BENSON — Soggy conditions couldn't stop activities from happening in Benson on May 17.
A trade show, show and shine, community garage sale and barbecue were held. Benson Recreation Board secretary Michelle Lemcke, who was one of the organizers, said they believe the activities attracted 100-120 people, and the recent precipitation likely brought in some farmers who would have otherwise been working in the fields.
The trade show had 20 vendors inside the hall and even a couple outside, and the show and shine had 15 vehicles. Lemcke was pleased to see a good turnout.
"We need to do some fundraising for our Benson rec facility board, who needs money for the hall. It needs some maintenance, and as with any building … it always has continuing expenses, utilities, insurance and stuff like that, so we're just trying to come up with a way. We have a new member on our board who suggested we do a vendor show."
The new board member was given the green light, received assistance from the board and Lemcke said it was a success.
She doesn't have final figures on how much money was raised.
The hall needed some roof repairs, she noted. It has an aging furnace and some damaged drywall needs to be fixed. Lemcke said the hall is the only building remaining in Benson that can host community events.
Lemcke added the board might be looking at having a fall trade show, and it would look at having the vendor show and vehicle display again.
"We're trying to get more community involvement and make people aware that Benson does have a hall that can host events like wedding and anniversaries and birthdays, and different functions that don't necessarily have to happen in Estevan."
Lemcke also thanked the sponsors who contributed to the activities.
