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A social experiment in Fernie

Residents and passers through can look forward to a new summer event series this year, with the inaugural Summer Downtown Social set to bring Fernie’s historic Victoria Avenue to life.

By Angela Treharne

Free Press Staff

Residents and passers through can look forward to a new summer event series this year, with the inaugural Summer Downtown Social set to bring Fernie’s historic Victoria Avenue to life.

“We are blessed with the beautiful back-drop of the mountains and brick built buildings,” said Sarah Parry, Manager of the Fernie Chamber of Commerce. “We have an ideal setting and are looking to create a vibrancy that draws people to the downtown and showcases Fernie.”

The event is set to run Sundays and Wednesdays from July 3 until September 4.

“This initiative is inclusive and open to all,” said Parry.  “Anyone wishing to participate in any way can join in.  Business owners who currently do not open on a Sunday are encouraging others to make use of their frontage. Wednesday will see the Mountain Market at the Arts Station; it’s all about people having a great time and enjoying Fernie.  Support from business owners and The City of Fernie has been overwhelming; for a little invested effort I believe that we can grow the idea of Fernie being a great summer destination as well as a winter one.”

Sunday’s socials will compliment the already popular Mountain Market, held every Sunday in Fernie throughout summer and entering its 10th year of operation.

Wednesday’s socials are to include the Mountain Market’s new addition of a mid-week market in Fernie’s Station Square as well as live entertainment, music and refreshments provided by the Fernie Brewing Company.  Bear Necessities gift store owner Sandra Harrison said, “I’m really excited about the market being added as a downtown event. So many people still miss seeing Fernie’s downtown and this is another initiative to show them what Fernie has to offer.”

For more information about the Summer Downtown Social, call the Fernie Chamber of Commerce at 250 423 6868 or email

info@ferniechamber.com