Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue—it is one of the best known adages in the English language. But for bride-to-be Katalin Czach, it will be more than just a superstitious saying. As fate would have it, Saturday, August 15 is the first of two dates occupied by this year’s Arts Alive in the Park festival at Willingdon Beach. It is also the date of her wedding to Powell River’s Bob Heide at the very same location. Organizers for each will borrow space and share resources to allow the two events to coexist without a hitch—other than the one that is intended, of course.
“It’s all sorted,” said Arts Alive organizer Ann Nelson. A crew from the City of Powell River will set up a tent on the mound near the old logger sports grounds adjacent to Willingdon South. Powell River Arts Council will provide a sound system for the nuptials. As for Arts Alive, which continues through to Sunday, August 16, it will be business as usual. Booths will be set up in a meandering pattern that stretches from Willingdon Creek all the way over to the forestry museum.
“I think it’s just another example of what a warm, inclusive, friendly town Powell River is, no matter what happens,” said Nelson. “If [there’s] a hiccup we fix it, we make it work so everybody has a good time.”
Initially a bit worried that space at the Rotary Pavillion might be at a premium during Saturday’s festivities, Nelson held off on booking musical entertainment for a portion of the afternoon. Now that she has met with the bride and groom and their needs have been unveiled, she is looking for a few more acts to fill out the schedule. “I still have lots of really primo spots on the stage for anyone who is willing to hold up their hand and tell me that they might come and share some of their music,” she said, adding that there’s “lots of room still” for food and artisan booths as well.
“We want a family-friendly day at the beach for everybody with the best food we can line up and the best artists and artisans and the best music,” said Nelson. “What we do is intended to be a day of grazing and schmoozing and eating and listening and watching artists do things and encouraging the kids to do things.”
Local artists and craftspeople will have their works on display from 11 am to 7 pm on Saturday and 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. And if all goes to plan, nature will put on a show of its own.
“We are all praying for the seas to sparkle and the sun to shine and the winds to waft and sailboats to be making pretty pictures out there in between the beach and the mountains,” said Nelson. “The nice couple who are getting married, they’re all excited and they’ve got 50 or 60 friends joining them for what will be a momentous and memorable wedding down at the beach—two very memorable events on the same day.”
For more information on Arts Alive in the Park, interested readers and potential vendors may contact Nelson at 604.483.9345 or [email protected].
