In just over two weeks, people will start arriving in Powell River for Performing Arts BC Provincial Festival.
Hosted by The Rotary Club of Powell River, the festival is being organized by a committee of both club and community members.
Accommodations are mostly booked up for the event that begins with registration on May 26, followed by four days of competitions and performances.
“Something surprising was that bed and breakfasts filled up before hotels and motels,” said Tracey Ellis, manager of Tourism Powell River’s information centre.
“Most places are fully booked now and some have waiting lists. We received a lot of requests from people who wanted to be five minutes away from the venues and on the ocean. We work with visitors to ensure everyone has a place to stay. Our goal is to have them come back once they have attended the festival and have seen what we have to offer.”
Ellis is also helping with welcome bags, which she ordered from her supplier. “The bags themselves make a wonderful memento and our members are providing coupons and incentives for our visitors.”
Kim Hopper and her son Jeremy have been visiting businesses to increase awareness of the festival and encourage them to place an offer in the welcome bags. Jeremy has been attending provincial festivals for several years and will be part of this one as well.
“Businesses have been very receptive,” Kim said. “We want to have a welcome bag that will really impress visitors coming to the festival. Eating out and buying souvenirs are something our family and others do during the event.”
Main concert tickets are already selling through Powell River Academy of Music and Breakwater Books.
“We have printed individual tickets for the Thursday Provincial Honours, Friday CANADance (nationals and dance finals) and Saturday Gala Closing,” explained Val Thompson, receptionist at the academy. “Tickets are $15 each or three for $40.”
In addition, people can purchase a festival pass that gives them access to any session as well as the official program. They will be available at the Performing Arts BC office at Powell River Recreation Complex and at the venues.
Venues include Dwight Hall for junior and Canadian piano, Dwight Hall Studio for dance, Patricia Theatre for classical voice, St. David and St. Paul Anglican Church for junior and Canadian strings, Max Cameron Theatre and Dance Studio for dance, Evangel Pentecostal Church for strings and chamber, the recreation complex for musical theatre and dance, Sheridan Dance Academy for dance, Living Water Foursquare Church for vocal variety, Carlson Community Club for speech arts, Powell River United Church for brass and woodwinds, and the academy for senior piano.
For complete schedules, readers can go online.
