When the Tour of Alberta rolls through the park in September, local organizers want to see Jasper businesses, non-profit organizations and artisans out in force showcasing everything the community has to offer.
The professional bike race will be in Jasper Sept. 4 and 5, presenting an opportunity for vendors to set up on the information centre lawn and at Marmot Basin, offering demonstrations, activities, food, handmade goods and more.
“If you want to have anything to do with this, we really encourage you to get in contact with us,” said Erin Reade, the festival coordinator for Marmot. “The festivals are going to be amazing, but they’re not going to be anywhere near as good if the community doesn’t get involved. So, please come and get involved, tell us what you want to do, we’ll find a space for you.”
Reade also encouraged local musicians to reach out as there will be plenty of opportunities for live music, both on the information centre lawn and at the ski hill.
“The more things we have going on, the more fun it will be,” she said, noting that there is an application form for vendors available online, as well as in hardcopy at the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce.
Over the course of the weekend, Jasper will host four festivals.
The first will be at the Miette Hot Springs finish line on Sept. 4.
Reade said that festival will be relatively small, as there will be a concurrent event taking place on the information centre lawn, where far more people can gather around the jumbotron to watch the race and take part in activities, grab a bite to eat, hang out in the beer gardens and enjoy live music—including a performance by Scenic Route to Alaska.
The following day, as cyclists compete in Stage 5 of the race, there will be another festival in town, beginning in the morning and carrying through to the evening.
“The race is going to kick off at 11:30 in the morning and in the lead up to that the riders will all be around,” said Reade, noting that there will be opportunities to meet them.
The jumbotron will remain on the information centre lawn throughout the day, broadcasting the race up Marmot Basin Road, allowing people to participate in town, rather than making the trek up to ski hill for the festival at the finish line.
For those who want to celebrate at Marmot, there will be shuttles throughout the morning and early afternoon until the road closes, allowing safe travel for the cyclists.
“There will be a lot of information coming out about how to get to Marmot for the finish,” said Reade, adding that those details are still being finalized.
As well as looking for vendors for the numerous festivals, Jasper’s local organizing committee is also looking for volunteers to help out over the course of the weekend.
Reade said so far most of the volunteers who have registered are coming from out of town and encouraged Jasperites to get their applications in.
To volunteer, fill out the application form at www.tourofalberta.com.
To find an online vendor application, visit jasper.travel/tourofalberta.
Nicole Veerman
[email protected]
