After months of organization, Kimberley’s biggest party is set to go this weekend — it’s time for JulyFest.
Fest organizer Dave Clarke and Chamber Manager Mike Guarnery say everything is ready for the opening bocce ball toss (courtesy of Mayor Ron McRae and Chamber President Darren Close) at 3:45 p.m. at the bocce pits on Rotary Drive. Games get underway at 4 p.m.
Just about every hotel room in Kimberley is booked for the weekend as bocce and soccer teams, and other JulyFest participants descend on Kimberley.
Bocce was cut off at 194 teams this year and the draw will be available in the Bulletin on Thursday, and online at www.kimberleyjulyfest.com
While they are as ready as they can be, Clark and Guarnery would never turn down a volunteer, so if you’d like to lend a hand reffing a bocce game, selling tickets, pouring refreshments or at the dance, call the Chamber office at 250-427-3666 or sign up on the website.
“We need four strong helpers to help set up the band for the 54-40 show,” Clarke said.
That will be at 1 p.m. Saturday. Call the Chamber office to ask about that. Volunteers are also needed to work the dance on Saturday night — you’ll be working hard, but you’ll also have a chance to hear one of Canada’s best touring bands perform.
There is no opening act for 54-40, as the music in the bocce pits won’t stop until 9:30 p.m. The outdoor stage closes at that time and it is hoped everyone will head over to the Civic Centre for the dance.
Tickets for 54-40 are available online until 5 p.m. Wednesday. They will also be available at the door.
On Friday night, there is a roller derby at the Civic Centre. Families are welcome to attend. Don’t forget — no minors are allowed in the bocce pits after 6 p.m.
A great lineup of music is planned for the outdoor stage at the bocce pits both evenings.
Beginning at 4 p.m. Friday with Miss Grizzly, the Good Ol’ Goats at 6:30 p.m., and Oak Republic at 8 p.m. On Saturday, music starts at 10 a.m. with 60 Hertz, Sketch at noon, 2:30 it’s Scarlet Jane, Elk Hunt at 5 p.m. and Hot Muck at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday also begins with a pancake breakfast at the bocce pits, then stay there to watch the parade, which gets underway at 10:30 a.m.
A Kids Fest begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at Rotary Park. Of course, there is the big JulyFest soccer tournament all weekend, five and ten K runs in the Nature Park on Saturday, and the Sullivan Challenge Longboard race on Sunday.
Details on all events are available at kimberleyjulyfest.com