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RezX Coverage of Grey Cup Festival Day 1
Posted On 21 Nov 2013
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The 101st Grey Cup Festival kicked off on Wednesday (Nov 20) in downtown Regina at the Mosaic Underground Tent. The Opening Ceremony was free and included dignitaries speeches, a viewing of the Grey Cup, and music.
The tent’s capacity is limited to 1200 people, and judging from the long line outside and wall to wall crowd, there were well over 2000 people in attendance. Despite the cold and blistery day, visitors from all across Canada were cheering and getting ready to enjoy the week-long list of activities.
The Opening Ceremonies outlined highlights of the week: Free Nissan Family Zone, Telus Street Festival, and Safeway Grey Cup Parade to be held on Saturday at 9:30pm at the Green Mile. The Mosaic Underground Tent will be a party zone for those who are 19+ and will feature live music every day.
At Evraz Place there are many pavilions all hosted by different CFL Teams including the sure to be popular Riderville. Molson Canadian Live Champions Concert Series will feature bands, Hedley, Barenaked Ladies, and Big & Rich.
The Grey Cup was brought into the Mosaic Underground Tent by Men’s Fancy Dancer and Traditional Singer; Preston Littletent and Waylon Littletent, also accompanying the Grey Cup was RCMP Officials. A few of the dignitaries that spoke were: Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Regina’s Mayor Michael Fougere, and 101st Grey Cup Festival Co-Chair Jim Hobson.
They all sent a warm welcome to visitors to Saskatchewan and each sent a message, to enjoy the week, stay safe, and have fun at the Celebration in Rider Nation! CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon officially announced the start of the 101st Grey Cup Festival with bangs of streamers and party music.
The weeklong celebration has activities for all ages. The Telus Street Festival has different activity booths and entertainment. During the opening day, some of the scheduled activities were brought indoors due to weather such as the Cheer Team, and Roughrider Pep Band. Be aware of these changes.
Co-Chair Jim Hopson stated that if events are cancelled due to weather conditions that they will be posted on all the social media networks to let the public know. There are over 2400 volunteers that will be out and about during the week and they will be happy to assist people in locating tents, events, or assisting people to more warm venues. It is encouraged to get to the events early to secure a spot.
It’s going to be a busy week so enjoy and join the celebration.
by Lacy Morin-Desjarlais, New to RezXSouth
