby and although the number of riders went down this year he said they saw an increase in donations.
"We're quite satisfied with how things turned out - the weather forecasted two inches of rain," he said highlighting the event's fortune in not being completely rained out.
On Saturday the winner of the Harley Davison bike was announced and it was a Redvers local who was the lucky person to ride away with the grand prize. Kelvin Moore said he was surprised when he won and he will continue attending the event.
"I've been coming to Boogie Fest for the last five years and it just feels awesomeit was good weather , good ridesBoogie Fest is close to where I live and it's a good organization and a good fundraiser," Moore said.
The event which is a fundraiser for improvement of the pool at the Carlyle and District Leisure Complex has grown with each year. And president of the pool board said ticket sales for the bike exceeded expectation.
"We are pleased with Boogie Fest, we were apprehensive with the cloudy skies and forecast but it turned out to be a beautiful day, no rain for the riders," French said.
"It was very well attended and we had another spectacular fireworks display by the town."
The Chris Henderson show according to resident's thrilled and excited hearts but shortly after his performance the fireworks could be seen and heard from almost anywhere in town. Trevor Dalziel one the organizer for the Boogie Fest said by the look of the crowd everyone was enjoying themselves.
"His show was excellent, he always puts on a good show for us, and the crowds had a great time - the dance floor was full and everybody had fun it was a really great weekend and the fireworks was fantastic," he said. Dalziel said that for next year's Boogie Fest they plan to change the format and have a bigger and better event .And explained that the organizers have some fresh ideas to put in the mix to prevent festivities becoming stale and extended his gratitude to all who helped in making the event possible. "I'd like to thank everybody, the sponsors and everyone for coming out to see us because that's what makes it work," he said.
