Kaity Brown
This first Saturday is packed with family fun, showcasing events that have been held at the past three First Saturdays and some new, not-to-be-missed activities and performances.
The majority of the activities will take place in the Platzl from noon until 3:30 p.m. They range from local art vendors, a free kid zone filled with games and crafts, the Kimberley Art Walk that showcases talents around town, the Heritage High Tea at the Chateau, First Saturday specials from restaurants and retailers, and loads of entertainment by John Cronin of Invermere and the Kimberley Community Band.
For those interested in busking or to have their own artisans' stand for this First Saturday and others, you can call Centre 64 at 250-427-4919 or Carol Fergus at 250-427-2258.
One of the exciting new features is the free outdoor community concert outside Centre 64 at 7:30 p.m by the Fishtank Ensemble, a gypsy jazz band featuring an eclectic mix of instruments and styles.
A barbecue provided by the Elk Club will begin at 5 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy the one-of-a-kind and world-renowned entertainment. Please bring your own chairs and blankets; in case of bad weather the concert will be re-located inside the Centre 64.
As well, this First Saturday is the opening night for the Kimberley Summer Theatre's production of the timeless "Wizard of Oz". Come and enjoy the family-friendly classic at McKim Theatre starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be bought at the box office in the Platzl or by calling 250-427-4080.
This Saturday's theme is about celebration of the arts with the Arts on the Edge Festival just around the corner on Aug. 9 and 10 and the plein air painting workshops starting Aug. 10 as well.
A poetry and prose reading will be happening at the Centre 64 courtyard garden on Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Local writers will be showcasing their work through spoken word poetry and short stories with live music by Laurel Ralston. Hurry and get tickets just $5 – there are only 50 left – at Centre 64 or call the centre at 250-427-4919 for more information.
There is an event for all artists of all abilities called the 'Paint-Out on the Platzl' from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. where painters can pay just $10 to paint with other artists in downtown Kimberley. They can also enter their completed pieces into a silent auction at the Arts on the Edge Festival, if they wish.
Artists will receive 80 per cent of the sales with 20 per cent going towards the festival and the Kimberley Arts Council at Centre 64. Artists will work with their preferred medium and are required to bring the supplies necessary. To register download the form on the plein air site of www.kimberleyarts.com and for more information call Christine Besold at Centre 64 at 250-427-4919.
The Arts on the Edge festival is running all day long on Aug. 10 featuring live music by ABBA Again and the Oak Republic to name a few.
This family-fun event is free to enter and downtown in the Platzl.