The heart of downtown Duncan will once again beat with energy, excitement, and non-stop entertainment as the highly anticipated annual Duncan Days, which first started in the early ’90s returns on July 14 and 15.
The two-day event has seen a few names, first coined as Summer Fest, then Duncan Daze before settling on Duncan Days. This two-day street party happens amidst the 39 Days of July.
“This event drives visitation downtown and provides business owners with an opportunity to connect with community members,” said Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area Society executive director Katherine Devine.
READ MORE: 39 Days of July back in Duncan and bigger than ever
Craig Street will be transformed and closed to traffic on July 14, as it paves the way for pedestrians to peruse the bustling, and lively annual sidewalk sale extravaganza. Those in attendance can shop til they drop until 8 p.m., as merchants from every corner of the downtown core take their services and products to the streets for this not to be missed experience. After getting a taste of Duncan’s downtown shopping scene, those in attendance can choose from a plethora of pubs, and restaurants in the area to please the palate.
The Duncan’s Farmer’s Market will be in full swing on Saturday, June 15, and will showcase a wide array of local produce, and locally made goods. The Elks Lodge on Kenneth Street and will feature a barbecue, a beer garden, and live music. There will be dancing in the streets, along with other attractions and activities the whole family can enjoy. Face painting will be offered for the young, or young at heart for a dollar per face. Those in attendance will be wowed by skilled balloon twisters, and can even choose to chill out at the community cooling station.
What’s cooler than Halloween in July? Don your scariest, or most creative costume for the corn-hole tournament which will be hosted by Fresh Kenny’s in front of their restaurant from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Join a team, and throw down with the best of them in the style of round robin, and true double knock action. Fun, food, and adult beverages will be served on Jubilee Street both day, and night. Now for the kids, attendees can stop by Iron Works Cafe and Creperie and show their love by donating either a new toy, or a gift certificate which will benefit those from babies to teenagers with the event’s community toy drive.
Red Balloon toy shop will have crossbow demonstrations, while inviting all in attendance to make make a move on the life-size chess board which will be set up outside their store. Aspiring artists can chalk up their experience as a fantastic one by adding sketches to the sidewalks with colourful chalk which Red Balloon will also provide.
If that brand of fun doesn’t draw you in, than the Helmet Head Show and Shine presented by Helmet Head Canada will surely get you revved up, as it gets into gear on Station Street at 11 a.m. One hundred motorcycles will roar down the road. The motorcycle show and shine will follow the ride, featuring the four following categories; Cruiser, Sport, Custom Bikes, and Best in Show.
The crown favourite, however, is the annual Duncan Days Grande Parade, which will embrace a very vibrant, and colourful Carnival theme this year. The highly anticipated street spectacle will start from the Cowichan Community Centre at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
“Duncan Days helps to create and maintain a strong sense of community spirit and introduces folks to a unique downtown experience. For families and children, community events like this one can help develop core memories and a sense of pride and togetherness,” said Devine.
chadd.cawson@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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