The RM of Ritchot’s recreation team has been hard at work this summer dreaming up creative ways to enhance community well-being by keeping residents active and engaged. Their newest initiative includes a series of concerts they call Homegrown Harmonies.
The outdoor events will be held on August 10 at St. Adolphe River Park and on August 24 at Grande Pointe Park. Both events will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Danielle Peters, the coordinator of community engagement and activation, says that her secondary goal in planning the concerts is to provide a venue for local artists to showcase their talents and celebrate diversity through a wide range of musical genres.
She adds that the concerts will cater to everyone from retirees to young families.
“We’re hoping that [everyone] comes out,” says Peters. “We’ll have a booth set up and we’re bringing out our lawn games. We might have some vendors there and food and drink trucks. It’s just going to be a big fun evening in the park.”
Entry is free and each night will feature a line-up of three bands or artists.
“For the most part it’s all really relaxed and folky,” Peter says. “Nothing too crazy.”
On August 10, Niverville’s Melanie Bergen will hit the stage with her rich, soulful sound. From East Selkirk comes fiddler Morgan Ginther, who along with her father on guitar doles out some fast-paced Metis instrumentals. Finally, The Prairie Joggers are a gritty folk rock band out of Winnipeg who are making a name for themselves across Manitoba.
August 24 will include Bergen and Ginther for a second time, plus a band called Surf ‘n Turf with members from Ste. Anne and Winnipeg.
“They have a really interesting genre of music,” Peters says. “If you can picture a mashup between the Beach Boys and Elvis, that’s the vibe that they’re bringing to us. So that should be really exciting.”
Concert attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Snacks and picnic lunches are welcome. Plenty of parking is available at both venues and the areas are mobility friendly.
St. Adolphe River Park is located behind the dike on the west side of town. Bands will perform from a flatbed trailer stage.
The park in Grande Pointe comes equipped with an outdoor stage located near the picnic shelter so guests can enjoy both sun and shade.
“We’re really just trying to foster community engagement and run a successful event,” says Peters. “And hopefully, if we get a good turnout, we’ll maybe make it a monthly thing next year during the summer.”
Keeping future concerts in mind, she asks local musicians and artists to reach out to her for their opportunity to play on a Homegrown Harmonies stage in 2024.
These concerts aren’t the only way for families to engage with their communities this summer. Ritchot Rec has partnered with the St. Adolphe Market to provide games and activities at every market event.
Also new this year is Rec on the Road.
“One week out of the month we’ll visit all five of our communities,” Peters says. “Essentially, I load up my vehicle with a bunch of crafts and games and we just set up in a local park and invite people to come by. Our first week was very successful.”
Finally, the RM offers a game-lending program all summer long, providing rentals of outdoor activities for weddings, corporate events, or family gatherings. Items for rent include giant Jenga, giant checkers, cornhole, spike ball, bocce ball, and more.
