It’s almost summer and that means one thing … Summerfest in Chemainus.
The cherished Mural Town party is set for June 25 and kicks off at 8 a.m. with the Rotary pancake breakfast at Waterwheel parking lot with flapjacks and sausages.
Shannon Bellamy, the Chemainus Rotarian acting as chair for the event this year, said this year’s Summer Fest is themed Cirque du Chemainus.
“Which means we are going to have a circus-type atmosphere in Waterwheel parking lot.”
That means there will be clowns, balloon animals and circus-style treats, to name a few Three Ring thrills.
During breakfast the Chemainus Secondary Jazz Band will be performing.
At 9 a.m. the performer Mia will take the stage at the park. Acrobats will wow the crowd at 11:45 p.m.
Shag Harbour will be performing at 12:15 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., the Leo Duo will entertain the kids with sing-alongs.
“It just keeps building and building. Who knows? We might have a few more surprises by next Saturday.”
There will also be an artisan’s fair from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Hot dogs and hamburgers will be on the grill at 11 a.m. and there will be kids activities from 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The parade gets underway at 11 a.m. and will follow this route: Willow Street from Victoria to Mill; Mill to Croft, Croft to Oak, Oak to Esplanade and Esplanade to Kin Park.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the initiative to bring the X-ray machine to the health centre.
Bellamy said the Rotary took over the celebration, which used to be called Chemainus Days, in the last 20 years.
It was renamed Chemainus Summer Fest about four years ago.
Before, the celebration consisted of a pancake breakfast, parade and hamburger/hot dog cookout.
“We made it a day community-building event,” said Bellamy of the expansion.
“It brings all walks of life together.”
