JulyFest is returning to Kimberley this weekend, from July 18 to 20, for its 53rd year, featuring the long-running Canadian Bocce Championships, a community parade, live music and a variety of local events.
Organized by the volunteer group Events from Myrtle Mountain, the festival is centred around the McKim Middle School grounds on Rotary Drive.
“This is Kimberley’s oldest and biggest festival,” said Jeremy Christensen, secretary-treasurer of Events from Myrtle Mountain.
“It brings the whole community together. There’s a little something for everyone.”
The bocce tournament, considered the centrepiece of JulyFest, has been a highlight since the festival began more than five decades ago.
“To my knowledge, bocce has been part of JulyFest for all 53 years,” said Christensen.
“It’s seen many versions over the years, through Winterfest and different locations, and officially became the Canadian Bocce Championships a number of years ago.”
This year’s tournament features 113 registered teams. In past years, the event has drawn more than 200 teams, and organizers say they hope to return to that level in future years.
Spectators can watch the bocce matches at the McKim grounds, where food trucks and a vendor market will also be set up.
Admission to the grounds is $10.
Live music will take place throughout the day on both Friday and Saturday.
A ticketed concert is scheduled for Saturday night, July 20, at the Kimberley Civic Centre, with performances by Side Hustle and The Honeymans.
Admission to the concert is $20.
The annual community parade will be held Saturday morning and is being run in partnership with the local food bank.
Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations.
For maps, scheduling and event updates, attendees can visit the festival’s social media pages or contact organizers directly:
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Instagram/Facebook: @kimberleyjulyfest
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Instagram/Facebook: @eventsfrommyrtlemountain
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