It’s the unofficial start of Calgary’s festival season, with organizers calling it Western Canada’s largest single-day festival.
Huge crowds streamed downtown and packed Fourth Street on Sunday for the 33rd annual Lilac Festival.
With thousands of people in attendance, this was a major opportunity for more than 600 vendors and more than 70 musical performers.
“The scale of this project is huge,” said Stephanie Teague of Perfectly Imperfect Designs. “You can't accomplish this on such a small scale. This is an opportunity to grow a community.”
“For us, this is the best market of the year. It's a great way to unite the community and support local businesses,” said Michelle Fentiman of Without Co.
Calgary's 33rd annual Lilac Festival was bustling with food trucks and vendors.
Global News
The Lilac Festival began in 1990 and has become a major community event ever since.
Organizer Jennifer Rempel said the festival helps celebrate spring and showcase the downtown community.
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“Come explore the small businesses, come eat at the new food trucks.”
Laura Gallant, owner of Witch A Makin, said her business has been booming since she first attended the festival three years ago.
“It actually brings in more customers, especially if people want customs services, they always take my card and then contact me later.”
For those who attend, Lilac Festival is a great excuse to get out and have some fun.
“It's a good start to the summer, people are out having a good time, which is good, really good,” said Dan Amahazione.
“People love the Lilac Festival, they love to attend, they love to perform, they love to participate, so we welcome them to come as well,” Rempel said.
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