PG’s official restart event a massive success

Although entry to the event was free of charge, The Wheelin’ Warriors of the North who raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation were accepting donations.

Donations were being accepted at the gate and around the site and all proceeds from the event were passed along to the charity.

The current total is over $22,000 and continues to climb. This far exceeds the goal of $10,000 making the event a massive success from the perspective of fundraising alone.

The money raised will stay in Northern BC to help fund cancer research and treatment in the north. Donations are still be accepted online.

Rooftop Rock Event Producer Kyle Sampson said, “The event turned out to be a resounding success and we couldn’t be any more excited about the final totals.”

“Over 7500 people in attendance is absolutely remarkable and exceeds our expectations as to what we anticipated, and for our fundraising total to be sitting at a little over $22,000.00 for the Wheelin’ Warriors of the North and the BC Cancer Foundation is just a really great feeling.”

“Not only were we host of thousands of people who were excited to gather again, but those thousands of people came ready to support the cause and the businesses/vendors,” said Sampson.

“We put this event together for a number of reasons, but two reasons, in particular, stood out and have been the core focus of our team. On one hand, our goal was to provide an opportunity for people in our community to gather again in a way that was fun, exciting, had a lot of different things to see and do, and was safe.

Sampson also said, “We wanted to be sure that our community was given a chance to gather now before winter kicks in and we’re another year away from this type of event. And on the other hand, we also had our event service providers in mind.”

“It’s been 18 months since we entered the pandemic, and before that it was winter. So, realistically it has been about 2 years since we’ve been able to have this type of celebration or event and many local businesses both big and small have struggled.”

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for local businesses, food trucks, vendors, event service providers to kick off the dust and get back out doing what we all love which is connecting with our community and customers and providing great events and entertainment in our community,” said Sampson.

The event was host to approximately 75 market vendors and a dozen food vendors. The market featured a range of vendors that included local businesses and regional businesses, through to events like the BCNE and regional attractions like Barkerville.

“Our vendor response throughout the event and after was all extremely positive. The community really came out and showed support for these local businesses and a number of vendors shared that they had record-breaking sales,” said Sampson.

“We are extremely grateful to both our vendors for coming and supporting our event by taking part, but also to the patrons who shopped at the market, ate at the food trucks, connected with tourism partners, rode the mini train, chose to get vaccinated, and really proved that Prince George is a great community to live in where people will support one another.”

Northern Health Authority was onsite offering drop-in first or second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Representatives from the pop-up clinic shared that exactly 100 doses were given at the event, making it one of the most successful pop-ups yet.

Recipients of the vaccine were a wide range of ages from kids to seniors, and that it was a good mix of first and second doses.

Sampson says, “All in all, the event turned out to be a resounding success and that is thanks to a lot of dedicated, passionate, and hardworking people. So to our sponsors, vendors, service providers, volunteers, entertainers, and to our patrons, thank you.”

“I think this turned out to be a wonderful way to welcome back live events in our community in a big way.”

Next up for Prince George is one of the biggest music festivals to ever hit the North. The Best Damn Music Festival will hit Exhibition Park at CN Centre September 10th and 11th for two days of great country music.

It will feature some of Canada’s best damn country stars including Brett Kissel, Dean Brody, High Valley, The Reklaws, The Washboard Union, Tyler Joe Miller, The Chris Goodwin Band, and Rick Stavely.

Tickets for the event are on sale now online or at the CN Centre box office. Early bird pricing is available only until August 22nd. Tickets start at just $99.99.

With files from Kyle Sampson

by Ben Tompkins

PG’s official restart event a massive success

What's Trending