The Kootenay Festival is about to start for a third year of celebrating community diversity in the Kootenays and organizers are looking forward to another great turnout.
"It's always been about the Kootenays," said Audrey Maxwell Polovnikoff, recreation and cultural programmer for the Castlegar and DIstrict Recreation Department. "There's an amazing amount of talent in our Kootenay region and there are so many wonderful bands, entertainers and dancers to tap into."
Thousands are again expected to enjoy the day, held rain or shine on Saturday, July 27 from 10:30 to 7 p.m., adjacent to the Doukhobor Discovery Centre and The Kootenay Gallery of Art on Heritage Way (across from the airport).
A free shuttle service, sponsored by Mountain Transport Institute Ltd, will be available starting at 10:15 am and continuing throughout the day. Pick up and drop off points are the Station Museum (400 13th Avenue) and the Castlegar Recreation Complex (2101 6th Avenue).
Don't let it's location fool you: inclusivity is a key focus and this year the Filipino-Canadian Association of the Kootenays will perform the "Paypay de Manila" (Manila Folding Fan), a dance of Spanish influence that displays young ladies with scented fans, or paypay, as they flirt with young men with canes and straw hats.
If you missed Teddy Anderson and his inspiring hoop dance at Selkirk College back in May, he will also be performing at the festival. Anderson blends a unique, athletic skill with a discussion of the importance of understanding one's culture.
Another new addition to this year's all-day entertainment lineup is an event called, "Creative Blendz!" where Graffiti artists will have one hour to create two canvases of art while a youth DJ performs to inspire the works.
To make certain that the event can be attended by as many people as possible, the admission rate is $2.
From children's games and activities, to educational displays, to a full slate of food vendors, the event promises a bit of something for everyone.
To see the full list of events, activities and performances go to www.kootenayfestival.com.
Volunteers are still welcome to apply; contact Audrey Maxwell Polovnikoff at 250-365-3386 if you would like to help out.