Gaeil Farrar
Tribune Staff Writer
Downtown businesses are planning to bring what they do inside, outside for the 4 Directions Festival in Williams Lake on July 1.
Inside/out is a whole new festival concept designed to celebrate downtown businesses and re-connect the community to downtown as the hub of Cariboo commerce and culture, says Kate Lines executive director with the Downtown Williams Lake Business Improvement Association (BIA).
The 4 Directions Festival is a revitalization and expansion of downtown’s long-standing Street Party held during Stampede.
“Imagine four blocks closed to all car traffic with local businesses and restaurants spilling into the streets from 12 noon to 9 p.m.,” Lines says.
Activities will include three music stages, a lehal tournament, a chalk art festival, a makers market, an amazing kids zone, a multicultural tent village and so much more, Lines says.
“The community will have a rare opportunity to explore downtown streets and alleys in new ways, with no cars to watch out for, and wonderful surprises around each corner,” Lines says.
Several downtown business owners are already well into planning their activities for the 4 Directions Festival.
Among them is Bryton Kaufman CEO and director of Adventure Games who is teaming up with Sandronic and the Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake and District to provide a Cool Zone where visitors can relax in the shade.
There will be tables and chairs set up under tent awnings and visitors will be able to play a variety of board games, retro console games such as Nintendo and modern video games.
The games will be played with the opportunity to win coupon prizes that will be redeemable at either Sandtronic or Adventure Games.
The Boys and Girls Club will be there selling refreshing glasses of lemonade.