An unexpected treat at the Williams Lake Stampede Street Party was the playing of Minuet no. 3 by J.S. Bach on the sidewalk by young cellist Jessica Schellenberg from North Carolina.
Jessica, who is 12 years old, has only been playing the cello for 10 months.
“Her instructor wants her to do more performing, so this is a good way to do it,” explained Jessica’s mom, Tamara Schellenberg.
“She picked up the cello for the school orchestra and just connected with it.”
It took seven days for the family to drive 7,000 kilometres to get to the Williams Lake Stampede.
“I grew up here,” Tamara said.
“And I always wanted to bring my kids back home to see the Stampede.”
This year the Downtown Williams Lake Business Improvement Association organized the street party and afterwards described it as a great success.
“More than 2,000 people came out to enjoy kids games, live music, hoop dancing, and outdoor shopping,” said Kate Lines, BIA office and events co-ordinator Tuesday.
“The BIA would like to thank BIA Director Sarah Hutchins for planning the event and the City and Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society for providing the $3,500 event budget.”
Lines said 2016 was the last year the BIA would be planning the street party and wished future street party planners the very best.
The street party took place Saturday, July 2 on Second Avenue between Oliver Street and Yorston Avenue.