Beneath a radiant sun, thousands filled Victoria’s beloved Cook Street to enjoy the best the village and its artisans have to offer.
Despite temperatures soaring into the high 20s, neither organizers nor attendees were deterred from celebrating one of the city’s biggest neighbourhood gatherings: the Cook Street Block Party.
Now in its sixth year, the festival is all about fun and showcasing the community’s best, said event producer Glenn Barlow. On June 8, it took over a 400-metre stretch of Cook Street — from South Gate to Park Boulevard — from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We wanted to throw a party,” said Barlow. “It's not about any one individual. It’s all about the village, what a great destination that it is, and how we've grown over the years.”
Family-friendly and open to all, the celebration featured a wide range of activities, including live entertainment, fresh eats, and local crafts, with an estimated 160 vendor booths.
Crowds gathered at the corner of Sutlej and Cook to enjoy live music on the main stage, while just steps away near Chapman Street, children enjoyed a magic show.
The event also welcomed four-legged friends, offering them a spa day near the Paws on Cook Pet Store.
With an estimated 40,000 people expected this year, Barlow said those who missed the festivities should mark their calendars for next year — always held on Sunday before Father’s Day.
“It's always a lot of fun and we love Victoria, we love the Cook Street village, so come on down next year.”
