LIVE at Squamish serves up its three-day musical feast starting with a hootenanny on Friday (Aug. 24), following through the weekend with dozens of bands and DJs, headlined by Tragically Hip on Saturday (Aug. 25) and City and Colour on Sunday (Aug. 26).
Squamish's acting mayor, Rob Sander, said he has watched the festival evolve and the interest build over the last few years. He expects thousands at the Loggers Sports Ground this weekend.
"It seems to have a must-have feel to it, not just locally. I work in North Vancouver and people at work are excited about coming up. This year I've been inundated with people trying to get tickets and information, and that's just me personally, not on a formal level," Sander said.
He noted that Squamish itself is doing more over the weekend, with a downtown festival and pancake breakfast, among other things. He hopes the spirit will rub off on visitors, who might want to give Squamish a closer look.
"It's the sort of thing Whistler does so well, the ability to fill their town full of people who are willing to pay to stay, eat in the restaurants, do a little shopping... and who knows? Maybe buy a little real estate and set up business, that would be awesome," Sander said.
It's about the profile of Squamish as well as a bit of a party.
"On one hand, it's entertainment, but it's also economic development. If you can come out of this with a good community image, there are people who may consider relocating," he said.
And Sander applauded organizer brand.LIVE for tweaking the festival each year to offer a better experience each time for visitors and to also keep residents in mind.
"People support the event," he said.
To find out more about what is happening in Squamish this weekend: http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler/squamish-comes-alive-for-festival/Content?oid=2317529
Five performers you want to see: http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler/five-artists-you-need-to-see-at-squamish/Content?oid=2316754
Our interview with Saturday headliners Tragically Hip: http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler/stating-the-tragically-obvious/Content?oid=2316719
