The razzle dazzle of Duncan Days returns to the streets of downtown.
"Duncan Days has been part of this community for more than 30 years," said Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area (DDBIA) executive director Thea Hitchcock. "It’s always been a time for people to come downtown, see familiar faces, and celebrate everything local."
On July 11, thank the shopping gods that it's Friday as the two-day event kicks off with its downtown-wide 'Sidewalk Sales', then continue to shop local til you drop as the festivities carry over with a vibrant community celebration on Saturday.
Saturday, July 12, will be a grand day to celebrate community with the Duncan-Cowichan Festival Society Grande Parade leaving from the Cowichan Community Centre parking lot at 10 a.m. with Jeff Leggat returning as Grande Marshall. There will be dancing, and enticing family friendly entertainment in the streets including the always-popular Buskers’ Stage, inflatables, face painting, and the Duncan Farmers Market.
A new year brings on fresh energy and experiences including the 'Food is Fun' station which will be hosted by Cowichan Green Community. It gives kids a hands-on experience as they learn about local food — they also share information about their fundraising campaign in support of the Beverly Street Food Hub.
“The decision to move activities onto Duncan Street was really about making the event more inclusive for businesses in that area who haven’t always had the chance to be involved," said Hitchcock. "It also allows us to use a space that’s easier to manage from a safety and logistics perspective. Once we shared our plans for the new location, Cowichan Green Community, along with other businesses on Duncan Street, were excited to take part, and that’s how the Food is Fun Station became part of this year’s event. The Duncan Street section will include a variety of family activities, like a paint-by-numbers mural wall, inflatables, face painting, the fire prevention education trailer, and Sparky the mascot.”
Other returning favourites to spark interest include an intoxicating good time listening to live music in the Elks Beer Garden on Kenneth Street, revving up the fun with Ignition Motorsports Motorcycle Show & Shine, or keeping upbeat with the the competitors at the Just Jake's Drum Wars competition. Also be sure to check out the talent at 39 Days of July as your little prince, or princess waits for their turn on the bouncy castle.
“My hope is that people leave with a sense of enjoyment and maybe a few new memories," said Hitchcock. "Whether it’s trying something different, meeting someone new, or just taking a break from the usual routine, these shared experiences remind us that spending time together and supporting local businesses is worthwhile. Especially when things can feel challenging, having a reason to connect as a community matters.”
