Skip to content

Patio season kicks off

Downtown Fernie is a sea of umbrellas and deck chairs as patio season gets underway.
11876269_web1_Patio-season-street

Downtown Fernie is a sea of umbrellas and deck chairs as patio season gets underway.

From May 1 to October 15 each year, businesses with approval from the City of Fernie can erect outdoor patios to allow guests to dine outside and enjoy the warm weather.

Infinitea T-Bar and Boutique has one of the biggest patios in town after doubling its capacity last summer and has installed a keg system just in time for summer.

Owner Stephanie Fleming said the patio could hold up to 30 people and was the only downtown patio with a roof structure.

“It’s more noticeable, especially for us being on a side street,” she said.

“All the other downtown patios are on the main street, but we’re on a side street so it’s little bit more difficult to draw attention so having a bigger structure like that, that looks more permanent and is more visually inviting is really important to us.”

Infinitea’s popular “BBQ and Beats” Sunday sessions return to the patio on June 3 and feature local DJs and drink and food specials.

Fleming hopes having craft beer on tap will be another drawcard for customers, with Kimberley brewery, Over Time Beer Works, installing a keg system last week.

Nevados is also gearing up for a busy patio season after upgrading many features of the restaurant’s permanent off-street patio, including the outdoor sound system, fencing and furniture.

Co-owner Kurt Saari is planting a veggie patch in the restaurant gardens and plans to host a pig roast in the fall, as well as regular entertainment.

“On top of this we will occasionally run our lunch time cantina,” he said.

“Having an off-street patio downtown is extremely valuable to our business.

“It allows us to have nicer patio furniture, more plants and gardens, better music systems, and more consistent service due to its proximity to the bar and kitchen.

“People also comment that they enjoy not being out on the street.”

11876269_web1_Patio-season-Brickhouse
Patio season runs from May 1 to October 15. Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press