Katie Bennett, one of the organizers of the Vancouver Island ArtistFest (VIAF) is excited about having her event combine with the fire department’s.
“We are collaborating with the Sooke Fire Rescue Service to combine two awesome events, into one amazing event ... We will be celebrating VIAF at the same time as the 100-year anniversary of Sooke Fire and Recue,” said Bennett in an email.
She stated August 24 would start out with a parade featuring over two dozen trucks and emergency vehicles from six different stations. The parade will be departing promptly at 10:30 a.m. from SEAPARC, and finishing by 11 a.m. at John Phillips Memorial Park.
The Vancouver Island ArtistsFest will start at 11 a.m. and run until 9 p.m. You can expect eight live bands, a full vendor market, food and beverage vendors, art display and a youth zone with fun (and free) activities hosted by different organizations, including the Sooke Harbourside Lions, Shaw Ocean Discovery, Victoria Compost and the Sooke Fire Department will even have their bouncy house set up.
Some of the bands performing include: Kemal Evans, Deep Sea Gypsies, The Roper Show, Spaceport Union, The New Groovberment and Scarlet the Hare. Never heard of these groups? Well, this is your chance to hear local bands playing their grooves.
There will also be a static display featuring an antique, stream powered fire engine, that will be pumping water throughout the day.
Followed by an official after party at the 17 Mile House Pub, hosted by Vinnie Slobberino, from VinFest and featuring DJ Neon Steve.
Bennett and team have decided to focus their fundraising efforts on the Sooke Food Bank, to assist them in their time of need.
We will also be teaming up with Social Coast to launch a Food Security Campaign in the fall, Bennett states.
Since this is a free event, they will be raising funds through a ‘by donation’ draw, with the grand prize being an Ultimate Sooke Getaway for one lucky winner plus guest. There will also be tons of other great prizes up for grabs, including gift certificates to local restaurants, adventure tours, gift baskets, a pizza party and much more.
When: Saturday, August 24, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: John Phillips Memorial Park
Where to Park: Parking will be in the back end of the park, accessed through Townsend Road. We will also have priority parking set up in the front end of the park, accessed by Otter Point Road.
Cost: FREE / by donation.