Crummy weather didn't dampen the spirits of Squamish youth, who took over downtown Squamish during the Youth Fest event on Saturday (May 21).
According to youth resource worker Vanessa Paternoster, the 2011 edition of the event was a big success.
"I thought it turned out really well," she said. "It went a lot smoother than I thought and I think everyone had a good time."
Paternoster said a fun moment from the event was when several youth showed up with their guitars and began an informal jam session, to the delight of those in attendance.
The Youth Fest, which was hosted by Gelato Carina, was a good kickoff for what's envisioned as an annual event.
"We tried for a Youth Fest last year but we needed local youth to be more involved and it didn't eventually happen," she said. "In 2009 we hosted one at the youth centre but it wasn't as successful. I think having it in the downtown core made it a lot better."
Along with live music, the event featured several carnival games, a mural where attendees were encouraged to paint pictures, air-brush tattoos, a silent auction and a number of information booths. A portion of Cleveland Avenue was closed to traffic during the festival and Paternoster noted that with the Squamish Farmers' Market happening just blocks away, there was a lot of different age groups who took the event in.
"I think we had probably 10 times as many people as back in 2009," Paternoster said. "And it seemed like more than just youth. We had a lot of younger kids and families."
Organizers of the Squamish Youth Centre are hoping for a busy summer at the facility with an open house tentatively scheduled in July, a youth dragon boat team paddling on Tuesdays and a bouldering group starting up this summer. Those interested in any of the programs can learn more by contacting the group at (604) 892-2207.
