Next Tuesday, October 29 at Centre 64, those who have been involved in the First Saturday experiment this year will meet to discuss the pros and cons of continuing with the concept.
“We want to discuss the successes and failures of the past season and determine the future of First Saturdays,” said Carol Fergus from the Arts Council, which was the driving force behind getting First Saturdays off the ground this year.
Everyone is welcome to join the discussion, which begins at 7 p.m.
If you can’t come but have some thoughts or ideas, you can contact Carol Fergus at 250-427-2258.
Fergus says there are a couple of challenges. First of all, there was some funding available this year through a Communities Initiative grant that allowed for some advertising and also helped with expenses around the musical acts.
Musical acts are essential, Fergus said. As soon as musicians start playing, people start arriving in the Platzl. Then, they stay to take part in any of the activities organized for First Saturday.
Funding sources, likely through partnerships, will have to be sought.
The other issue is having enough people to pull it off every month. It is a tremendous amount of work just setting up and taking down each time.
The most successful First Saturdays this summer, such as the recent Oktoberfest, had buy-in from local businesses, and other groups, who organized their own events.
“There needs to be lots of things to do to keep it interesting,” Fergus said. “And there needs to be enough people to share the work. There are so many aspects that can be shared, and then it’s less work for everyone.”