The qathet region’s festival and event scene is back in full force this summer, and no doubt residents and visitors have noticed.
Gearing up for this weekend, event organizers in Powell River and across the water on Texada Island are busy wrangling volunteers and making sure all the permits are in place. One such event is Townsite Day, back for its second year in the historic neighbourhood on Saturday, July 15.
“There is room in this city to have more than one event in a day,” said Townsite Ratepayers Association chair Will Van Delft. “As with any small community, we want to attract people to the area; we are part of the tourist trade and something like Townsite Day is a way to do this.”
Beginning in the morning at 9 am and continuing until 1 pm, folks are encouraged to tour the neighbourhood and check out The Great Townsite Garage Sale. More than 50 residents are participating and will have their yards set up with their used wares on display.
Streets at the centre of the neighbourhood will be blocked off to create a festival atmosphere, and a free bike valet service will be provided by qathet Regional Cycling Association.
In conjunction with Townsite Brewing, the Townsite Public Market and surrounding businesses, pedestrians are encouraged to eat local food, listen to music, check out some artists and tour around, inside and outside buildings. This year music will be on Walnut Street, which is flat so folks can sit and enjoy the tunes.
A group bike ride is in the mix along with a Patricia Theatre tour, vintage car show, aerial performances and a free movie showing.
“We are going to do a guided bike tour from Townsite along Willingdon Beach trail to the [Powell River] logger sports event happening at Willingdon Beach,” said Van Delft. “We will have a sign indicating who we are so anyone from Willingdon Beach can come along if they want, on our ride back to Townsite.”
The Townsite area has been a destination location sought after by visitors when searching on the internet for places to go in the qathet region, according to tourism statistics.
“An event like this [Townsite Day] can have a huge positive impact,” said Delft. “The public market has had its ups and downs, but they are there for the long haul, and this [event] will attract people to the market.”
Fresh local popsicles can be found at the market located on Ash Avenue, along with an upcycled clothing shop, art galleries and the popular Hearth and Grain bakery.
Townsite Brewing will feature a ticketed aerial show outside on its patio at 12:30 pm; a free movie will screen at the Patricia Theatre at 2 pm, with a surprise parked outside the theatre for audience members to see.
“We are not looking for it to be crowded; we want it to be a relaxing event,” said Delft. “If 300 people come to visit or 700 people, we don’t mind."
