Summer In The City is almost here... what is new this year?

Summer In The City has a few improvements to this year's festival. 

Carla Campbell with Summer In The City is excited for more seating at the Cultures Stage.

“We're actually working with our Cultures Stage layout to be able to open up that space a little bit better, so that we can get more people around the stage and seated more comfortably because that is always a very popular area of our festival.” 

This year they are going to put chairs out in front of the stage along with the picnic tables.

“The vendors that run along the same side of the street as the stage, we've actually taken and pushed them into the old Janzen's Paint parking lot beside Main Bread & Butter.” 

Campbell is glad they are able to expand the space this year. 

“Local businesses have given us permission to use that area, and the festival wouldn't be where it's at if we did not have the support of our local community.” 

She says not only will they have beer gardens at the Main Stage, but now at the Cultures Stage as well. 

“It’s going to cause like a horseshoe shape, and The Pistons are running our secondary beer gardens location at the top of that horseshoe,” she says. “So you can come, grab your food, you can sit, have a drink. You can listen to the Cultures Stage just to create a whole environment there.” 

Campbell says this year Trans Canada Brewery is a sponsor, so they will have the beer at the Main Stage compound for the patio party.  

“This year we have extra seating at the Main Stage compound, so make sure you look for your way into the compound because they have the whole day lined up with local musicians on the stage both Friday and Saturday, so make sure you don't miss that.” 

Another new thing Campbell mentions for Summer In The City is 50/50. 

“We are doing 50/50 this year. You can get your tickets around that info booth area by Subway, there will be a spot set up there where you can buy your tickets.” 

She notes they are lacking volunteers for the info booth area.  

“And this year we actually have two info booths. Typically we've only had the one by Subway, but the board had decided that we need a secondary location out at the kids tent area.” 

Campbell says the second location will be close to Shear Effects. 

“Because there's so much activity that happens there as well, and so many people that want to know what's going on, or if you drop a water bottle, or you lose a kid, these things happen.” 

You can sign up on their website under the volunteer tab.  

Campbell says the committee is excited for this year’s festival. 

“We have been planning for last year and having everything come together on this weekend, and leading up to it it's been a busy time, but it is so worth it to see the crowds come out and the community come together. We enjoy it. There is a reason why we do all this.” 

With files from Corny Rempel