Ladysmith Days takes place on Sunday, Aug 1 featuring numerous family-friendly events, including the annual parade. (Ladysmith Celebrations Society)
Ladysmith Days

‘Everyone’s excited:’ Ladysmith Days returns after canceled 2020 event

Aug 1, 2021 | 8:18 AM

LADYSMITH — Two days of activities are packed into one as people descend on Ladysmith for an annual town festival.

Ladysmith Days goes Sunday, Aug 1 starting early with a children’s bullhead derby at the Ladysmith Marina at 7 a.m. and ending with evening concerts at the amphitheater at Transfer Beach.

Ladysmith Celebrations Society board member Brian Bancroft said the more than 40-year-old event is popular for catering to a wide range of ages and interests.

“It’s good to have something that brings everybody from all backgrounds together in this town, I think Ladysmith Days is going to be the venue for that,” Bancroft told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Morning events include a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Ladysmith Legion and a parade with a Mardis Gras theme heading down First Ave at 10 a.m. staged by the Kinsmen Club of Ladysmith.

Most Ladysmith Days festivities happen at Transfer Beach, including unique Zucchini’s with wheels attached sent down a race track by children.

Bancroft said some activities have been around for years, while others are new.

“If somebody brings an idea and it sounds fun and wacky, we’re going to roll with it.”

Vendors, food trucks, and arts and crafts will be se up all day at Transfer Beach, Bancroft said.

He said expanded parking at Transfer Beach and plenty of on-street parking in and around downtown makes Ladysmith Days a convenient event to attend.

Bancroft noted the Ladysmith Celebrations Society could not obtain an exemption for its usual fireworks display due to the extreme wildfire threat.

Ladysmith Days will return to its usual two-day long format next year, Bancroft said.

More information on Ladysmith Days, including a complete itinerary, can be found here.

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