Excitement is building for the 48th annual Valley East Days, held this year from September 5-7 at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre.
What most of the enthusiastic attendees of the festival don’t know about, are all the behind-the-scenes hours and volunteers that actually make the event possible.
“There are so many incredible volunteers and small businesses that make this festival something special and bring it all together,” mused Valley East Days co-organizer and Cousin Vinny’s owner, Chris Vitiello.
“I mean, to have over 120 small businesses all sponsor one event…that’s crazy! I can’t think of another event anywhere that has that much support from small businesses!” he exclaimed. “We are very lucky to receive that level of support!”
Vitiello is also very happy about a new supporter for the event this year, College Boreal. “College Boreal came on board for the first time this year, donating a large sum of money, and the free services of their paramedics students for the first aid tent all weekend long!” he said.
“The students are very impressive, very polite and knowledgeable,” he continued. “They also bring all their equipment with them. We really want to thank Suzanne Lemieux, the Dean of the School of Health; and Paramedic Program Co-ordinator René Lapierre for their support and help in making this partnership and sponsorship happen.”
When asked about one volunteer or supporter who stands head and shoulders above the rest, though, Vitiello doesn’t hesitate. “A volunteer who stands out? That would have to be Sylvain Delay, from Marc’s Auto Sales and Service in Val Caron,” he said.
He added, “Sylvain comes and stays in a trailer for a week before, during, and after Valley East Days, making sure that every little detail is attended to. He takes a full week off work, and puts in 12-hour days, doing whatever needs to be done. He does night security, sets up tents, organizes the beer orders and deliveries, he is really our main man on the ground for this event.”
Of course, Vitiello and his business, Cousin Vinny’s, is a key supporter of Valley East Days as well. “We are so proud of how this neighbourhood event has grown, and what we have all built,” he smiled. “That’s the power of community.”
Valley East Days is a free, friendly, neighbourhood festival that’s fun for the whole family, happening this year from September 5-7 at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre.
For more information and to buy tickets for the evening entertainment, click here.