Did You Know?

The East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook recently underwent a $20 million intensive care unit expansion and electrical system upgrade. Underway is the construction of a new $5.6-million MRI.

Kimberley: The City of Festivals

A city with a powerful sense of community, Kimberley plays host to numerous events throughout the year. In the summer, one of the most highly anticipated is JulyFest.

Live entertainment during JulyFest.

Presented by the Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce, JulyFest features the Canadian Bocce Championships, one of the biggest soccer tournaments in North America, an extreme downhill longboard race, a homecoming parade and a kids festival.

This year marked the 45th annual instalment of JulyFest, and according to organizers, it was a huge success.

“This year’s event attracted more people to the area, hotels were all booked, restaurants and businesses all benefited in this great event and we thank the community for all their assistance,” Karen Rempel from Rocky Mountain Events told the Kimberley Bulletin. “Homecoming parade was an hour with more floats this year than in many years. The energy was pumping and good times had by all.”

That energy or what some refer to as the vibe of a community is in steady supply. Right on the heels of JulyFest is the Motor Mountain Nationals, a classic car show with more than 200 cars in attendance. Plus, every Thursday from June to September is a downtown Farmer’s Market.

Other annual events include:

This year, Kimberley was also a host city for the Spartan Race Inc. Obstacle Course / Rocky Mountain Trifecta Weekend.

It’s no wonder, then, that Kimberley calls itself the City of Festivals.