Carlyle holds its annual Dicken's Festival the first weekend of December, and this year was especially important as it marked the 20th anniversary of the event. 

Bringing in over 600 people annually the two-day event is a big tourist attraction for Carlyle, explained current chair Shelley Slykhuis. 

"The Women on the Go program from Regina come down. They enjoy high tea, shopping, and stay for the activities throughout Friday."  

On Saturday there was an English market which was previously held in the school gym, but this year expanded to a secondary location due to an increase in vendors.  

They also have three viewings of Charles Dickens’s immortal classic, a Christmas Carol.  

"We have one on Friday night, one on Saturday, and a matinee on Sunday for people who don't want to drive in the dark." 

The warmer weather on the weekend was a welcome change this year as the last two festivals fell on cold December days. 

“The weather is the biggest indicator of how things are going to go,” said Slykhuis.  

In the past, the street vendors had to be moved indoors and the participation in Main Street events dwindled when the temperatures dropped. 

The addition of hotels in Carlyle has also helped their numbers as people can remain in town for the duration of the weekend. 

Planning for the 2024 Dickens Festival is already underway. 

“As far as the committee itself people come and go but you know the festival is still planning for next year.”  

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