With more feet of beaches than number of residents, Kaslo, British Columbia is not only the largest city on Kootenay Lake, but the perfect location for your next summer adventure.
A convenient location directly on the shores of Kootenay Lake gives Kaslo a collection of benefits and activities that you won't find anywhere else in the region. The scenery here is amazing, and lush forests dominate the land, giving way to the mountains, rivers and lakes that accent the landscape. Without leaving downtown, you’ll encounter the city's biggest attraction: Kootenay Lake. Covering a staggering 154 square miles, the lake provides ample opportunities for activities like boat tours, fishing, sunbathing and sailing. The Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is only an hour from Kaslo and has a variety of natural features for you to enjoy such as glaciers, lakes, creeks and unique land formations. If you love the outdoors, then Kaslo is perfect for you.
It’s not just about outdoor activities in Kaslo and the surrounding communities. The dining scene here is diverse. Blue Belle Bistro and The Tree House Restaurant are great options, offering you a variety of dishes to choose from. Kaslo also lays claim to unique culture and rich history. There are some great sites and museums to visit like the SS Moyie (oldest intact sternwheeler ship in the world), Kaslo Village Hall, and the Langham Cultural Centre. To get fully immersed in the Kaslo culture, trying scheduling your visit during one of the great local festivals like the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival.
Now crossing the quarter century mark, the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival has established itself as one of the top music events in all of British Columbia. Expecting nearly 6,000 people in 2016, this festival is great regardless of whether you’re on a couple’s getaway or if you're traveling with the family. You’ll encounter food and merchandise vendors, opportunities to dance, workshops, kids activities and of course, great live music. What makes this event so unique is not just the great collection of preforming artists, but also the unique setting and landscape of Kaslo Bay Park. We got the opportunity to interview Paul Hinrichs, Executive Director for the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival, to talk about fun and activity filled event.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
PH: This is the 25th year! Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival started back in 1992 and has grown steadily ever since.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
PH: It varies a bit, but this year we’re expecting at least 6000 patrons over the course of the weekend.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
PH: It’s a real mix people at the event. In recent years it was couples aged 50 and over, but this year we are seeing many more families and groups aged 35+. We welcome anyone interested in live music to join us.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
PH: Big Mountains, Small Village, Floating Stage is our tagline, and for good reason! The environment is one of a kind, and it’s a truly stunning festival site. The floating stage with the Purcell Mountains in the background was recognized by both Reuters and USA Today as one of the best festival sites in the world!
RAL: What can attendees expect for activities at the festival?
PH: We have so much going on that we have a little something to do for everyone who attends including live music performances, ample dancing opportunities, various workshops, plenty of kids entertainment, yoga classes, vendors and much more!
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances this year?
PH: You bet! Sunday night’s finale with The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra will be full of surprises!
RAL: What will people find for dining and beverage options?
PH: Lots of great local vendors will be onsite serving up a wide variety of food options. Nelson Brewing Company will also be onsite pouring their famous organic beer!
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
PH: Most hotel and resort style accommodations have been fully booked for some time. The bulk of our patrons stay at Bed & Breakfasts or at campgrounds.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
PH: A great deal. This is a community of 1,000 people, so to bring this level of event really has an impact. We hire local residents to staff the event, and young people get to see a high profile event up close. Music lovers get a hometown show and local businesses really benefit by being extremely busy all weekend long
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
PH: Yes, it has a significant effect on the local economy. Kaslo has a population of roughly 1,000 people and with 6,000 in attendance for the festival, almost every business in town see a nice jump in sales.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
PH: Yes, every year we provide a $500 bursary to the JV Humphries graduating class.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
PH: Kaslo alone is a very special place. People coming here are treated to a relaxed mountain town and beautiful scenery, water activities, hiking, etc. Add in a world class music festival and we believe there is nowhere else in British Columbia that offers this combination of entertainment. If you love the outdoors, you love music, and you love having fun, this is the festival for you!
For more information about the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival, please visit their website.