The first annual South Cariboo Summer Festival, which took place this weekend, was a success according to Shelly Morton, the executive director for the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce.
“The SC Chamber was overall very happy with the success of the event. Estimated numbers of attendance over the weekend is 3,000. This includes the free kids and demonstrators and vendors.”
Originally planned as an inaugural event for 2017, it was turned into a free community celebration due to the 2017 wildfires.
“This being our first event of this size, we are learning what worked and what didn’t. The Blue Ribbon Community Fair entries were quite low and we will have to re-evaluate that portion of the event.”
The event featured all kinds of entertainment.
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“There was fantastic music entertainment on stage which we thought we would have more attending but we think since there were so many more attractions, there were not large numbers watching the great music. Those who were watching the stage enjoyed it thoroughly.”
Inside the South Cariboo Rec Centre, the arena was packed with vendors.
“The trade show was a great success for vendors. Everything for the kids zone was extremely well run and attended and the petting zoo and wagon rides were a huge hit! It has been noted that we need to compact the attractions a little closer together.”
The goal of creating this event is to keep it running annually, community-driven, growing each year, promoting the South Cariboo and becoming an economic driver for the area, says Morton.
“The Chamber now employs an event coordinator, Robyn Angus, who was key in the success of the event this year! The SC Chamber would like to give a huge thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors. We hope for your support again next year as we can’t do it without you!”
If you want to read more about the South Cariboo Summer Festival, check the sport’s section of this week’s Free Press for stories on skydiving and lawnmower racing.
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