August is all about the arts in Kimberley, but before the Kaleidoscope Festival (see story below) begins, it’s time for another First Saturday.
First Saturday got off to a roaring start in July with the first Kimberley Bed Races attracting a great crowd, and the fun continuing all day, ending with a great free concert.
More of the same is on tap for this Saturday, August 6 as Kimberley celebrates arts, culture and heritage. Kimberley is 120 years old and First Saturday will celebrate all that Kimberley is and has been.
Begin the day by celebrating one of Kimberley’s greatest natural assets, the Kimberley Nature Park. Take a guided hike and discover Berries, Berries, Berries. Meet guide Glenda Johnson at 9 a.m. at the Higgins Street entrance to the Park for a two and a half hour moderate hike to learn about berries in the park.
Then spend some time learning about Kimberley’s mining heritage. Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway will take you into history with a train ride, complete with live mining show and a visit to the historic Sullivan Mine powerhouse. Trains will depart at 11 a.m. ,1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from the downtown station. While at the station visit the 1916 North Star School House, a replica of Kimberley’s Orpheum Theatre, and a Miner’s House.
The Kimberley Heritage Museum will have a special display celebrating Kimberley’s discovery in 1896. There is also a display featuring toys and swim suits from the 1920s. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Chateau Kimberley invites you for their First Saturday High Tea. The Chateau is an historic Kimberley building, as it was originally the Consolidated Mining and Smelting, later Teck Cominco, office for the Sullivan Mine.
View the beautifully decorated Inn and enjoy the art gallery watch John de Jong artist on site, Enjoy a cup of tea and delectable treats from 12 -3pm, $10 and large groups require reservations. (250-427- 2848)
As always on First Saturday, the Platzl is the place to be and there is a great lineup of entertainment ready. Music begins at noon with Dave Prinn. At 1 p.m. enjoy Van and Shelagh Redecopp (Sheva); at 2 p.m. Note-able Folk, David Grieve, Janine Grieve, James Buhler and Allan Kimmel; 3 p.m. is Carly Rierson from Red Deer. There will also be an art market featuring local artisans.
Take a short walk up to Centre 64 to see the art exhibit by the Purcell Painters from the Columbia Valley.
There will be children’s crafts at the Kimberley Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and children’s reading at 2.
And since we are celebrating the arts, plan to take in some of the free workshops.
12 -1:30 pm Margaret Moe will host a Mini–Da-Vinci painting workshop - Paint with 1 brush, 3 colours, 1 hour fun and easy for ages 10 and up.
At 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Puppeteer Wendy Parson from WP Puppet Theatre in Calgary will hold two workshops– Make a easy puppet; Puppet Power – feathered friends, jellyfish sharks and seahorses.
There will also be free demonstrations by artists, including wood carver Tyrone Johnson, the Kimberley Fibre Arts Guild spinners and weavers and Caprice Hogg.
If you’re heading down to Marysville, take in the summer sidewalk sale by Marysville Artisans.
It all winds up with a free outdoor concert with the Lovebullies, billed as Calgary’s premier vintage pop, rock and roll party band. The concert takes place at the Centre 64 outdoor stage.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with In Pursuit (Marlo, Conner, Declan & Fraser Armstrong). The Kimberley Elks will be hosting a summer barbecue. The feature concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Bring your own chairs, blankets and dress for the weather.
Remember, the concert is free but donations to the Arts Council will be gratefully accepted.