VIU invites public to new community event

DiscoverFest at VIU takes place on Saturday, October 21 from 12 to 4 pm.

Everyone is invited to spend an afternoon at Vancouver Island University‘s (VIU’s) Nanaimo campus for DiscoverFest, a new community event designed to bring people together, create connections and showcase the University’s programs and expertise.

Highlights of the event include:

• A community stage with live music and performances, including Lantzville’s Raymond Salgado of Canada’s Got Talent fame, a demonstration by one of Nanaimo’s very own SuperDogs and local band From the Earth.
• An artisan market featuring VIU alumni and local businesses.
• Community partner information fair.
• Science demonstrations.
• Master gardeners from Milner Gardens and Woodland available to answer gardening questions.
• Interactive activities with VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station.
• 5-minute expert talks on fun subjects by VIU professors.
• Storytime in the library and the opportunity to sign up for a community member library card.
• A “Storm the Stairs” challenge with Frontrunners.
• Face painting, cookie decorating and a pumpkin patch with pumpkins for sale.
• Food trucks.
• Campus tours and opportunities to learn more about VIU’s programs and how to apply.

“DiscoverFest came together from our desire to create deeper connections with our community members and partners and share the expertise we have here at VIU,” said Gillian Robinson, VIU’s Strategic Communications Director. “We are excited to welcome everyone to our campus and we look forward to growing this event and continuing to build an annual event to look forward to in Nanaimo.”

There will also be prizes and giveaways on the day, including a MacBook Air Pro laptop and a VIU/Mariners swag pack giveaway.

Parking is free for the day and the event will go forward rain or shine. Visit the DiscoverFest at VIU homepage, where a map and full schedule will be available in coming weeks.

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Media Contact:

Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Manager, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.619.6860 | E: Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.