A kick-off to CentreFest was held Friday at City Hall Park offering those gathered a taste of what the popular event – which runs this weekend – holds.

CentreFest runs on Ross Street and 49th Ave. July 29th from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and July 30th from noon to 6 p.m.

As the CentreFest web site points out, buskers can be dancers, mimes, artists, clowns, magicians, musicians, puppeteers, snake charmers, jugglers, acrobats, sword swallowers, tumblers, living statues and comedians – their diversity really knows no limits.

No two shows are ever the same, which also makes street performing a truly unique form of entertainment.

Portable washrooms are available on site. There is a Toonie Tent for change to ‘put in the hats’. Emergency first-aid services are available. Parking is available all around the site.

This year marks the 15th year for the event, said Festival Director Janice Shimek, who has been involved with CentreFest in various capacities over the years and is in her fourth as the festival’s director.

Estimates are that between 25,000 to 30,000 check out the two-day event.

Of course, audience members are encouraged to ‘pass the hat’ and make donations to help support the artists, but as Shimek pointed out, some folks give more which means that those without the funds to do so can still take in the wonders of CentreFest.

For more information, check out www.centrefest.ca.