Carolyn Grant
A very big part of JulyFest is the annual soccer tournament, still the biggest one in Western Canada.
And as usual, it's shaping up to be a good one, says organizer Simon Davidson.
There are 60 teams signed up, with 80 games scheduled for Saturday and 45 for Sunday.
Games will take place at Central Field in Marysville, Chapman Camp, Blarchmont, Marysville Elementary and Selkirk fields, with Purcell Park seeing the most action.
As always, teams are coming in from all over, Davidson says.
"We have women's, men's and masters' teams coming from Alberta, B.C., Montana, Idaho and Washington," he said.
Among the favourites are the Green Monarchs from Whitefish and the Montana Rapids.
It has been since 1997 that a local team won the JulyFest tournament, but Davidson says there are a couple of teams from Cranbrook looking to do some damage this year (see related article in sports).
"There are two Cranbrook teams on the men's and women's sides," he said. "They are both looking to win. They made the semis last year. I think they have a shot.
"There's also a men's team coming from Nelson that has brought in some college and university players. I expect them to do well."
The JulyFest soccer tournament donates to many community causes.
They have donated to STARS air ambulance in memory of Richard Wayling who was a big presence in the local soccer scene, and have also given to the Food Bank. JulyFest soccer also has two $500 scholarships given to Selkirk grads each year. And this year,the have purchased a line painter which will be used by both Kimberley Minor Soccer and Selkirk Secondary.
Davidson says the tournament's success would not be possible without their sponsors.
"The Kimberley Lodging Company is fantastic. We couldn't do our scholarships without them."
The Marysville Pub and Runners RV are also sponsors and support is given by the City of Kimberley and School District 6.
If you'd like to catch some of the local teams in action this weekend, the Kimberley Football Club plays at 8 am.. Saturday at Chapman, then at 12:30 and 5 p.m. at Purcell Park. The Cranbrook men's team plays at Central at 9 am. then Purcell Park at 12:30 and 3:45 p.m. The Cranbrook women's team begins at Purcell at 10:15 Saturday morning, 1:30 at Selkirk, then 5 at Purcell.
Any other information is available at julyfestsoccer.com