Estevan will need to come together if the community hopes to be named Riderville.

If there's one thing that Saskatchewan has in abundance, it's Rider Pride. The Roughriders are a provincial institution that brings much joy – and occasional heartbreak – to Saskatchewan residents. You can be sure that many communities will be gunning for the notoriety and the $25,000 in minor sports funding that would come with the Riderville distinction.

So everyone in the Estevan area will have to support the Estevan is Riderville committee. That includes football fans and non-football fans. It seems like a daunting challenge, but Estevan and area residents have traditionally supported projects they believe in.

They came together to fundraise for the new arena. They come together each year for events such as the United Way telethon and Estevan's Relay for Life. And if they believe Riderville is worth supporting – and it is worth supporting – they will come together again.

There are a lot of ardent Rider fans in Estevan. They commute to Regina nine or 10 times a season to watch Rider games at Mosaic Stadium. Occasionally, they brave swirling winds, frigid temperatures, torrential rains and thunderstorms to cheer for their beloved football team. Many fans don jerseys, paint their faces and sport green watermelon helmets.

Local fans who can't make it to the game will pack sports bars and lounges to watch the game, or they will cheer from the comfort of their living room. People of all ages love watching the Riders.

Want to see a city shut down? Put the Riders in the Grey Cup. Almost everyone in Estevan will watch the game.

Estevan's passion for football extends beyond the Riders. One only has to look at the support shown to Estevan Minor Football and the Estevan Comprehensive School football program, both in terms of financial backing and game attendance – since their respective inceptions to see Estevan’s support for the game.

So what can the people of Estevan do to be named Riderville? Attend the events. Show up for activities that are planned for the Collage Cultural Festival on May 16. Attend a tailgate party at the Tower Café on May 31.

Line the streets of downtown Estevan for a parade on June 4. Wear green. Enter a green float for the parade.

And show your Rider Pride. Decorate your house. Hang a Rider banner in your window that is as green as the grass in your yard. Decorate your business. It’s a safe bet that your employer won’t complain about having a Rider banner or flag on the outside of their building.

Make sure that as many people as possible know that you believe that Estevan is Riderville.