Sun Peaks — Over the past two years Sun Peaks’ summer occupancy has grown by 36 percent from July to September and the high pace of growth is continuing. Much of this success is attributed to the provincial governments’ Resort Municipality Initiative, which the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality has allocated to a strong summer events strategy which is executed by Tourism Sun Peaks.

Advance bookings for the 2014 summer months are currently pacing seven per cent ahead of last summer’s record breaking occupancy numbers. The month of July is currently pacing 20 per cent ahead and August is currently pacing 14 per cent of last year. 

In addition to national and large scale sporting events, the 2014 Summer Concert Series is driving overnight stays with five major event weekends. For complete concert listings go to www.SunPeaksResort.com/Concerts.

“To enhance guest experience and extend the length of stay we have added major performers to a second night on our anchor concert weekends,” says Christopher Nicolson, president of Tourism Sun Peaks. “For example, Friday, July 4 is pacing 20 per cent ahead of last year in addition to an anticipated sell-out Saturday night. This is a major success for the village.”

Summer Kick-Off Weekend runs from Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29. Full summer mountain operations begin on Friday, June 27 as the Sunburst chairlift will begin turning for the summer season, opening access to 16 alpine hiking trails and to 35 downhill mountain biking trails. The new 'Music In the Plaza’ every Friday evening also kicks off with live music by Joe Roberts Band with special guest Sylvain Vallee on the Upper Plaza Stage at 6:30 pm and will continue every Friday throughout the summer.

Both Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29, are filled with complimentary family entertainment in the village, including multiple daily performances by the West Coast Lumberjack Show, Tickles & Yowza The Clowns and the band Team Hewitt. Kids will also love the climbing wall, bouncy castle and face painting.

The 7th Annual Mountain of Beer and Chili Cook-Off begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 and features house made chili and beer pairings from six village restaurants. This 19+ event sells out every year, and is the source of local competition and pride as chefs compete for the coveted People’s Choice Award. Tickets are $30 and available online or by phone at 1-800-807-3257 for this pub crawl style event.

On Sunday, June 29, the Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market returns to Sun Peaks’ main village walkway from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Every Sunday to September 7, farmers, artisans and musicians from the local region will congregate in the village to greet residents and guests with the finest seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, home-made wares and local music. With over a 60 per cent increase in the average number vendors last summer, Sun Peaks’ weekly market has become known as one of the best locations in the Thompson region.

The first market of the season will feature a Master Gardener booth hosted by the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners Chapter. These knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer gardening related questions from the general public and help promote environmentally responsible gardening practices for a healthy and balanced garden.

For complete details on Sun Peaks Summer Kick-Off Weekend go to www.SunPeaksResort.com/Summer-KickOff.

For complete summer event listings go to www.SunPeaksResort.com/Events.
 

News from © iNFOnews, 2014