In just three years, Mission Fest has become one of the largest events celebrating downtown Mission.
It’s something kids and their families look forward to every year, said festival founder Rhett Nicholson, who has had eager children inquire about it for months now.
“It’s nice that people like it,” Nicholson added modestly. “I just want people to come and enjoy it.”
Three blocks of First Avenue from Horne Street to Grand Street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the Aug. 10 event. There will be entertainment and activities for the whole family as well as a chance to get to know your merchants downtown.
The street will be divided into three zones, and a fourth zone will be set up on Second Avenue near the library for pony rides, a petting zoo and a photo booth. A car show will also be featured at the corner of Welton Street and Second Avenue.
On the main street, there will be a water slide and eight bouncy castles as well as a velcro wall for kids to enjoy. In zone three, between Horn and Welton Streets, you can have your photo taken with wild animals, and celebrities like Harry Potter and his friends, Snooki, and princesses. Bring your own camera, Nicholson advised.
Zone two is the BC Hydro inflatable area, and zone one is the Rockin’ River area where a stage will be set up near Grand Street and bands will play throughout the day.
The Rockin River karaoke contest, with guest appearances by Kenny Hess and friends, will begin at 1:30 p.m. The winner of the contest will win passes to the Rockin River Music Festival as well as a chance to perform on stage during the event.
Other performers on the stage are Loose Ends (rock music), Merv Tremblay (country/rock), Magician Rod Boss, a martial arts demonstration, Kris Monico (pop), 7th Ave (blues/jazz), Donnie and Don (alternative rock), and Five Finger Discount (pop rock).
Opening ceremonies will begin at 10:30 a.m.
The downtown street fair gets easier to plan every year, but Nicholson notes it still takes at least six months to put it together with the help of just seven volunteers.
“We try to keep everything downtown and shop locally as much as possible,” said Nicholson.
Mission Fest runs from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Aug. 10. For more information visit www.downtownmission.ca.
