Those in Central Park Tuesday got a sneak preview of what was in store for the first ever North Battleford International Street Performers Festival this weekend.
Jugglers, hoop twirlers and even a "Silver Elvis" were on hand for the preview, which was a part of the Live@Lunch event held in the park by the Downtown North Battleford organization.
The performers will be back again from Friday to Sunday for the festival on the streets of downtown North Battleford. The location is between 11th and 12th Avenues on 101st Street. If weather doesn't co-operate, performers will move to the Agrivilla on the exhibition grounds.
The performances are free to the public, however, those attending are encouraged to provide "tips" to the performers as appreciation for their entertainment.
"There's no ticket required," said Shelley Switzer, artistic producer for the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival, the consultant for the North Battleford event. "If you like it, you get to decide the value and you put a tip into the performers' hat when the performance is done."
The performers are from all over the world - Australia, England, Thailand, Mexico and Canadian artists as well.
Katie Wright, a juggler and performer from Australia, hoop twirler Satya Bella from England and Australia, Pancho Libre from Mexico, Magical Mystical Michael from the United States and Silver Elvis from Toronto were in the park Tuesday.
Elvis, whose real name is Peter Jarvis, described his act as "a mechanical robot statue of Elvis, all in silver." The idea is that "as soon as the cash goes in, he dances and moves and gyrates like Elvis in a mechanical fashion."
Wright, who also does hoop performances, has "toured for the last eight years for six to eight months of the year, usually." She has been all over the world to Europe, Asia and North America as a performer, but adds "I would really like to go to Africa, that would be exciting."
The key to making a living busking is to "follow the weather," she said, and perform where the weather outside is good. "We need to migrate like birds, follow the sunshine" said Wright.
Also at the preview were "roving artists" such as Stewart the Steward, Pretzel the balloon twiste and the Fashionistas, among others.
Switzer said it is "almost a full year now" of planning with the committee for the event. "We are so excited to be here," said Switzer.
The performers say they are also looking forward to it.
"It's really exciting to be here for the first North Battleford festival," Wright told reporters. "And it will be really fun if it keeps going and we get to come back over the years and watch it grow and change."
The event kicks off with a VIP gala banquet at Dekker Centre Thursday night.
The festival itself runs Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11a.m. to 6 p.m.
Those seeking more information can go to www.nbstreetfest.com, as well as nbstreetfest on Facebook and Twitter.
