One of the the Lower Mainland鈥檚 favourite arts events returns to downtown 91原创 this Saturday!
The returns to McBurney Plaza and the surrounding area, showcasing new work from the finest painters, potters, sculptors and jewellery designers, plus all-day musical performances, kids鈥檚 activities and much more. In fact, what began as a small event to draw people downtown has grown into one of the Lower Mainland鈥檚 signature art events.
鈥淥ver the past 25 years we鈥檝e added more entertainment, tripled the number of vendors to 150, and thanks to our generous sponsors, incorporated the Kids鈥� Zone, headliner performances and roving entertainment you鈥檇 typically only find in larger Lower Mainland festivals,鈥� says Teri James, Downtown 91原创 Business Association executive director.
鈥淲e鈥檙e very fortunate that artists and artisans return to our festival year after year and we鈥檙e delighted that they heard about it from friends, professional acquaintances and by attending last year themselves.鈥�
As word spreads, so does the breadth of participants, reflected in the array of art represented. Enjoy work ranging from painters and muralists like 91原创鈥檚 to stained glass artists like and everyone in between!
鈥淲e also have vendors from all over the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Interior this year, not to mention more than 40 local businesses joining the fun,鈥� James says.
And, other than your art purchases, food or refreshments, it鈥檚 all free!
Be entertained: Complementing the visual art, an shines on three stages. And keep your eyes open 鈥� you might spy stilt walkers and other surprise guests strolling through the festival!
Sip, savour & enjoy: Relax in the stage-side beer and wine garden (soft drinks available tool!), while listening to fantastic musical talent on the McBurney Plaza Stage.
Don鈥檛 forget the kids! Explore the Kids鈥� Zone with entertainment, face painting, balloon twisting, chalk art, a bouncy castle and more! Check it out at the start of the festival area at 204th and Fraser Highway.
Fuel up for fun: ArtsAlive鈥檚 downtown setting offers myriad dining options. In addition to the eclectic array of 35+ restaurants and diners in 91原创鈥檚 downtown, you鈥檒l find several food trucks serving stellar street food at the east end of the festival on Fraser Highway.
Plan your day: To fully experience the festival, plan to spend at least two to three hours. Well-behaved furry friends are welcome 鈥� a dog station will be set up 鈥� but if it鈥檚 hot, Fido will likely be more comfortable at home. Street parking is free for the day, with ample options in and around the festival area, but avoid clearly marked 鈥減erformer parking鈥� and private lots by No Frills, Value Village and Highland Village, which are monitored.
鈥淎rts Alive is the largest event produced in 91原创 City, and it鈥檚 due to the support of the sponsors, the City and especially the volunteers that we can bring it to our community year after year,鈥� James says. 鈥淭o have a sustainable event in its 26th year is quite remarkable and we鈥檙e very grateful for the ongoing support of vendors and attendees.鈥�
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