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N.B. street festival back for another year

May 24, 2017 | 11:50 AM

The annual North Battleford International Street Performer Festival will be returning to the downtown area this summer for its fourth year.

Volunteer chair Kent Lindgren said he is thrilled to see the festival’s growth.

Last year, the festival, which includes performers from all over the world, attracted roughly 4,000 people to the community and received a provincial award for best community event. Some performers came from as far as Australia, Europe, the U.S., and from across Canada. Performances included a range of activities from comedians and magicians to ballerinas. 

“It’s really exciting to see how many people can come together over a weekend and just really bring the downtown to life,” Lindgren said.

The local event is free to attend although performers will accept donations. Beyond performances, attendees can expect vendors, food booths and an art sale.

“Last year, we had 28 different vendors and artists, and this year we already had 12 people sign up. We’re very hopeful word is getting out and more people are coming down to the festival,” Lindgren said.

The event will be held from July 28-30 and will close traffic along 101st St. near 13th Ave. Performers will also be present at Central Park near the library. 

While Lindgren is looking forward to the entertainment, he said the festival also gives him a sense of positivity for the community. 

“I think for a long time we were very down on ourselves and quick to say negative things about ourselves. My hope is what comes of this festival is people see themselves that this is a pretty amazing thing that is happening for a lot of people, and it’s a ton of fun,” he said. “The amount of support we get from the business communities and the sponsors in this community blows me away every year.

“We’re so grateful to everybody that sponsors and supports us.”

Organizers are still looking for more volunteers to help with this year’s event. Details are available on the festival website at www.nbstreetfest.com

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW