The plans for the 5th Annual Celebration of the Arts Festival are well underway. This year, the Festival will again take place at the grounds of Sam’s Pizza and Rib House (formerly Barr K Treats) on the Yellowhead Highway, June 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
On the morning of June 11, members will be seen putting up a large banner along the fence. Several members were on the Midday News segment of CFJC on June 8, and more members will be interviewed on “the Bear”, Barriere’s own radio station (93.1 FM) on June 19, in the morning.
Posters advertising the Festival have been plastered all over town, and throughout the North Thompson Valley, even as far away as Ashcroft and Merritt.
North Thompson Valley artisans, and artists from 100 Mile, Merritt, and other Interior towns will be coming to demonstrate, display and sell their wares. Items will include: pottery, paintings, carvings, stained glass, handmade soaps, spinners and weavers, wood furniture, greeting cards and much more.
The opening ceremonies will be at 10 a.m. on the Saturday, and this year organizers say they will have a microphone and speakers, so everyone should be able to hear. There will be a children’s art board again this year; giving youngsters a chance to paint, and there will be a variety of entertainment throughout both days. There is no admission fee.
There will also be a booth on site for the North Thompson Arts Council, with membership information and forms for those who would like to join the group. You don’t have to be an artist yourself to join; and by being a member you will be supporting the arts in the North Thompson Valley.
For those wishing to help with last minute details, there will be a Celebration of the Arts committee meeting on June 19, 5 p.m. at the Station House Restaurant. Everyone is welcome to attend.