Third time's a charm for Summerfest.
Crowds flocked to the inaugural event in 2010, but rain forced last year's Summerfest in Grimston Park to be cancelled. The sun once again shone on this year's event, which featured live music, kids' games and food by some Royal City Farmers Market vendors and others.
"It went very well," said Briana Tomkinson, one of the event's organizers. "We had such a good response from the community."
Disappointed that last year's event had to be cancelled because of rain, West End residents turned out in full force for Summerfest 2012.
Kids enjoyed playing in the wading pool (which stayed open later than usual for this day only) and taking part in old-fashioned games, including a balloon toss, wheelbarrow races, potato sack races and tug-of-war. Pottery painting and face painting, as well as a visit from the Shriners' pirate ship, were also part of the day's fun.
"The big new addition this year was the picnic games," Tomkinson said. "People had a really good response to that. It's fun to watch, as well as participate."
Summerfest attracts people from throughout New Westminster - and even some cyclists passing by on the greenway that's located on Seventh Avenue.
Several vendors, including some from the Royal City Farmers Market, set up at the site to sell food to festival-goers. After enjoying live entertainment throughout the day, families gathered to watch The Princess Bride on a big screen at dusk.
Tomkinson helped launched the festival in 2010, as part of an event to celebrate the grand reopening of the renovated playground in Grimston Park. While she wasn't sure if she'd have time to organize this year's event because of work commitments, she said residents Lana Wakelam, MaryAnn Mortensen and Sloane Drennan stepped forward to make it happen, and Jen Arbo helped arrange for food vendors to attend.
"We have no funding for it," she said. "We pull it together on a wish and a prayer."
Realtor Derrick Thornhill sponsors the movie and neighbours provide the electrical hookups needed for the movie projector and music.
"The neighbourhood is really behind this festival," Tomkinson said. "We haven't had any problems."
Tomkinson said new committee members, volunteers and donations are welcome when planning gets underway for Summerfest 2013.
