Although COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed in British Columbia, the future of the Summerland Action Festival is still uncertain for this year.
On Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 11:59 p.m., the province is lifting many of its COVID-19 restrictions and allow indoor seated events to return to full capacity. Organized gatherings, whether indoor or outdoor, can also return to full capacity.
READ ALSO: Organizers uncertain if Summerland Action Festival can proceed
READ ALSO: Summerland Action Festival future uncertain
However, Pat Bell, president of the Summerland Action Festival Society, said despite the loosening of the restrictions, it is not yet known if the festival will be held this year.
“We’re looking at options to see if there can be a scaled-down version for this year,” he said. “It’s going to be extremely difficult for us to put something on.”
From 1982 until 2019, the Summerland Action Festival had been held each year during the first weekend of June as a celebration of sport and fitness. Organizers estimated more than 16,000 people attended various events during the three-day festival.
In past years, the festival has included a parade, musical entertainment, a slo-pitch tournament, a run and other events. The run and the ball tournament are both under discussion for this year.
Bell said between $30,000 and $40,000 would be needed to book the musical entertainment for this year. A dance and the beverage gardens have been the biggest fundraisers for the festival.
Concerns about future COVID-19 restrictions must also be considered, he said. Since pandemic restrictions began in March, 2020, the province has adjusted the restrictions numerous times, depending on the spread of the virus.
In 2020 and 2021, the Action Festival was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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