One glance at this year’s list of summer events and it is clear that Powell River is in the midst of a beautiful predicament. We have become so rich with activities that organizers are starting to run out of weekends to hold them. June and July are a testament to that, with a mixture of longstanding events and a few returning favourites woven tightly together throughout the first half of the summer.
PRISMA
Until June 25
Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA) has quickly become the musical kickoff to summer in Powell River. This year’s festival features a concerto competition, guest artists’ concert and three performances by the festival symphony orchestra, in addition to PRISMA on the Beach, a free oceanside performance held at Willingdon Beach on June 15. And, as always, daily master classes are free to attend.
Canada Day celebrations
July 1
Celebrate our Canadian heritage with a family-friendly afternoon at Willingdon Beach, hosted by City of Powell River’s parks, recreation and culture department. The day’s festivities include food, entertainment and plenty of activities for children, including face painting, ORCA (On the Road with Children’s Activities) Bus, a petting zoo and two bouncy castles. The event takes place from 1-5 pm.
International Choral Kathaumixw
July 5-9
International Choral Kathaumixw has consistently grown and evolved since the first instalment took place in 1984, but this year’s festival might just be the biggest one yet. Boasting a full slate of more than 30 participating choirs, an all-new format for its opening and closing ceremonies and a totem pole as its top award, there will be much to see and hear.
BC Bike Race
July 7-8
BC Bike Race is celebrating its 10th year by bringing 600 riders from 36 countries to Powell River’s backcountry on July 7 and 8. Participants have repeatedly expressed their love for our city’s exceptional trail network, and locals have always reciprocated with a warm welcome at Westview Ferry Terminal and plenty of encouragement along the course on race day.
Powell River Logger Sports
July 15-17
After going on hiatus for 11 years, Powell River’s beloved Logger Sports competition is back due to public demand. Organizer Bob Marquis clearly has not lost his ability to attract the world’s best lumberjacks to Willingdon Beach, as competitors will be coming from as far as Australia, New Zealand and Germany to duke it out for multiple Canadian, World and North American championships.
Texada Island Sandcastle Weekend
July 16-17
One of Texada Island’s oldest traditions is the annual sandcastle competition, which has taken place at Gillies Bay Beach for more than 20 years. Participants range from singular artists to entire families, often involving multiple generations of sand sculptors in the process. This year’s events will also include a lip sync competition, pancake breakfast and a few more surprises soon to be announced.
Curling Bonspiel
July 21-24
Powell River Curling Club celebrates its 60th anniversary this year with a summer bonspiel at Powell River Recreation Complex, which has plenty of room for watching the action unfold. In addition to a 24-team mixed spiel, organizers have added a new 32-curler jitney funspiel, which involves teams being created at random from curlers of all ages and ability levels.
Diversity Festival
July 22-24
Texada Island’s annual Diversity Festival returns to Shingle Beach Campground, offering a fusion of electronic and live music with art and creative culture. The event serves as a fundraiser for the maintenance and development of the lands, though admission is free for those 12 and under or 65 and over. A full roster for both performance stages will be announced soon.
Powell River Sea Fair Parade
July 23
Powell River Sea Fair and its popular midway will be taking a year off from its usual format at Willingdon Beach, but organizers have ensured the beloved parade will run as always. Elaborate floats and vintage cars are set to muster behind Town Centre Mall before departing at 10 am for the journey along Barnet Street, Joyce Avenue, Alberni Street and Marine Avenue. This year’s parade will also feature Pride Powell River celebrations.
Texada Island Fly-In
July 30
Texada Island’s annual fly-in will take to the skies at Gillies Bay Airport from 9 am-3 pm on July 30, capping off the always popular Aerospace Camp for kids held earlier that weekend. Fraser Blues formation fliers have been coaxed out of retirement once again for a rare performance, and modern and vintage aircraft will be on display.
