The summer fun and traditions continue this weekend as Red Deerians will be able to take in the sights and sounds of CentreFest.
Sporting all kinds of international artists and performers, Red Deer’s annual CentreFest festival hits the downtown core July 30th-31st.
This the 14th annual festival and each year continues to get bigger and better. It truly is an incredible opportunity to see some world-class entertainment right here in our own City.
CentreFest began in 2002 and has since evolved into the largest street performer festival in Central Alberta. From the beginning, it seems to have a built-in local audience. Each year the festival draws in over 25,000 people from all around Alberta, organizers say.
CentreFest will also be host to Circus World this year which will be presented by Axiom Architecture which gives kids an opportunity to be a part of the big-top and learn various circus skills.
Music World will also be at the festival so patrons can listen to local talent and big hits while they enjoy other activities.
The festival plans on hosting events all day and will be featuring several globally recognized international talents. These include Bill Ferguson, the ‘Master of Crowd Control’, who hails from the UK. With a simple challenge of juggling any three things of the audience’s choice, Ferguson promises to entertain the crowd with a little surprise, should he succeed in juggling the three items. But if he fails to perform the trick, it’s pie to the face time.
Cirque No Problem joins the festival from Israel. Winners of the World Street Performer Championship 2014, the acrobatics show brings traditional 20’s travelling circus companies and modern circuses together for a show that promises a grand display of their performing prowess.
ZAP Circus comes through from down under Australia. The award winning Rusty and Tarabelle put on a ‘circus extravaganza’ for spectators with their flaming-hot juggling and hoop spinning.
Flip from Canada’s own Quebec makes their way to CentreFest as well. Kids will flip out when they see the three person acrobatic/trampoline comedy show. The show will keep audience members laughing and astounded.
The Puppet Guy comes in from Newark, New Jersey. Though the name sounds simple, his puppeteering skills are beyond compare as Lee Zimmerman, the hand behind the marionette, astounds crowds with his rock and roll puppet show. The world recognized talent that is Zimmerman’s The Puppet Guy has not only been going strong for 30 years, but has also appeared on the Drew Carey Show and worked with Quentin Tarantino.
JuggleMania joins in from Portland, Oregon.
The show stars Rhys Thomas, the man who tosses knives in the air like they’re coins and he will keep the crowds smiling with his witty banter, balance and juggling.
Thomas has had thousands of shows all across the world and has even had his act take up residence in the Smithsonian Institution.
In addition to the performances, food and activities, the festival plans on having Raffle-O-Rama.
There will also be a ‘sneak peek’ event held on July 29th at noon at City Hall Park with some of the entertainers and a barbecue.
Organizers say the festival is always looking for more sponsors, partners and volunteers and all are welcome to join.
We encourage Red Deerians to check out all the talent that will be available this coming weekend. It is an affordable event that the whole family can enjoy as admission is free and all performances as in an ‘pass the hat’ tradition, so bring your toonies! And it’s a great way to check out the City’s downtown as well.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.centrefest.ca.
