The annual Stampede Street Party Saturday promises to be bigger and better than ever says vendor co-ordinator Angie Delainey.
“Already we have surpassed our vendor/merchant numbers from the last year putting us up around 55-plus booths and businesses to visit,” Delainey says.
“This year we have put more emphasis on organization, gathering spaces and clustering like business so that there will be a flow to the market that will take you up and down the streets and in and out of our shops.”
She says the organizers hired help for the Kids Zone and Entertainment.
Linda Bingham from the Boys and Girls Club and Oren Barter, a local musician, have both come to the table with their talents and it’s paying off, she says.
“The Kids Zone is going to be a hit!” Delainey says.
A huge sand pile, bouncy castles, 4-H Petting Zoo, interactive experiential games, face painting, remote control cars and much more will be there for the kids.
The entertainment component boasts three stages with performers such as Bluenote, Perfect Match, Nostalgie, Eighth Deck Kelly, GMO’s, Carmen Mutschele, Kalvin Locke and the Youth Fiddlers, Williams Lake Pipe Band, Francis Johnson and the Emerald Lake Dancers and much more!
“Plus a special surprise!” Delainey says.
“I’m really stoked that more of our local merchants are participating this year by bringing their goods either to the street or onto the sidewalk, we want to make sure that the 10,000 people who come to the streets with money in their pocket have places to spend it.”
She says there has also been an increase in community participation.
“We’ve got the Stampeders Street Hockey Tournament by Caribou Ski as well as a barbecue by donation put on by FBB Accountants, and a flea market and Pet Parade/Show organized by Sue LaChance of New World Cafe.
Anyone who would like to be part of the Flea Market or Pet Parade can contact Sue at info@newworldcoffee.ca or by calling 250-267-3284.
She says the street party will also have a farmers/artisan market, and festival eats located in Spirit Square.
Entertainers include Master Magician Clint W Gray and Magical Jesaja and clowns!
The Street Party starts right after the parade around noon Saturday, July 28 and runs until 4 p.m.
“During that short period of time about 10,000 visitors gather in the downtown core for the party and we want to provide them with an awesome experience,” Delainey says.
To make that happen the BIA still needs some helping hands to keep the event running smoothly. We’ve added a few dollars to our budget to donate towards a group of 4 or more for:
• 18+ people to man a barricade for the parade/ street party
• help with clean up and take down
• volunteer groups may sell raffle tickets for their organization while working, and wear their club jerseys.
Interested volunteers can contact Delainey at 250-305-4422 or 250-398-9020.