One day, Stokefest co-founder Robin Moffatt and her friends discussed how they could showcase their favourite aspects of the Comox Valley in a festival.
Their idea would eventually evolve into a biannual event, drawing attendees from across the Valley and beyond.
“A friend… and I were talking on the chairlift about wanting to bring the film festival and party (spirit) that happens in the ski and mountain biking industry to the local community since (the Valley has) such a big group of enthusiasts,” said Moffatt. “We felt that Cumberland needed an event that showcased the (work of) local filmmakers. Cumberland also has an amazing arts and sports scene. We kind of wanted to marry these two things together.”
Inspired by Whistler’s Crankworx, the women came up with a unique idea: a festival highlighting skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.
Revolving mainly around the community rather than emphasizing the competitive nature of these sports, Moffatt invites people from all ages and walks of life to partake in this year’s celebration.
The lineup for this year’s festival includes a video premiere of local filmmakers, an enduro race, airbag sessions to practise aerial manoeuvres and much more.
The two-day festival, kicking off on Friday (May 10) will happen throughout the village’s central core, with the movie premieres presented at Cumberland’s cultural centre and a final wrap-up party hosted at the Waverly on May 11.
The Stokefest organizers decided to anchor the summer festival in the village for a few reasons.
“We’ve sort of focused our energy in Cumberland now because it’s such a nice tight-knit community that is very accommodating,” said Moffatt.
Though only a handful of people are running the festival, the co-founder mentioned that it’s the community coming together that makes this event possible.
“Now, we’ve brought on bike-related community members and volunteers to help support the event and have it come to life. It’s very much a community effort,” Moffatt said.
The only ticketed event will be the movie premieres, with entry fees for those wishing to participate in the jump competition. However, for the most part, other events will be free of charge explained Moffatt.
For more information about the festival, to register for an event, or to see the schedule, visit stokefestvi.ca