WASN’T THAT A PARTY!
I just had a blast at the West 4th Avenue Khatsahlano Street Party, the biggest music and art festival of the summer.
Billed as one of Vancouver’s largest music and arts festivals #Khatsahlano took place on Saturday, July 12 with free entry. It doesn’t get much better than this festival, so well organized you would never know it is only four years old in 2014.
The Kitsilano West 4th Avenue Business Association work all year long to make this a simply special and most wonderful event for the whole family.
There was great musical entertainment on eight stages, street performers, local artisans and the merchants and eateries that line West 4th were centre stage. You could shop till you drop or just discover the many shops and services the West 4th business area provide.
Covering a 10 block space of the vibrant and lively West 4th Avenue over 100,000 people come out to have fun and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. There were all ages in attendance from babes in arms to the silver haired set and absolutely everyone in between.
The day feels a little bit “back to the historical 60’s” when “Kits” was the place to hang in peaceful harmony and the #Khats is reminiscent of all that was good and laid-back. The atmosphere is so friendly, like the biggest block party ever.
For the kiddies the Desjardins Family Zone, new this year, was a big hit with children’s entertainment ranging from singers to jugglers and magic acts.
Of course what’s a music and art festival without great food and drink? Such a variety to choose from. West 4th Avenue is a bastion of restaurants and eateries some have been here for decades, others new on the scene.
I spent my time relaxing at Fable Kitchen on their temporary street patio with deliciously fresh BBQ fare paired with a cool Samuel Adams beer. There is nothing better on a hot summer day than a refreshing ice cold Samuel Adams beer. The Beer was the perfect match for the pulled pork with tangy BBQ sauce, cooling on the tongue as it mixed with the warm spices of the scrumptious dish. The staff were having a ball and keeping things moving as people lined up to indulge in succulent pulled pork, on a bun or on a plate with yummy potato salad and tasty sides, depending on the size of your appetite. Enjoyed with ice cold #SamInHand the bite of the coleslaw and the flavourful potato salad was a mingling of fresh summer flavours. For lighter appetites the tuna in a jar with crispy bread slices served up on a board was a big hit.
It was fun chatting with everyone at the communal table and learning more about our “neighbours” in a relaxing fun filled atmosphere. It was an absolute perfect Vancouver summer day but we stayed cool under the tent while we watched all the action. The aromas from the BBQ set right in the middle of their outdoor space made your mouth water in anticipation. The friendly staff were so quick and efficient you had your plate in one hand and your Samuel Adams in the other in no time.
I made a whole day out of the #Khats strolling along with the throngs of happy people in the sunshine listening to music and just taking in the sights of the festival.
Khatsahlano Music + Art Festival goes to the top of my “not to be missed” fun times for next year.
All photos by the talented Strimby.
In the interests of full disclosure I received monetary compensation to attend and retain a photographer for this post. That in no way affects my review, the comments are solely mine provided without bias.
