Kaslo and Area Chamber of Commerce
 May Pole Dance
|
Annual Festivals and EventsKaslo is a community that loves to celebrate! Mark your calendars - you won't want to miss any of these exciting events!SPRING Kaslo May Days Celebration The celebration this year takes place on May 19th, 20th, and 21st. For over 100 continuous years, the Victoria Day weekend has been celebrated in Kaslo with a three day festival. Hosted by the Kaslo and Area Chamber of Commerce, the highlight of this celebration is the annual May Pole Dance performed by the 1st graders of Kaslo. Kaslo is home to the longest consecutive annual Maypole Dance in North America. Many other events contribute to the popularity of this weekend including:
Artists, craftsmen, musicians and performers are featured in Vimy Park throughout the weekend. The annual May Days Parade on Monday tops off the celebration. |
 Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival
|
Kaslo Garden Festival This annual event takes place on the Monday of the Kaslo May Days Celebration. Visit the Front Street Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to enjoy a variety of activities. Purchase locally grown plants and seeds, browse among the unusual and exciting garden features created by local artisans and take advantage of free workshops highlighting organic gardening practises, bear friendly composting and controlling invasive plants. This festival is a must see for all gardening enthusiasts. For more information and details, contact kaslomarkets@shaw.ca . SUMMER The Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival Every August long weekend in Kaslo, stunning vistas, great acoustics and superb musicians combine to create the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival. Named one of the“10 great places to get in tune, be outdoors!” by USA Today-2007 this intimate world class family friendly festival has been host to big names and newly discovered gems of the entertainment business since 1991. Jazz may be in the festival's name but it doesn't end there. The many acts that have performed on the floating stage include blues, funk, soul, world, Latin and jazz bands. The venue's unique location provides festival patrons with a natural amphitheatre surrounded by pristine wilderness. From here they are treated to world class performances on a floating stage nestled on the shoreline of Kootenay Lake. Great music in an intimate, beautiful setting is the very definition of the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival. |
 Kaslo Saturday Market
|
Kaslo Saturday Market
Hosted by the North Kootenay Lake Arts and Heritage council, the Kaslo Saturday Market is located in the Front Street Park. Handmade, home-grown, and homemade! Arts, crafts, prepared food, fresh vegetables, performers, craft table and so much more add a festive feel to Kaslo's downtown core every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the summer. For more info: kaslomarkets@shaw.ca . Kaslo Art Walk The Kaslo Art Walk is an annual summer event that partners local businesses with local artists of all mediums. To enjoy this self guided tour pick yourself up an Art Walk map at any downtown business and peruse Kaslo's businesses and their artists. A North Kootenay Lake Arts & Heritage Council Event. Info: kaslomarkets@shaw.ca |
 Pirate Day
|
Canada Day Folk Fest
Held on the July long weekend, this festival features folk music, fireworks and lots of family fun. Free concerts for all ages. For more information: Folk Fest Pirate Day on the S.S. Moyie The second Friday in August is Pirate Day aboard the S.S. Moyie with fun for scallywags and landlubbers alike. Come dressed for fun and a chance to win a prize for the best pirate costume. Learn how to talk like a pirate, walk the plank, pan for gold and hunt for treasure. For more information Pirate Day or check out the S.S. Moyie on Facebook. |
 Kaslo Sufferfest - Photo courtesy of Doug Pyper
|
FALL
Kaslo Sufferfest Test your skills and endurance by participating in this 2-day, multi-event run & bike festival. This event takes place on the first weekend in October and has something for everyone! “Pick Your Pleasure” a 10k, 25k or 50k trail run, cross country and downhill mountain bike or a kid's race. All races take place on the spectacular and challenging trails surrounding Kaslo. The finish area features live music, live video, a professional race announcer & a 10 ft drop bike jump! Over $2000 in cash and prizes are given away including hand crafted pottery & textiles by local artisans! Be one of the 300 racers and 100 volunteers or simply cheer on the participants. This is an event you won't want to miss! For more information on this year's event go to: http://www.kaslosufferfest.com. |
 |
Kaslo Fishing Derby
Kaslo is renowned for the size of fish that are regularly pulled from Kootenay Lake. Serious fisherman will tell you that the best fishing is between October and March when the water is colder and the fish are bigger. This annual and very popular fishing derby is held in November on the weekend closest to Remembrance Day. 2012 dates are November 9, 10 and 11. Heaviest fish wins - lots of prizes! WINTER Christmas Light Up Celebration Santa arrives in Kaslo the first weekend in December, not on a sleigh, but in a bright red fire truck. As he makes his way through the downtown core, storefronts light up to guide his way. Kicking off a weekend of festivities, the evening celebration includes the annual Light Up parade, a scavenger hunt, face painting, carolling, roasting chestnuts, hot dogs and hot chocolate. Be sure to have your picture taken with Santa in his village and shop for a chance to enter the Merchants Great Gift Giveaway contest. This year's event will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2012 and marks the 25th anniversary of this celebration. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. and stores have extended shopping hours. Kaslo Christmas Faire On the first Saturday of December, the local Kaslo Legion Hall is transformed into a Christmas shopper's dream. Tables overflowing with handmade wares from local artisans, crafters, jewellers, photographers and more will entice and tempt you. No need to go to the big cities, Kaslo has everything you need to complete your holiday shopping. Info: kaslomarkets@shaw.ca |
 Polar Bear Dip
|
Winter Solstice
A full moon tracing shadows on freshly fallen snow, tea light lanterns glowing softly from the Trailblazers Bridge and Christmas lights sparkling over the Kaslo River. This is what Kaslo residents enjoy on the shortest day of the year when they gather at the covered pedestrian bridge over the Kaslo River to celebrate the winter solstice with neighbours and friends. While the adults socialize, the kids enjoy sliding on the hillside or playing hide and seek around the trees in the moonlight. Caldrons of hot chocolate keep everyone warm. Polar Bear Dip The Langham Cultural Centre benefits each year when hardy Kaslo residents brave the cold temperature of Kootenay Lake to take a swim on the first day of the New Year. This annual fundraising event takes place at 12 noon sharp and always draws a crowd of bathers and onlookers. Lots of hot chocolate is available to keep everyone warm. |