by downtownkamloops | Apr 6, 2021 | Events, News
What a year! Many of us are reeling from the fact that it has now been over a year of pandemic life, of this “new normal” that we have all become semi-accustomed to. The Kamloops Film Society (and every business for that matter) has been through many highs and lows. This time last year, we had just wrapped up our 24th annual Film Festival. Our closing party was one of the last parties any of us would attend for a long time.
kamloops film festival 2020
The pandemic hit, and we had to close the doors of the Paramount Theatre to the public. The world shut down, and like everyone else, we waited in lockdown. In the meantime, we painted upstairs, organized, and kept occupied, but it wasn’t the same as making our delicious popcorn and seeing our favourite patrons.
COVID Pivot
Months passed, and finally, a silver lining: a drive-in! Private bookings! Things to occupy our time and give us a source of revenue. The Twin Rivers Drive-In was a huge success last year and gave the community a fun and safe event to attend.
Summer came and went, the nights started getting colder, so the drive-in closed. However, cases were low, so we could reopen the Paramount Theatre with a capacity of 50 patrons in each theatre. We started with only our Thursday Film Series and then cautiously added the weekends as well. The usual stream of patrons was more of a trickle, but it was something! Sadly, as the fall season wore on, the cases grew higher, and we had to close once more: no private bookings, no public showings. In February, we were briefly allowed by Interior Health to reopen with private bookings, however, that was revoked by the Ministry of Health. We were back to waiting.
But in the distance, a film festival was on the rise! This journey has been difficult, but we’ve persevered, and we’re back in the office full-time to get ready for our 24(.5)th Kamloops Film Festival. Once again, the City of Kamloops has been our saviour because we can host the Film Festival at McArthur Island from April 21 – May 2. We’ll also be offering films online, which means we’ll be showcasing more movies than ever before! We have a total of 15 films at the drive-in (single tickets on sale now!) and 23 films online. We won’t have any in-person events this year, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have fun and interactive plans up our sleeve. The rise of zoom meetings and virtual hangouts has given us a unique opportunity to bring in stars and film lovers from around the globe to enjoy and take part in our festival. In times when we must stay safe and healthy for ourselves and our loved ones, we’re glad to continue the festival in this unique way. So stay tuned for a one-of-a-kind film festival that Kamloops will never forget!
Book your tickets: https://www.kamloopsfilmfest.ca/
Contributed by
Emily Brown
Patron Engagement Coordinator
The Kamloops Film Society
by downtownkamloops | Nov 5, 2020 | Events, News
Painting windows is a great way to celebrate the holiday season! Downtown Kamloops is providing a list of talented artists who specialize in window-painting who .
For more information about our Downtown Kamloops Storybook Village and how to participate, visit our website.
No matter the theme, these qualified individuals will bring your vision to life:
Ken Wells
Contact Number: 250 574 7112
Email: mercurymediainc@telus.net
Taron Senko
Contact Number: 250 819 9448
Email: senko.taron@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/artbytsko
Shari Rockliff
Contact Number: 778 838 6642
Brittany Martens
Contact Number: 250 570 2442
Email: bdmartens14@gmail.com
Laura Anne
Email: sketched.artist@gmail.com
https://Laura-Anne.com
Happy holidays, stay safe!
by downtownkamloops | Oct 20, 2020 | Events, Uncategorized
Due to the current pandemic, Kamloops will be hosting a ‘non-parade’ to boost holiday spirits while following social distancing protocols. Businesses of Downtown Kamloops will be paired with designers from past floats to transform windows into holiday displays. Residents, locals, and visitors will have the opportunity to walk or drive through this “go-through” parade as they enjoy stationary floats at a safe distance.
Lights, ornaments, characters, music, and window paint will transform Downtown businesses into a magical scene this winter. Further, each display will represent a storybook page and partner with other businesses to create a holiday tale along each block. Led by a map, residents will have the option to follow classic storybook tales such as “The Nutcracker,” ‘Frosty the Snowman,” “Twelve Days of Christmas,” “A Christmas Carol,” and so much more!
This will allow for greater flexibility, diversity, and community involvement. It will also showcase our unique local spirit during the holiday season.
We at Downtown Kamloops believe this alternative will provide an opportunity for community engagement from a safe and responsible distance.
Enjoy your favorite classics, stay safe, and shop local.
by downtownkamloops | Jul 14, 2020 | Events, News
Taste of Downtown Kamloops
The Taste of Downtown is back, and now it’s bigger and better than ever. From July 31st to August 31st, patrons of the downtown are encouraged to purchase a Taste of Downtown passport for a minimum donation of $5. This passport will allow them access to special offers and discounts at participating downtown restaurants and cafes. The participating businesses and their promotions will be announced at a later date.
How Can You Participate?
Businesses that wish to participate are encouraged to contact the KCBIA by phone at (250) 372 3242. The deadline for businesses to join is July 15th. All businesses have to do is fill out a registration form stating what promotion they will be offering. Donations of merchandise and gift cards are also appreciated as we will be giving out weekly prizes to passport holders. There will be a grand prize given out at the end of the event. Passport holders who have received at least ten stamps in their passport and who have kept their receipts are eligible for the grand prize. Once the event begins, patrons will show their passport to participating businesses to receive special offers and discounts. There is no additional cost to businesses to participate, but donations of prizes are welcome.
#OpenWithCare
In past years, the Taste of Downtown has been a day-long event, but this year we’re doing things a bit differently. As part of the KCBIA’s #OpenWithCare campaign, this year the Taste of Downtown will be a month-long event, from July 31st to August 31st. This is to spread crowds out and ensure proper social distancing can be maintained throughout the event.
Passports can be acquired starting on July 25th at our main office at 246 2nd Avenue Monday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm and Monday to Saturday at our 340 Victoria Street office from 11am to 1pm.
For more information about Downtown Kamloops, please visit downtownkamloops.ca or phone us at (250) 372 3242.
by downtownkamloops | Jul 8, 2020 | Art Gallery, Events, News
The Kamloops Art Gallery has reopened its doors to the public! After being closed down they are finally able, and ready to #openwithcare to the public.
Some things have changed, however, the new hours of operations are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Thursday is still free admission thanks to BCLC.
The exhibit the Art Gallery will be highlighting is “Casting the Eye Adrift” by Donald Lawerence, curated by Charo Neville and will run until December.
Remember to adhere to the Gallery’s COVID procedures:
- Please stay home if you are not feeling well
- There will be limited maximum capacity in all of our spaces
- All guest from different households must stay 2m apart
- Children must stay with an adult at all times
- Masks are welcome but not mandatory
- Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the Gallery
For more information, check out their website for all the details! Help support the Kamloops Art Gallery!
by downtownkamloops | Dec 11, 2019 | Events
Recap of Welcome Winter Block Party
The 3rd Annual Fulton winter block party in downtown Kamloops was on Saturday and the day was a complete success. More than 3000 people came out throughout the day to enjoy beer from local favourites – Red Collar, Iron Road, Bright Eye, Noble Pig, and Alchemy Brewing, as well as hot drinks provided by The Vic and Fulton.
DJ King Kong Finger provided tunes throughout the event and Dave Coalmine also gave a live performance. Prizes were given out all day for drink tickets, heritage railway tickets, and Fulton’s title sponsor gave out lift tickets for Sun Peaks. The businesses in Downtown also saw a boost in their sales this weekend.
Children in attendance enjoyed outdoor ball hockey thanks to the Kamloops Outdoor Skating Association and Kamloops Ball Hockey Association while adults stayed warm by the fires or looked at the various artisan crafts sold by vendors like Arwen’s Apparel and Riz Wools. There was live music to listen to while spending time with their friends and family.
We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the breweries that participated in selling their beer. And a special thank you to Fulton for sponsoring another fantastic Winter Block Party!
