The Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival will be returning to Uptown Waterloo this year from Aug. 24 to 27. Marking its 35th anniversary this year, the free four-day event will feature international artists and performers, local artisans, interactive games and workshops, giveaways, food vendors, and more.
A team of 11 volunteers have worked for 10 months to organize the carnival, and another 70 volunteers will assist during the event days itself. “All of their time, energy and effort is given freely to help make this incredible event happen year after year,” carnival chair Randy Warren explained.
The carnival’s opening ceremony will take place this Thursday, Aug. 24, at 6:00 p.m., featuring a performance from Rhythm Works, the official drummers of the Toronto Raptors.
Other performances during the carnival include fire shows from Hoop You on Friday and Saturday night, and a family vaudeville show which will conclude the celebrations on Sunday evening.
In total, the carnival will feature 64 shows from its 11 performers, who come from Estonia, France, Argentina, South Korea, the United States, and Canada. “Many of [the buskers] have trained at circus schools around the world, [have] worked in shows with Cirque du Soleil and perform all around the world,” Warren said.
Though attendance is free, those who attend the carnival are encouraged to support the performers, who make their living from the tips they receive after each show. Additionally, half of the proceeds collected at Sunday’s family vaudeville show will go to Tiny Home Takeout, a local meal program and community kitchen.
The carnival will be held outside and will proceed rain or shine. For more information and a full list of performances, visit waterloobuskers.com.
