Fireworks courtesy of Ladysmith & District Credit Union light up the night sky on Sunday, Aug. 4 starting at 10 p.m. (Ladysmith Celebrations Society)

By Ian Holmes

free event

Legendary Ladysmith Days event to entertain thousands

Aug 2, 2024 | 3:29 PM

LADYSMITH — A popular summer tradition in Ladysmith will draw large crowds of all ages to the community for an action-packed free weekend.

Ladysmith Days, believed to date back nearly 50 years, happens Saturday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 4, with most of the events featuring various forms of entertainment and contests taking place at Transfer Beach Park.

Full schedule of events for Ladysmith Days 2024 (Ladysmith Celebrations Society)

Mary Furneaux, Ladysmith Celebrations Society vendor coordinator, said more than 30 merchant vendors and eight food trucks will be set up at Transfer Beach all weekend.

Over 15 community organizations will be represented.

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She said a dedicated committee, combined with strong support from many volunteers and corporate partners, combine forces to make this beloved free event possible.

“It’s such a wonderful community with a large volunteer base and it allows us to provide a free family-based weekend for so many in the community, it is a complete celebration,” Furneaux told NanaimoNewsNOW.

A nail-driving contest is among several unique contests taking place at Ladysmith Days. (Ladysmith Celebrations Society)

On Saturday at 5:15 p.m., Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling (VIPW) takes over Transfer Beach for a highly anticipated complimentary show.

VIPW, which made its Ladysmith Days debut in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd last year, has seven matches scheduled this time around.

A 20-person over-the-top-rope match is going ahead, with the winner getting a VIPW heavyweight title shot later in the evening against champ Mat Maverick.

All Elite Wrestling duo The Bollywood Boyz (previously with WWE), will be in action at Ladysmith Days.

Ladysmith’s Citizen of the Year is scheduled to be announced Sunday at 8 p.m.

Ladysmith Days caps off with a bang Sunday night, as fireworks are ignited in the ocean beyond Transfer Beach starting at 10 p.m.

“We have all sorts of games and contests, music and the fireworks from Ladysmith & District Credit Union. It is just an incredible weekend that spans all ages, there’s something for everybody,” Furneaux said.

She suggested people carpool as much as possible this weekend, especially to the fireworks where several thousand people will converge.

Traffic control personnel will help guide people to the beach Sunday evening, Furneaux noted.

Zucchini races are a longstanding tradition of Ladysmith Days. (Ladysmith Celebrations Society)

A soap box derby happens Saturday, Aug. 3 starting at 10 a.m. on 1st Ave. (Ladysmith Celebrations Society)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes