With no KIOTAC and no Summer Theatre Vaudeville show, the Platzl looks to be lacking a bit in the entertainment department next summer.
Drawing people to the Platzl is very much on people's minds these days. In addition to the cancelled events, there are some empty storefronts, and of course, the unfortunate fire at Kootenay Cycle works left another empty space.
At the Chamber Annual General Meeting this past Tuesday, president Darren Close said that there is a lot of focus on empty storefronts, but there is a lot to be positive about as well. There are more full store fronts that empty, he said.
Carol Fergus of the Kimberley Arts Council believes that some events could be put together to bring more people into the Platzl on summer weekends, and she has a few ideas she'd like to share with other Kimberley organizations. As part of the arts community, Fergus sits on the Kimberley Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee, a sub-committee of Tourism Kimberley.
That committee is planning a brainstorming session on Monday, February 4 at Centre 64 to discuss possible ideas for a First Saturdays series of events in Kimberley.
First Saturdays simply means some sort of event in the Platzl on the first Saturday of every month from May through October. It's too much for any one group or person to take on, but if many different organizations came together, it could be pulled off, Fergus believes.
"There are all different kinds of ideas," she said. "Maybe Rotary could do a pancake breakfast one Saturday, or the Elks could do a chili cookoff. June 1 is Marysville Daze and that's a Saturday. We already have a quilt show booked at Centre 64, maybe another event could be planned for the Platzl. Not to detract from Marysville events but to offer something extra.
"We would like to include as many service groups, organizations, businesses, art groups, artisans, festivals and interested individuals, as possible to create diversity. We just want to do some brainstorming on Monday."
If you are interested in attending the session, which begins at 7:30 p.m. give Carol Fergus a call at 250-427-2258; email davecar@telus.net