The pictures from past Carlyle Fun Dayz look a little bit foreign now, with large crowds and no social distancing. This summer, however, the town is hoping things look just the way they used to when the event makes a big return. 

Carlyle Fun Dayz is scheduled to return on August 21 for the first time since 2019. The festivities should include live music headlined by Kipling native Alex Runions, food trucks, beer gardens, a firefighter's rodeo, and more, just as they have in years when things have been normal.

"We're really just picking up where we left off," said Carlyle Mayor Jennifer Sedor. "We had things pretty well organized out of the gate in 2020 so we just essentially pushed the pause button. We made a few phone calls and everyone is really excited to get going in 2021."

While there's no guarantee yet the event will be possible in its full capacity, it's looking more likely every day. Public health orders are getting less restrictive or being removed altogether as the days roll on, and by August 21 the town expects to be able to bring the event back in a normal manner. 

"This feels like a step back to normal," Sedor said. "There may be a few minor changes, I'm not quite sure where we're going to be at with social distancing, but the forecast looks really good for opening up. We're really excited."

Many groups are looking for fundraising opportunities and Carlyle Fun Dayz has been a big one for them in the past, though entry into the event itself will still be free. For others, this is just a chance to get out and see friends and family in a way they haven't in a long time. 

"Everyone is looking for something fun to do this summer," said Sedor. "We've really been lacking for seeing our neighbors and friends and family, so I think it's going to be a wonderful highlight for everyone's summer."

With provincial regulations still in flux at the moment, Sedor said she's watching the daily counts for vaccination avidly and hoping for the province to jump across the last threshold to get open again. Throughout this week, we've gotten closer and closer.

"Daily, hourly, I'm waiting for that last one percent to tip over the edge here," she said. "This morning I think they said there were 28,000 vaccines left before we hit the goal for phase three, so I'm kind of excited about that. I know we'll reach that by our festival date."

Sedor also encouraged anyone with ideas for other events, games, rides, or fundraisers at Carlyle Fun Dayz to visit their website at carlylefundayz.com.