Relaxing at the spa, enjoying a manicure and practicing yoga poses aren’t just for grown-ups.
Squamish’s youngest residents will have a chance to try these activities at the second annual Squamish Children’s Festival on Sunday at O’Siem Pavilion Park in downtown.
The festival’s founder wants to bring the community together, especially since there has been a recent influx of young families moving to Squamish.
“We have events in town that are for adults or anyone in the family, but this one is specifically for the kids,” said Brian Loverin, a real estate agent based in Squamish.
“We want to let kids be kids.”
Three-time Juno nominated singer-songwriters Bobs & Lolo, children’s singer Charlotte Diamond, the Perry Springman band and local singer-comedian Norman Foote will be there, along with Squamish Dance Centre and Squamish Academy of Music.
To honour their traditional territory, Squamish Nation dancers and drummers will also be performing.
The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. served by the air cadets and, following that, food trucks will be onsite until the festival winds up at 6:30 p.m.
Kids can take a photo with storm troopers and Boba Fett who will be stopping by – in between missions, of course – with the Star War’s 501 Squadron.
Magician and face-painter Fanny Starchild and Neezar Circus with jugglers, mimes and stilt walkers, will also be at the festival.
“We’re really expanding since last year. We’ve found that a lot of local businesses wanted to come onboard to help bring the community together,” said the festival’s chairman and local real estate agent Jay Coates.
“We want to make it interactive. We have science booths, jugglers will be here to teach the kids how to juggle and they can take part in a Lil Ninja workout.”
The youngsters will also be able to spruce up with funky hairstyles and flashy nail wraps.
“We have a lot of new families in town, and some who have been here for years, so we want to provide everyone the chance to get to know each other and, perhaps, make some new friends in the community,” said Loverin.
Admission is by donation of non-perishable food to the Squamish Food Bank.
