Event strikes the right chord

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

One of the centerpiece events of the Culture Days celebration was the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the new Musical Playground at the Grand Coteau Centre. The ceremony marked the culmination of a dedicated effort by many people to create this unique structure.

The celebration included some emotional moments, as four individuals – Joe-Ann Ruetz, Anne Brown, Joe Gregoire, and Kim Anderson – longtime supporters of the Grand Coteau Centre who have passed away in recent years, were recognized along with their families. It was their memorial donations that ignited the dream and continued to inspire the project. 

The playground has been years in the making, benefiting from a strong community effort and generous support. 

“Today is a day of celebration, a dream years in the making that has finally come to life,” said Joanne Gregoire.  “We are overjoyed to officially open our outdoor musical playground, a joyful, creative, and inclusive space now part of the beautiful front lawn of the Grand Coteau Centre. But this playground is more than just instruments and infrastructure. It’s a tribute, a community effort, and a gift from the heart.”

The ceremony included the unveiling of the five instruments that make up the playground, with representatives of major sponsors, including the Innes Family, Western Financial Group, Shaunavon Arts Council, Sogn Family Foundation, and Affinity Credit Union, handling the duties.

The event also featured a fun crowd-participation song led by Ty Hunter, who adapted the words of the popular song “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” to sing “500 songs.” The performance served as a great representation of what the playground is all about – a space designed to have fun and explore unique musical opportunities, even for those who can’t play an instrument.

“I’d like to recognize and congratulate the Grand Coteau team for all their hard work in making this musical playground a reality,” said Shaunavon mayor Cal Vance. “I also want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who helped bring this beautiful space to life through donations, planning, and hands-on work.”

“This playground is more than a collection of instruments,” he added. “It’s a symbol of what we can achieve together. It’s a place where laughter, creativity, and connection will echo for years to come.”