Generations of fans found common ground at Homestand ‘25, where beloved children’s entertainer Fred Penner delivered a heartfelt performance at Ross Wells Ballpark on Sept. 6.

Penner’s appearance in The Friendly City wasn’t just a lucky booking — it was the result of a personal connection and some behind-the-scenes admiration from the show’s organizers.

“This is going to sound weird,” said River Street Promotions team member Joel Stewart. “I worked with Fred (Penner) on a project that didn’t happen. He was re-recording one of his tunes (with) Serena Ryder, and it was one of the most exceptional days of my life.”

That project, though never completed, left a lasting impression on Stewart. When Penner began performing at CFL halftime shows last year, Stewart took notice.

“I’m like, ‘Well, Fred still has his fastball,’” Stewart said, using an analogy fit for the Ross Wells Ballpark venue where Homestand was set to take place the following evening. “I haven’t seen Fred in a while, and he’s an older chap. He’s still out there killing it with his guitar — just him and a voice.”

Penner agreed to the booking, which fit seamlessly with Homestand’s vision as a family-friendly event uniting the community through live music.

“We are a family-friendly event here at Homestand, and I thought, ‘Well, let’s see if we can get Fred Penner.’ And we did,” Stewart said.

It was a booking that wouldn’t have happened without Stewart’s direct effort. Laurie Kosior-Pappenfoot, co-chair of the concert, joked, “Otherwise, would Fred Penner have said, ‘You know, I’ve always wanted to play in Moose Jaw at Homestand?’”

The answer, of course, was likely no — turning what had once been a stalled collaboration into a full-circle success years later. That prior connection laid the groundwork for what became a standout moment in the festival’s fifth year.

Following this announcement, the response from the community was clear. “When Fred’s name comes up, every adult, we all smile,” Stewart said.

While Penner’s invitation was meant to provide a show for children aged 12 and under as part of Homestand’s family-friendly vision, his set ended up delighting fans of all ages, many of whom had grown up singing along to his television program.

“What I’m learning about everything here in the past couple days is that we’re all kids 12 and under,” Stewart added.

For many in the audience, Fred Penner’s voice brought back memories of crawling through that hollow log and settling in for Fred Penner’s Place — the long-running CBC children’s series that became a cornerstone of Canadian childhood in the 1980s and ’90s. Known for his gentle musical style and kind-hearted presence, Penner hosted the show from 1985 to 1997, guiding generations of children through songs, storytelling, and life lessons.

Over his decades-long career, Penner has released numerous children’s albums, won multiple Juno Awards, and today he continues to share his music and message of kindness with the next generation of fans.

Decades after his television debut, Penner continues to inspire with the same simple truth that defined his career: “Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of a child.”

To learn more about Homestand, visit RiverStreetPromotions.com. Fred Penner’s official website can be found at FredPenner.com.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express