While some say the arrival of robins and blooming tulips signal the start of spring, Creston, B.C., residents mark the season with a time-honoured tradition – the Blossom Festival.
Now in its 84th year, the annual community celebration runs over the May long weekend, from May 16 to 19, and promises a wide range of events and activities for all ages.
“I grew up with the Blossom Festival, being born and raised in Creston,” says Jennifer Huscroft, festival president, whose later father Johnny Huscroft was heavily involved in the event planning. “It’s always been something in our family to give back to the community. I love getting to be a part of something that highlights our valley and brings in lots of fun and unique activities.”
Hunt for the Golden Blossom
Back for the second year, the Hunt for the Golden Blossom kicks off on the Friday. A clue will be posted to blossomfestival.ca at 4 p.m. with the whereabouts of the golden item, hidden somewhere on public property. (Note: trespassing or damaging private property is strictly prohibited.) Play for a chance to win a $500 prize.
Opening Ceremonies
The festival’s opening ceremonies take place Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at the Kootenay River Theatre. This year, Stage. Screen. Songs! will feature a variety show by the Skyway Singers, presenting music from movies, TV sitcoms, Broadway and beyond.
Nine vocalists from Creston and Nelson will perform songs from classics such as Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, Charlie Brown, and more – with medleys sure to get toes tapping.
Tickets are available online at crestontickets.ca for $28 each. The evening will also feature the Citizen of the Year Awards, as nominated by community members.
Parade and Street Fair
As always, on Saturday morning, the Blossom Festival parade will march down Canyon Street from Dairy Queen to the Creston Valley Mall. To kick it off, the Creston Valley Flying Club will perform a fly-by at 10:50 a.m.
“Our theme this year is ‘Love of Farming’ to highlight the local agriculture in the valley and the different things that are grown here,” said Huscroft.
Local farmer Erin Harris, owner of Kootenay Meadows who also appeared on the TV show Farming for Love, will lead the parade.
Before the parade, enjoy a hearty breakfast hosted by the Creston Lions Club next to 7-Eleven from 7:30 to 11 a.m. ($6 for kids, $10 for adults).
The Lions also organize the Street Fair, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spirit Square (11th Avenue N. and Canyon Street), featuring handmade goods, snacks, and art by local vendors.
Also downtown, check out the Teen Art Walk, with work by Kootenay River Secondary School students displayed in storefront windows all weekend.
Concert and Beer Garden
On Saturday evening, May 17, the Creston and District Community Complex will host a lively concert and beer garden.
The lineup includes tribute bands Dreams (Fleetwood Mac), Arrival (ABBA), and Spirit of Shania (Shania Twain). Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $70 and available at www.crestontickets.ca. This is a 19+ event.
Midway
From Friday through Monday, Shooting Star Amusements brings rides, games, and fair food to Millennium Park.
Free Lunch
In the weekend’s spirit of giving back, a free lunch of taco in a bag will be offered at Legion Hall (11 Ave. N.) on Sunday from noon to 1:30 p.m. The portable snack will be perfect to take walking around downtown to check out other events and local businesses.
Children’s Parade and Picnic
Monday, May 19 is all about the kids. The Children’s Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Millennium Park and proceeds along Cedar Street to Centennial Park.
“We have a lot of new people to the valley, and even though our children’s parade is like a long-standing tradition, a lot of people aren’t aware that it’s actually it’s a chance for children to have their own parade and participate and dress up,” Huscroft says.
At 11:30 a.m., the Creston Minor League will host a picnic barbecue in the park. Children who took part in the parade will receive a free hot dog and drink.
And lots more!
The long weekend is a huge showing of community spirit in the Creston Valley, with much more in store including the Yaqan Nukiy Powwow, horsemanship competitions, and the Blossom 5K and 10K runs.
And of course, events are not just limited to town limits. The Artisans of Crawford Bay welcome visitors to take the beautiful 70-minute drive down the east shore to check out their wares. And in Kitchener, the Kootenay Smoke ‘n Guns competition will see mounted cowboys showing off their sharp shooting skills.
Commemorative pins are available at the Creston Valley Visitor Centre and farmers’ market for $5 each. Proceeds go right back to the festival to putting on all of the great free events.
“We have a huge team of volunteers to put this together, literally thousands of hours go into organizing this every year,” Huscroft says. “We’re very lucky, and we’re always looking for more, but we’re very lucky to have the dedicated people we do.”
For a full schedule of events, visit blossomfestival.ca or the Creston Valley Blossom Festival Facebook page.
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