The Oak Bay Tea Party’s 62nd year begins at 4 p.m. today at Willows Park with the opening of the midway and a full slate of entertainment.
The Glenlyon Norfolk School jazz band kicks off the performance schedule on the park’s stage, which also features youth bands from the community trying their hand at playing in public, said Oak Bay Tea Party Society board chair Sandy Germain.
“They’re talented kids and it gives them a venue,” said Germain, who got involved in 1997 and joined the board in 2000.
She said two brand-new rides were brought in by Shooting Star Amusements — the latest in Ferris wheels and an updated version of the Spider.
Rides will be operating 4-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday’s action gets underway at 7 a.m. with the Esquimalt Lions pancake breakfast, followed at 10:30 a.m. by the Oak Bay Tea Party Parade from Windsor Park to Willows Park.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run supporting the Special Olympics precedes the parade along the route with a 10:15 a.m. start.
Oak Bay Coun. Hazel Braithwaite said she will be back in her traditional role of “the baroness of beef,” directing the making of the baron of beef sandwiches that have been a Tea Party staple for years.
Braithwaite cautioned the public to pay attention to parking restrictions during the weekend.
“There’s a lot of ‘no parking’ signs, especially during the parade.”
A bike-parking facility is available, she said.
Sunday’s highlights will include the Mayor’s Floating Tea Cup Race off Willows Beach, featuring Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch.
Germain said the other participants in the race are a mystery to her.
“Kevin’s kept this one very close to his chest so I don’t even know who’s in it. It will be a surprise for all of us as to who shows up.”
She said the rumour is that a couple of former Olympians could be in the field.
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