The Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (DSBIA) is hosting a new event on July 1, Canada Day.
Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Squamish Together: A celebration of community will take over downtown on that day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The outdoor event will feature live music, food and beverage, cultural performances and X̱ex̱e7énaḵ Creators Together Market along Cleveland Avenue, according to a DSBIA news release.
“Diversity and inclusion is at the heart of this event, and we invite people of all cultures to help us shape and celebrate the richness of our community,” said DSBIA executive director Kerry Neil, in the release.
“When we gather together, we create contagious energy and sense of community pride, and so much of that is being seen and felt in Downtown Squamish. It is our hope that this becomes a lasting legacy for Squamish to look forward to in the years to come.”
Musical guests will include Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Welhtima Kexwusem song and dance group, Lil’wat Nation artist and performer Alex Wells, local bands Little City Big Sound, Ant Hill Kids (formerly Treaty 1), Will Ross and The Hairfarmers, plus performances by the Sea to Sky Dance Collective, a traditional self-defence display from the Squamish Sikh community, and youth and family entertainer Ira Pettle.
There will be food trucks for hungry attendees and a craft beer garden for thirsty adults.
Other features of the event include the kids’ zone, community meet-and-greets and the X̱ex̱e7énaḵ Creators Together Market, which will host local artists and makers.
(Apply for vendor space on the association’s website.)
"Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Squamish Together is being designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind and is free for everyone to attend," the release states.
The public is encouraged to use transit or active transportation, and a bike valet will be provided.
The event is being put on with help or partnership from the BC Fairs, Festivals, and Events Fund (BCFFE), Canadian Heritage - Celebrate Canada grant, Tourism Squamish, Squamish Chamber of Commerce and other sponsors.
Go to the Downtown Squamish website or Instagram for more.
