The Northern Hardware Prince George Canoe Race was one of several Celebrate Prince George Festival events this month- photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Don’t be surprised if the Celebrate Prince George Festival returns next summer.

Some of the goals of the event included an attempt to maximize public attendance in civic spaces, to increase civic pride and to provide local entertainment.

Mayor Lyn Hall said he couldn’t have been happier with the way things turned out. “Oh, I thought it was fantastic,” he said. “We had a number of events that really showed our pride of our city and brought the community together with lots to do for everybody.”

Activities included BMO KidzArt Dayz, the PG Pride Parade, the Northern Hardware Canoe Race, Summefest, Zombie Fest and the sound of Summer Concert.

Hall said he enjoyed many of the activities on offer but the highlight for him was KidzArt Dayz at Canada Games Plaza.

“What an event that was. The place was packed and we got lucky with the weather and of course we had Fred Penner there who has been a favourite amongst children for years and years,” he said. “His entertainment was fantastic so that was one of the one’s that stood out.”

The festival was made possible through the City’s Community Celebration Program and was first approved by Council last summer. It is provided $30,000 annually which is matched by Tourism Prince George.

Hall thinks the City accomplished what it had set out to do when organizing the festival.

“Yeah, absolutely. And we said that we were going to try and continue that kind of promotion of our community and get more community involvement and provide things for the residents after we had the 2015 Games and here were are a year later and I think certainly we succeeded in that.”

Will it be back next year? “Oh, I sure hope so. I hope it continues to be a yearly activity in Prince George.”