Five summer events were handed $30,000 from a pot of money set aside to support events with a sense of civic pride and a strong pull for visitors.
From zombies to an outdoor concert, the July events make for an action-packed few weeks. BMO KidzArt Dayz kicks off the month with popular child entertainer Fred Penner.
The Celebrate Prince George grants, a joint project between the city and Tourism Prince George, are handed to events that bring audiences to civic facilities "increase community pride, provide entertainment for locals and visitors, and create a regional tourism draw."
That draw will give visits one more reason to choose B.C.'s northern capital as a destination, said Tourism Prince George CEO, Erica Hummel.
"The Celebrate Prince George Summer Festival will give visitors one more great reason to choose Prince George this summer. It will also entice those passing through to extend their stay in our community and enjoy the festivities," Hummel said in a statement.
In a statement Mayor Lyn Hall called on residents to take part in the July lineup.
"Prince George residents enjoy getting out into the community, volunteering, and having fun. I'm pleased the City and Tourism Prince George have collaborated to give citizens even more to look forward to during the summer months," he said.
The fund was created in August 2015 after council agreed to the annual contribution of $30,000, to be matched by Tourism Prince George, with the first money handed out during February’s winter festival. Here's a breakdown of the upcoming events and the grants given:
BMO KidzArt Dayz
July 8 - 9
$7,750
Hosted by the Prince George Regional Art Gallery Association - Friday July 8 and Saturday July 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Canada Games Plaza. This event features free, fun-filled art children's entertainer, Fred Penner.
Northern Hardware Prince George Canoe Race
July 10
$3,870
The race will start at 8 a.m. at Isle Pierre and Wilkins Park and finishing at Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park and feature music at the Exploration Place as the grand finale.
Summerfest
July 17
$8,200
This free event will feature Exhibitor Alley, Taste Pavilion, mobile food vendors, and live entertainment featuring the Chris Buck Band. It will be in Veterans Plaza, and hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Association from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrating Zombie Pop Culture
July 23
$6,080
A fun and spooky event starting at 9 a.m. at Veterans Plaza. This free event features a zombie phone booth, prize giveaways, and a "zombification station" to help put the finishing touches on costumes. At noon, the zombie walk will begin at the steps of city hall.
Sound of Summer Concert
July 23
$4,100
This is a free outdoor concert organized, managed, and executed by volunteer youth featuring local musicians with some fun activities and active booths. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. and is hosted by the Prince George Community Foundation at Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park.
