The first day of Summerfest last Saturday was smoking hot.
For the Round 2 this Saturday, organizers of the Downtown Summerfest event are hoping for some more warm weather without the smoky air that drifted in from wildfires west of the city.
“This Saturday we are using our themes of explore and thrive downtown and we’ve invited quite a few of our partners to put on basically family- and kid oriented activities,” said Colleen Van Mook, executive director of Downtown Prince George.
“We want to create some energy and celebrate summer and celebrate downtown.”
From 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Veteran’s Plaza at City Hall will be the place to be to gather for activities, watch and hear live entertainers and indulge in some fine dining options brought by local restaurants.
Music on the Veteran’s Plaza stage starts at 11 a.m. The musical lineup incudes Chris Cahill, John Rogers, Tall Side of Short and Ben Brown.
Prince George Family Y, Prince George Public Library, REAPS (Recycling & Environmental Action Planning Society), and the Prince George Humane Society will have booths at Summerfest.
There’s facepainting planned for kids and Purple Moose Portraits will be on hand to snap keeper photos of your beloved canines. The Luvs Northern Animal Rescue booth will have kids activities and puppies on hand.
The mini-rail train will be on hand for express ride tours of Summerfest stomping grounds.
After two years of pandemic hiatus, Summerfest returned last year on two Saturdays in July, replacing the one-day Sunday event at Canada Games Plaza. Van Mook said having it on Satudays allows downtown trekkers to check out the shops, stores and restaurants during their opening hours.
“We want people to come downtown and make a day of it,” said VanMook.
Participating food vendors include Afro Caribbean Cuisine, Baller Food, Dat'san Cho Bannock, Melissa’s Klassy Kitchen, Madras Café, Mini Donuts/Ice Cream and The Mountpress Juice Café.
An added attraction is Saturday is market day for three local organizations.
The Wilson Square Market will set up adjacent to the Prince George Courthouse at Third Avenue and George Street from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Prince George Farmers Market is on from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Third Avenue and Quebec Street with vendors selling items they’ve made, baked or grown.
The Q3 Community (indoors at 1299 Third Ave.) Market kitty-corner to the Farmers Market, formerly known as Hub Space, includes local crafters, resellers of goods brought in from outside the region, and quality used items. Q3 is also open 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We like the fact we have lots of choices, it gets people to walk around Prince George,” said Van Mook.
