August 1st kicks off 5 days of fun, action and entertainment, over the BC Day Long Weekend, celebrating the 62nd Squamish Days festival. Events will include music, a parade, 8K run, bed races, and kid’s activities. The annual event is a reminder of Squamish’s rich logging heritage.
Thursday, August 1, there are two events beginning at 6:30 pm. The Lumberjack Chilli Cook-off will be held at the Squamish Valley Golf Course, 2458 Mamquam Road. For $5.00, tasters will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite chilli. The annual Kettle Boil Challenge is a free event to watch, or you can enter for $20.00. Teams of two race to see who can get their water to boil first.
Friday, August 2, begins with the World Championship Chair Carve at 3:00 pm. Chairs are carved with a chainsaw, and the proceeds will go to Big Brothers & Big Sisters. The judging, and following auction, will begin around 5:00 pm. Sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion, the Squamish Days Bed Races begin at 6:30 pm. Beds on wheels are pushed through a 2-block obstacle course by 4 people, with a daring teammate riding the bed. As the sun sets, people will begin to gather in Junction Park, with blankets on the grass, for the Movie Under the Stars, beginning at 8:45 pm. This year, the movie will be Tim Burton’s version of Dumbo.
Saturday, August 3, will begin with the Kid’s Festival in Junction Park, beginning at 9:30. There will be a bouncy castle, face painting, races, bean bag toss, mini golf, balloon art, and more. At the Al McIntosh Loggers Sports Grounds, the first events will begin at 1:00 pm, with the Novice & Intermediate Loggers Sports Show. Admission is $2.00 for adults, $1.00 for children and seniors. The Rotary Beef Barbecue will be held during the show. And then at 6:30 pm, the Axe Throw Invitation event will be held at Norman Rudy’s Pub, on the patio.
Sunday, August 4 is a big day. It will begin with the annual Peter Harris Logger’s Pancake Breakfast, held at the Chieftain Centre Mall, from 7:00 am till 11:00 am. Breakfast is $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children and seniors. The hearty logger-style breakfast includes pancakes, eggs and sausages. At 8:25 am, the Squamish Days 8K Run will begin at Howe Sound Secondary School. The event is the 8th race in the Lifestages Lower Mainland Road Race Series. And then, at 8:35 am, the Squamish Days Flashback Mil even will begin. The Flashback Mile is a great running event for new runners and children.
The Festival Parade begins at 11:00 am on Cleveland Avenue, in Downtown Squamish. At 1:00 pm the World-Class Open Loggers Sports Show will begin at the Al McIntosh Loggers Sports Grounds. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children and seniors. The Rotary Beef Barbecue will be held during the show.
Monday, August 5, the Picnic at the Pavilion will begin at 11:00 am, at the O’Siyam Pavilion in Junction Park. There will be live music and activities until around 4:30. Entertainers will include Pierre Eady, Loam and Rock N Roll Circus. There will be activities for the kids, and a boot camp class by Jamey Horth. Local food trucks will be on site, and there will be a beer garden.