Belleville’s annual summer festival returns to Zwick’s Island this Thursday, July 12th to Sunday, July 15th. Activities and performances abound at this extravaganza. A parade, arts and craft displays, family centered events and music are all part of the program.
This event has been on the calendars of locals and visitors across the Province since 1984. 30,000 people were in attendance last year, and thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, admission is still free and parking costs only $2, w/ a portion of the proceeds supporting youth organizations in the Belleville area.
The scrumptious Ethnic Food Village will have 9 booths.. China, India, Greece, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Portugal and Tibet. The Ethnic Food Village is THE place to be, conveniently located beside the Mainstage with entertainment each day for all ages! Enjoy the comfort of Dining Tents which will be provided for you and your family as shelter from either sun, or drizzle! You can also enjoy the food and treats offered by vendors in the Midway & the BBQ menu items and summer sweets in the Children’s Village!
New highlights for children include meet and greets with Dreamworks Animation Movie Stars Shrek, Puss n’ Boots and Alex The Lion, Marvel Comics Super Hero Spider-Man and Sesame Street characters Elmo & Cookie Monster. Other activities include paddle boat rides, the giant mural project, pit stop challenge, live birds of prey exhibit, puppet shows and puppet making workshops, bubble station, wood craft painting, jewelry making and a penguin fish fling. Back by popular demand this year is The Ultimate Air Dogs Canada Team from Brockville with their demos and competitions, and, Kromatik Extreme Face Artists from Quebec.
Daytime Mainstage schedule includes interactive recreational activities like Zumba classes & DrumFIT workshops, and multicultural acts including the Viva Mexico Mariachi Band, The Imbayakunas Chilean Pan Flute Trio and the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Kingston Dance Troupe.
Evening lineup features renowned Canadian Tribute Band concerts including The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bon Jovi, The Bee Gees & Journey. Also featured are tributes to R&B and Motown sounds from the 60’s and the Disco sounds from the 70’s, as well as the Doo Wop sounds from the 50’s. Enjoy all of these from our covered pavilion or large tented beverage area.
Take time to indulge and savor the unique cuisine, listen to music and be mesmerized by colourful costumes and dancing from countries around the world. Enjoy jewellery, visual arts, wood and iron works, leathercraft, stained glass, pottery, clothing, toys, furniture, body art, body care, fudge, jams/jellies, pet products and much, much more!!