Back for its 12th year, the 39 Days of July festival is bound to have something for everyone and then some.
“I surely anticipate it will be the best yet,” said Duncan Cowichan Festival Society president Jeff Downie in his program message, which is available throughout downtown Duncan and likely beyond. “We have had our challenges these past couple of years, but the Society, the event coordinators and the volunteers as well as the community have shown tremendous resiliency.”
Downie went on to say that scheduling limitations “are now in the rear view mirror” which means a diverse lineup for this year’s festivities, more shows in Duncan City Square, and the return of the Panago Grand Parade on Duncan Day (July 9). The events of Duncan Day run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and along with the parade, feature market vendors, live music, dance and martial arts performers, inflatable games and more.
That’s just one of the 39 Days you won’t want to miss. In fact, there are far too many events, bands, activities, and speakers to ever fit into one single story so you’ll need to get a program and see for yourself the full schedule of events. Know, though, that there’ll be something to see and do every day of the festival at pretty much anytime you’re down for a show.
“The underlying mandate of this festival as I see it is ‘if you are treading on thin ice you might as well dance’ along with ‘upon seeing light at the end of the tunnel, order more tunnel!’” said artistic director Longevity John Falkner. “…with thangs opening up as they have, this year’s festival programming is so funtastic you do not want to miss any of it. Performances from touring and local performers for the listening audiences as well as plenty scheduled for the dance crowds guarantees you will be in ‘A Rather Fun Place To Be’.”
Concerts in City Square begin at 8:15 p.m. on June 24 and continue every evening until July 31.
Canada Day celebrations take place from noon to 7 p.m. at Charles Hoey Park on, you guessed it, July 1, and will feature a different performer every hour. Cake is at 4 p.m.
Sundays in the Park are back with live music much of the day every Sunday, with Children’s Day being July 17.
Showcase Mondays are also in the park every afternoon from roughly 4 p.m. onward. Tuesdays are for blues. Walkabout Wednesdays are back with more music in City Square so listeners can have their choice of the downtown or park setting.
Thursday evenings in the park feature shows at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays are also booked up in the park so grab a schedule to see who is playing.
Community talks also run Mondays “on topics that we believe will be of aid to our community in ways not always thought of,” says the program.
Duncan Has Talent is back for another year of competition, as well. Plus more. So much more.
39 Days of July runs from June 24 to Aug. 1.
For more information visit @39daysofjuly on Facebook or visit the 39 Days website at www.39daysofjuly.ca
