Stefanie HENDRICKSEN
Special to the Tribune
Downtown Williams Lake is gearing up for another busy Four Directions Festival. This event, which used to be called the Stampede Street Party, takes place shortly after the Stampede Parade from noon to 5 p.m. on the streets of downtown Williams Lake. This event is organized by the Downtown Williams Lake Business Improvement Association and, as such, the event features many downtown organizations, businesses, and restaurants.
This year the restaurants have really stepped up to offer some great “Festival Food” including lunch and dinner specials. Festival-goers will be able to refer to their Festival Map for details on all of these downtown deals. As for the retail businesses, many have come up with great promotions for the day and even some sidewalk sales.
This year, the event features literally four directions of fun, with five distinct areas.
At “Have Fun in the TELUS Kids Zone” children and families will be able to experience carnival games, remote control race cars, cotton candy, video games, face painting, and more! At “Stay Active” participants will be able to practice their street hockey skills.
At “Get Creative” all-ages will be able to participate in a variety of art and craft projects.
In the “Celebrate Indigenous Culture” block, festival-goers can try bannock, visit a bouncy castle (courtesy of our local Métis Association), participate in some Indigenous crafts, and check out the works of Indigenous artisans.
Gadzukes, the local ukulele group will be our official wandering minstrels for the beginning of the event.
The fifth area is called “Sizzle and Chill.” It will feature the main stage and be located at the corner of Third and Oliver. There, people can find some great bands including Blackberry Wood (get ready for some sword swallowing and fire eating from this energetic group!), Prairie Joe, and the Cariboo Jazz Band. There will be barbecued food available as well as shade and misters to help you cool down. People are encouraged to bring their own chairs to watch the bands as seating is limited.
Furthermore, Downtown Williams Lake is sponsoring 10 $100 gift certificate prize draws! Draw boxes will be placed at various locations around downtown Williams Lake.
The event is made possible with funding support from Northern Development Initiative Trust and TELUS.