What happens when you bring together a full array of visual artists and artisans, performers, family activities and scrumptious food, all in downtown Langley?
One of the region’s favourite events, of course: Arts Alive!
Celebrating its 27th year, Arts Alive runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 20 along Fraser Highway, between 204 & 206 streets, and truly provides something for everyone – key to its popularity and longevity, says Teri James, executive director of the Downtown Langley Business Association.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring this event back to Langley City, bigger and even better than before, with more excitement and more entertainment,” James says. “After a two-year hiatus, we worked extremely hard to pull out all the stops this year!”
What’s on the Arts Alive calendar this year?
“We have more than 200 artists, artisans, crafters and world-class musicians, a full children’s venue with incredible performers, face-painting and chalk art, roving entertainers and delicious food. It’s just a beautiful vibe that covers two city blocks, all day long.”
Even better, the event is free to attend. While everyone is encouraged to support the vendors, “you can literally walk around all day at no cost and be fully entertained.”
More local businesses are participating than ever before, but even with 140 vendor locations there’s still ample room for valued artists and artisans, including painters, potters, jewellers, clothiers, authors, woodturners, carvers, glass artists and more.
“We’re fully booked with a large waitlist, which has never happened before, and if the weather co-operates, we’re expecting more people to attend than ever before,” James says. “The good news is there’s lots of space for everyone to enjoy.”
Family-friendly fun
“We know that line-ups, particularly in hot weather, are not enjoyable for families, so we’re providing an area with two face painters instead of one (plus a third face painter in Salt Lane), crafts, and chalk art sponsored by Opus Art Supplies – always a favourite. In lieu of the bouncy castle and balloon twister we’ve had in previous years, we’ve programmed the entire area with quality, children’s entertainers all day,” James says.
“This includes singers, a cosmo circus act, magic, a ventriloquist and dancers who will entertain families, so line-ups aren’t a frustration. We put a great deal of thought into this year, especially because we’re anticipating larger-than-usual crowds.”
Salt Lane hosts another of the event’s three entertainment stages, with fantastic musicians throughout the day.
“It’s important to provide an experience where people leave feeling they’ve experienced every aspect of diversity and multiculturalism. This respect for inclusion extends to our vendors and performers,” James notes.
And then there’s the food!
Three food trucks – Meet2Eat, Salty’s Lobster and Veg Out – will park at the east end of the event area with tables, chairs and shade. In addition, Downtown Langley offers a wealth of dining options, representing cuisine from around the world.
”An event of this size takes many months of planning, and needs a fantastic team of marketing designers, website people, social media managers, event executors and dedicated volunteers, not to mention incredible support from numerous sponsors. We can’t wait to see you all on Aug. 20!
Plan your Arts Alive day at downtownlangley.com/events-calendar/arts-alive-festival
