Grande Prairie's Amanda Panda is one of the performers at this year's International Street Performers Festival. Photo courtesy gpstreetfest.com.

By Jeff Henson

STREET PERFORMERS

Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival set to take over 100th avenue downtown this weekend

Jul 19, 2022 | 12:39 PM

The annual Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival returns to 100th avenue between 99th and 101st streets this weekend.

A smaller version of the festival was held last year at the Helen Rice plaza in front of Bonnett’s Energy Centre.

Festival co-chair Wayne Ayling says this is the 22nd edition of their street performers festival, which is made possible in part thanks to a great working arrangement with the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival.

“That allows us to bring in these international entertainers, and make sure that we are at the front of most festivals as far as attracting quality entertainers.”

Ayling says, as in years past, the event will feature a combination of returning performers as well as new acts.

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” The new performers this year include Josh Rogan and Hannah Cryle from Australia. Hannah does the big wheel circle and Josh does acrobatics up in the air. We also have Jay Flair magic, who is a very talented magician “

Some of the other acts scheduled to perform over the weekend include the Silver Starlets, Jason Kodie, and Grande Prairie’s Amanda Panda and Marcia Tofer.

Performances go from 4:30 to 9:45 pm on Friday, noon to 9:45 pm on Saturday, and noon to 6 on Sunday.

The festival is free to attend the event, but Ayling encourages festival goers to bring some cash with them in order to tip the performers, as that is how they make their living over the course of a year.

“These are the best street performers who are touring the world this summer, and they are very hopeful that you will reward their entertainment and expertise with cash.”

“We do provide a change service, where you can bring big bills to our change tent and exchange those big bills for smaller bills, to provide the donation that you wish to make.”

As the festival draws nearer, Ayling admits they are still in need of a few volunteers to help them stage the event.

“We are like all other events that have been happening, in that we are down a few volunteers from last year. So people can always get a hold of us through our website www.gpstreetfest.com ”

The event also features food trucks, and the ATB Kidzone, which includes bouncy castles.