In the heart of the majestic Canadian Rockies at an altitude of over 1,100m (3,600 feet), you’ll find the stunning beauty and unmatched accommodations of Kimberley, British Columbia.
Originally founded as a mining community in the early 20th Century, Kimberley quickly grew into one of the top year-round resort communities in all of British Columbia. Framed by the peaks of the Kootenays and surrounded by lush forests, you might think you’ve been transported to the beautiful Bavarian Alps enroute to Kimberley. As you arrive in the city, you’ll be taken aback by the friendly people, unique Bavarian-inspired architecture and the multitude of fun things to do. Locations such as Kimberley Nature Park and Lois Creek Trails are scenic and great for activities like hiking, biking, photography and so much more. If you're traveling with the entire family, the Aquatic Centre and Spirit Rock Climbing Center offer a range of things to do. The dining and nightlife here is diverse and you won't have any trouble finding the food and drink of your choice. This beautiful mountain community also loves to celebrate. You’ll encounter a variety of fun events, like Kimberley Julyfest, that provides a great experience, regardless of your reason visiting.
Entering its 44th year, Kimberley Julyfest is a highly anticipated event that attracts thousands of people from the region and all over North America. This family friendly gathering spans three days and has something fun for everyone. While you’ll find the majority of the fun activities you’d expect a big festival, Julyfest has much more. A few additional Julyfest activities include: Canadian Bocce Championships, 5K/10K run, Julyfest Soccer Tournament and more.
When it comes to food options, Julyfest has you covered with multiple on-hand vendors, close proximity to Kimberley restaurants and the ever popular “A Taste of Kimberly,” which is a food tasting event. Make your next getaway one you won't soon forget and head to the Kimberley Julyfest! ResortsandLodges.com got the opportunity to interview Darren Shaben, Representative for the Kimberley Julyfest, to talk about this great community event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
DS: Julyfest is a presented by the Kimberley and District Chamber of Commerce, and runs the third weekend of July. 2016 marks the 44th year of the event and roughly 5,000 people are expected in Kimberley for the festival, soccer tournament and longboard downhill skateboard race.
RAL: What makes the event unique?
DS: Kimberley Julyfest is a unique yearly event. It’s a homecoming weekend for past residents, and people from across Western Canada and Northwestern United States come to town to enjoy the weekend festivities. We have people coming from all over North America to take part in the Canadian National Bocce championships.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a typical day at the festival.
DS: Activities kick off on Friday, July 15th and run thru Sunday, July 17th. Julyfest is home to the Canadian National Bocce Championships with a Men's, Ladies and mixed division, with over 200 teams of four, competing in unique costumes and team names. The beverage gardens are a big draw for the weekend, with over twenty thousand beers served over the three day event. Julyfest is home to one of the largest soccer tournaments in Canada, with over sixty teams participating. On Sunday, there is the Sullivan Longboard Challenge with over 100 skaters going downhill thru the streets of Kimberley. Saturday morning kicks off the Julyfest Parade followed by a Rotary Club pancake breakfast and children's fest with bouncy castles, face painting, climbing wall.
The bocce pits have live music with ten local bands Friday evening from 4 pm until midnight and Saturday from 11 am until 9 pm. Admission to the bocce pits is five dollars per day, and you’re treated to live music and you’ll be able to watch the Canadian National Bocce Championships. Saturday night wraps up with a concert in the Kimberley Civic Center which is on the festival grounds. This years music has the theme of a "Reggae Fest", with The Good ol' Goats, Juno award winning reggae dub D.J. Dubmatix, reggae artist Taj Weekes and Adowa from St. Lucia via New York City.
RAL: What will attendees find for dining options.
DS: Kimberley is a community of 6700 residents with one street light and 42 locations to eat. The festival has a food court with 10 to 15 different food choices from across the Kootenays.
RAL: What is the local lodging situation like?
DS: Kimberley has approx six bed and breakfast locations. The city is home to The Kimberley Alpine Resort, which is a ski facility that is located within city limits and features an Alpine theme and amazing accommodations. Kimberley is also home to three world class golf courses within city limits, Trickle Creek, Bootleg Gap and The Kimberley Golf Club. If you're into camping and the outdoors, check out Wasa Provincial Park and The Kimberley Riverside Campground.
RAL: Is there any place in particular that people tend to visit while in town?
DS: Julyfest is the busiest weekend of the summer season. There are thousands of visitors enjoying Kimberley's walking mall known at the Platzl in the heart of downtown including many unique stores and restaurant patios. It’s a unique experience that everyone should enjoy.
RAL: Why should people come?
DS: People should not only come for Julyfest but they should stay and experience all our beautiful mountain city has to offer. Kimberley is in the center of the Canadian Rockies, with scenery that is second to none. It’s also home to Marysville Falls and the 1800-acre Kimberley Nature Park, which is one of the largest municipal parks in Canada and it's twice the size of Stanley Park in Vancouver. Whether it’s mountain biking, hiking, fishing, golfing or dining, Kimberley has it all with only one traffic light.
For more information about Kimberley Julyfest, please visit their website.