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By Justine Kelsie

DT construction not a problem for Street Performers Festival

Mar 31, 2018 | 6:00 AM

The Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival continues to thrive despite construction downtown the past few summers.

Co-chair and Founder of the event Wayne Ayling says the volunteer-run event received three honours this past year.

“The global Finkle Award from the international street performer’s community for the work we do here in our region, the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce Award for the best arts and culture not-for-profit business in our region, and we were nominated to the Alberta Chamber for the same arts and culture provincial award. We were short listed for the last one and didn’t actually make it on the provincial level, but it is an honour to be short-listed to a list of three not-for-profits to be considered,” said Ayling.

Phase three of the downtown rehabilitation project construction fires up again this May and is set to run into October. The work will be impacting 100 Avenue from 100 Street to 102 Street. There are also proposed plans for a fourth phase that could take place next summer.

In light of recent construction, this summer the performers and vendors will be moving locations one block to the north and one block to the west.

“It is a not-so-secret location around the Farmer’s Market. We are very excited to show off the best street performers in this new location.”

Ayling thanked the city staff during a city committee presentation Tuesday for making tweaks during the construction that will eventually help festivals and events held downtown.

The performers and vendors usually spend the three days on 100 Avenue between 99 Street and 102 Street.

The group hasn’t decided what they will do for future festivals once the construction is done.  

The 2018 Street Performers Festival will go July 20 to 22. 

by Justine Kelsie