Times Colonist

Parksville Beach Festival

Beach Festival events planned for July and August at Parksville Community Park…

- www.parksville­beachfest.ca

This year, rather than having a specific theme, we’re empowering our sculptors to bring their own vision to life. We’re incredibly excited about the limitless possibilit­ies this approach offers. There will be plenty of activities at the Parksville Community Park throughout the 5 ½ week festival, starting with the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competitio­n July 11-14. Twenty-nine sculptors from around the world will compete for prize money to be awarded Sunday July 14 at the close of the competitio­n. The sculptures will then remain on exhibit until August 18. In addition to our sculpting competitio­n the public will have an opportunit­y to learn sand sculpting techniques used by the profession­als. Parksville Canadian Tire has sponsored two profession­al sculptors on July 13 & 14 to work with the public and teach them how to create a “proper” sand sculpture from scratch. All ages are welcome!”

The new addition to the festival this year is the Footprints Security “Opening Weekend Concert” featuring Trooper. Join us for a night of musical mastery and witness firsthand why this iconic band continues to hold the hearts of music lovers everywhere. To purchase tickets online visit https://shop.mcmillanar­tscentre. com/collection­s/box-office or in person at the MacMillan Arts Centre, 133 McMillan Street, Parksville.

The Tim Hortons Summer Concert Series will feature live performanc­es Friday and Saturday evenings July 19, 20, 26, 27 and August 2, 3, 16 and 17 from 6:30-8:30pm. The shows will feature mainly Vancouver Island musicians performing at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre in the Community Park. Visitors are welcome to bring a blanket or chair and enjoy free entertainm­ent. Dancing is encouraged! Other programmed entertainm­ent includes the Party City Buskers in the Boardwalk Gazebo from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm daily July 15-August 18. Join us for Art in the Park July 20 (10am-6pm) & 21 (10am-4pm). This two-day market will showcase over 60 talented local artisans and vendors in the beautiful park setting of the Parksville Community Park.

Mid Island Co-op “Rock the Park” Music Festival returns August 9-11. This three-day musical event features world-class tribute bands, plus performanc­es by perennial favourites. For the line-up and to purchase tickets online visit https://shop.mcmillanar­tscentre. com/collection­s/box-office or in person at the MacMillan Arts Centre, 133 McMillan Street, Parksville.

On our final weekend, for two nights only the Sand Sculpture Exhibition will remain open after dark. Brought to you by the Coastal Community Credit Union, the sculptures will be illuminate­d which brings out the details in a unique and wonderfull­y different way. The gates will remain open until 11pm the evenings of August 16 & 17.

And finally, on August 18, don’t miss the opportunit­y to experience live orchestral music featuring the Vancouver Island Symphony brought to you by Carol Riera, PREC, RE/MAX Anchor Realty. To purchase tickets online https:// shop.mcmillanar­tscentre.com/ collection­s/box-office or in person at the MacMillan Arts Centre, 133 McMillan Street, Parksville. Other events taking place in the Parksville Community Park during Beach Festival include: Quality Foods Festival of Lights August 17, and the Quality Foods Children’s Sandcastle Competitio­n August 18.

Public entry to see the sculptures begins Friday July 14 at 2pm. The exhibition remains open daily from 9:30am to 8:30pm through August 18. Admission is by suggested donation of $5 per person. Method of payment accepted: Cash, Debit, Visa, and Master Card.

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