By Calli Gregg W ith summer finally here, it is time to get out and enjoy all that it has to offer including busker fes- tivals. Living and working in Halifax, NS, Canada, I know a thing or two about these festivals and how they can generate tre- mendous economic spin off for the host towns and cities with hundreds and thousands of people visiting these areas to watch these amazing street performers. Not only is it great for hotels, restaurants and bars, but other retail sectors also see the spin off with increased visitor presence. These festivals are also a great way for local, national and international businesses to advertise at these events to promote their brand and make these events possible at the same time. Now if you have ever been to a busker festival then you will know that the performers themselves are not compensated directly for their attendance at the festival, but will pass the hat, bucket or whatever will hold money around after their act is completed for spectators to give money. There is no set amount to give, but as you will here often, “Just fold it up and put it in the hat,” the joke being that in Canada we have the loonie and toonie so the first bill would be five dollars, you will here this a lot, but it never gets old and they have fun with it. These festivals are set for different age levels with the more family friendly events during the day and then more adult appropriate content for the evening performances truly offering something for everyone to enjoy. These are our top busker festivals for the Summer of 2018 that will offer something for all with amazing venues to enjoy the spectacular performers. Kamloops International Buskers Festival Resting on the shores of two picturesque rivers of amazing scenery. This might be the First Annual Kamloops Interna- tional Buskers Festival (formerly the Victoria International Buskers Festival) but Kamloops is ready and welcoming the world to its beautiful downtown for an amazing 4 days of exciting entertainment. Professional street performers from the region as well as from across Canada, Europe and Australia, will converge for this festival offering something for everyone to enjoy. This is a family-oriented festival, which is free to attend and presented on outdoor stages to be enjoyed by all. In true busker fashion, tips to busker’s hats are always welcomed When: July 26 th – 29 th , 2018 Where: Kamloops, BC, Canada Why: Well Kamloops, located in the BC’s Interior, is more than a city, it’s a state of mind.
and appreciated by the performers.
For more information visit : http://kamloopsbuskers.com/ Follow on Twitter: @kamloopsbuskers Follow on Facebook: @KamloopsBuskers
Buskers in the Burg When: September 28 th – 29 th , 2018 Where: Ellensburg, WA, USA Why: This amazing two-day event will have the whole family smiling and a great way to end the summer of 2018 with a whole plethora of activities for all on Friday and Saturday.
Buskers in the Burg festivities take place downtown and center on the corner of 4th Ave and Pearl Street. This is a family-friendly event and activities include an art parade, a straw maze, pumpkin painting, pony rides, bounce houses, and of course amazing buskers!!! For more information visit: http://buskersintheburg.org/ Follow on Facebook: @BuskersInTheBurg
Downtown Victoria Buskers Festival When: August 30 th – September 3rd, 2018 Where: Victoria, BC, Canada Why: Like you need a reason to visit beautiful Victoria, BC, but if you do this amazing event is only in its second
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JUNE 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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