Red Deer’s downtown will be popping with the sights and sounds of CentreFest, the City’s annual street festival this weekend.
CentreFest runs July 31 and Aug. 1 in the heart of downtown – in and around the intersection of Gaetz Ave. and Ross St.
Folks can grab a sneak preview of festival performers July 30th at noon in City Hall Park during the ATCO Gas Kick-Off BBQ. Proceed will go to supporting CentreFest.
Heading into its eighth year, the festival features an array of stellar street performers from around the world from dancers and magicians to comics and contortionists. Shows run from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Organizers say this year will spotlight more local artists from across Central Alberta.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to showcase some of our wonderful, award winning local talent, alongside the world renowned international performers,” said Randy Butler, festival director. “Central Alberta has a vibrant and diverse performing arts scene, and we are extremely proud to bring some of these performers to our audience.”
Red Deer native Spandy Andy (also known as Andy Rimer) will be making at stop at this year’s event. These days, he’s busy entertaining folks in Vancouver’s downtown or along the beaches of English Bay.
Another claim to fame is that he was also named ‘Canada’s Freshest Dancer’ in So You Think You Can Dance Canada’s $10,000 Colgate contest.
“I’ve changed so much as a person/performer, its going to be fun to test it out back where it all began,” he said.
Also new this year are two theatre groups who will be entertaining with improv and scenes from their upcoming and ongoing productions.
Against the Wall Theatre will keep folks entertained with impromptu games and improv and Prime Stock Theatre’s The Bard on Bower will bring their own renditions of Shakespeare to downtown Red Deer. Cast members will perform sword fights, comedy routines and scenes from Comedy of Errors and Much Ado About Nothing.
Lacombe-based magician Kyle Key will also be showcasing his talents. Another local entertainer is Little Smarty the clown from the Giggle Gang in Didsbury.
Schuyler Snowdon is a former Red Deerian that has acquired many rare skills including stilt-walking, juggling knives, walking across broken glass and laying on a bed of nails.
Meanwhile, buskers and musicians will also be ready to entertain. There are also vendors selling crafts, food, drinks and many other items to check out.
Check out www.centrefest.ca.
