Exploring the new playground at Grimston Park, on 7th Ave. at 19th St. in New Westminster. Photo: Briana Tomkinson

Bring your swimsuits and a picnic blanket to Grimston Park on Saturday, July 17 for Summerfest, a new community celebration in New Westminster’s West End. Enjoy a family-friendly evening of play and live music, shop the mini-Farmer’s Market, and finish the evening off with a special free screening of E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial under the stars.

The festival kicks off at 4 p.m. with the opening of the mini-Farmer’s Market, run by the Royal City Farmer’s Market, featuring fresh produce, artisan bread, hot samosas, unique beer-infused hot dogs and more. Papa Dave’s Pizza will sell fresh pizza on site, and Village Coffee Lounge will offer coffee by donation.

Summerfest will feature free live music including Royal City Farmers Market favourites Ross Werlick on steel guitar, Chris Messytone on accordion, Ron Ulrich’s classic pop-rock covers, blues band Delta Blue, and folk singer-songwriter Gillian Hobbs.

Grimston Park boasts a brand-new playground for kids to explore, as well as a large wading pool, open late this day only. There will also be water play activities and kids’ crafts led by New Westminster Parks, Culture & Recreation staff and preschool activities by School District 43’s Strong Start program. Kids and grown-ups can also lend a hand in completing the final piece in an award-winning series of mosaic art installations on 12th St.

Finally, at 9:30 p.m., families will gather on the grass to munch on free popcorn from Community Savings Credit Union and enjoy the classic Steven Spielberg film E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial and view the Fraser Fest fireworks.

As the only public gathering place in the West End, Grimston Park is the heart of the community, says Summerfest organizer MaryAnn Mortensen.

“For me, Grimston Park is the West End’s meeting place for adults, kids, nature and dog lovers alike,” says Mortensen. “It’s so much more than a park, it’s a place to connect with others.”

Summerfest is brought to you by Tenth to the Fraser, the West End Residents’ Association, the West End Business Association and New Westminster Parks, Culture & Recreation.

Sponsors of the festival include Derrick Thornhill from Park Georgia Realty, The New Westminster Newsleader, Community Savings Credit Union, and New Westminster MLA Dawn Black.

IN BRIEF:
WHAT: Summerfest in Grimston Park, a community picnic & celebration featuring a free screening of E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, live music, mini-Farmer’s Market and children’s activities.
WHEN: July 17, 2010 from 4-11:30pm
WHERE: Grimston Park, 7th Ave. at 19th St., New Westminster

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