Squamish residents had a number of reasons to flock downtown in recent weeks and if all goes well, it looks like the popular Downtown Squamish Summer Series will return for next year.
According to Mayor Rob Kirkham, the series helped draw people and interest to downtown Squamish.
I think it was a great success, he said of the four different events run over the summer. The whole concept of it was to bring people downtown and add some vibrancy and I think it did that in spades.
The series kicked off Aug. 16 with the Night Market at the Park at Stan Clarke Park. It was followed by the Cinema Under the Stars event on Aug. 29, the Squamish Idol competition on Sept. 14 and concluded with the Jam at the Pavilion gathering on Sunday (Sept. 29).
Kirkham said drawing more locals to downtown Squamish has been high on council's agenda.
The transformation of the downtown initiative was something that we as a council set as a priority, he said. One of the key things for transforming the downtown is to actually have people recognize it was a go-to place and have a reason to come down here.
Kirkham said district staff helped come up with the concept for the events and added that he enjoyed the creativity.
I think the whole concept of the Cinema Under the Stars was a great idea, he said. And I really like the idea of drawing out our local talent with Squamish Idol. We've got so many talented young people in our community and compliments to Asia Mader for winning.
He said there's a strong chance the series could return next year, as long as it fits the budget.
I think we could probably repeat all of the events next year, he said. But just like everything we do, it's subject to budget. I think it was such a great success that we should be absolutely looking at the same kind of thing for next year.
For more information on the series, visit www.squamish.ca/heart.
