The third annual Ranch Ehrlo Youth Activity Fair (YAF) was a success with a steady flow of families and dozens of community organizations, clubs, and associations in attendance.
The YAF was held on Saturday, Sept. 13th at the Alfred Jenkins Field House in Prince Albert. Several community partners joined Ranch Ehrlo Society to entertain and engage youth in the spirit of community involvement and in celebration of Youth Activity Day.
“The Youth Activity Fair was a hit once again,” said Rachelle Lavoie-Stumpf, co-coordinator and caseworker at Ranch Ehrlo. “The atmosphere was electric with music, kids, games, prizes and interest from all who attended.”
YAF was conceived in 2012 by a committee of Ranch Ehrlo staff. The idea was to expose youth to positive activity and engagement through sport, recreation, and organized club. The inaugural event was a success, encouraging Ranch Ehrlo to make the fair an annual event for the community of Prince Albert and surrounding area.
"We never thought it would become what it has," said Shantelle Petersen, event co-coordinator. "We hoped it would be a success, but didn't actually know where it would go. It's been great, getting bigger and better each year."
“I think as we continue we will see an increase in public attendance,” Rachelle agreed. “We accomplished our goal to have more interested youth attend this year.”
Organizers changed a few things up this year. Not only was the YAF held on the weekend, but the fair was made more interactive for families in attendance.
Kids enjoyed scaling a climbing wall, jumping on the bouncy castle, playing on a soccer green, and meeting the Prince Albert firefighters.
“Allowing the youth to become more interactive was a move in the right direction,” Rachelle explained. “We had children from a few years old to youth well into their teenage years attend the fair. We also had many adults who came to check things out.”
Organizers are already discussing plans for next year's YAF and are encouraging clubs and organizations in the Prince Albert region to get involved. For information about becoming a vendor, contact 306-764-4511 or email Shantelle Petersen.
Stay tuned to social media for details on YAF 2015.
