The rides are whirling and food vendors are preparing carnival goers’ festive favourites as the annual Silver City Days opens today.
This year’s 47th edition promises the same adrenalin rush but with 11 new vendors and related celebrations like Spring Fling and the Fun Run adding to this year’s entertainment.
Event coordinator Ian McLeod is in his 13th year organizing the event and while the festival is highly anticipated, finding volunteers is often difficult.
“They all show up until the real work starts,” laughs McLeod.
But every year the work manages to get done, thanks to the same volunteers that vow not to return – but thankfully, they always do.
And while the festival budget has increased this year to about $55,000, past conflicts with the city have diminished, says McLeod.
“We have nipped about 90 per cent of past problems in the bud, but there is still 10 per cent that we can work on.
“This is probably the best one in the last five years.”
To get the party started, the rides along the Esplanade will rev up at 4 p.m. today along with live entertainment on the main stage as well as the Gyro Casino spinning the wheel.
Thursday, the food vendors and shopping booths open for business and the main stage welcomes Flydinin the Magician, General Store and Mirage Middle East Dance Ensemble.
The AM Ford Bocce Classic rolls out at noon Friday at the Trail Curling Club, join up for the two-day event or come out and watch the fun unfold.
Friday night the main stage will be rocking with perennial local favourites One Wroe Back and Jason Thomas as well as Sunshine Drive, Blazing Divas and SOTU.
The parade promises to shine this year as six Scottish Pipe Bands will march the parade route serenading Miss Trail and her princesses, who will be crowned Friday night at the Charles Bailey Theatre.
And as the sun sets Saturday, Trail firefighters will set the night ablaze with a spectacular fireworks show.
For those inclined, the party will continue at the beer garden at the Cominco Gym but don’t overindulge as the next morning, the 5/10 K Fun Run starts early, followed by Family Day at Gyro Park.