Organizers for the second annual Wild at Art Festival are in full gear and so far over 200 performers are booked for the May 6 and 7 event. This year's event is expected to draw 4,000 people who will witness arts and cultural performances along with the grand opening of Squamish's new Adventure Centre on Loggers Lane at Hwy. 99.
The two-day multicultural festival will engage audiences in a wide array of music, dance, theatre, exhibitions, special events and recreation held on the Adventure Centre grounds and Rose Park.
Last year's festival drew in around 2000 people, and that was with very little advertising and some last minute organization, according to festival coordinator Julie Atkinson-Beckett.
"I can't wait for people to see even just the maps," said Atkinson-Beckett. "We're choreographing the whole place so you'll be able to see everything. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. it's going to be professional entertainers and street entertainers and stilt walkers and clowns. It's going to be amazing."
Amateur visual and performing artists from the Sea to Sky corridor will be on display along with professionals from the Sea to Sky, Vancouver and beyond. The event will commence Friday, May 6 with First Nations celebrations, the arrival of war canoes and a welcoming ceremony and cultural exchange. The Adventure Centre grand opening, a visual art display, a string quartet and an outdoor dance party are just a few of the activities on the day's agenda. And Saturday, May 7 will be just as busy with interactive displays, recreational activities and plenty of food.
Volunteers are needed to support every aspect of the event. "Volunteers in all capacities can phone me and tell me what they can do," said Atkinson-Beckett.
Anyone wishing to donate time to the festival can contact Atkinson-Beckett at 604 898-1448.
