Celebrate community and experience one of the many festivals and events in Sparwood!
You can connect with residents and visitors year-round by taking part in the culture and fun of these community events and check out the event calendar. From tours in the coal mines, seasonal celebrations for whole family, to hip arts and cultural happenings – there is something for everyone – babies to grandparents! Or host your own event.
If you’re organizing a festival or event on District property, we’re here to help. Leisure Complex staff can answer your questions about liquor licences, food vendors, lighting, fireworks, permits, security, power, bleachers and more.
If your event is a new community (public) event that is to be hosted within the municipal boundaries, it may be eligible for funding under the Sparwood Community Events Fund. For more information on hosting an event or renting a District facility, contact staff at 250.425.0552 or by email at recoffice@sparwood.ca or visit Facility Rentals & Permits.
Having a checklist of tasks and activities that need to be completed to make the event happen is essential. We recommend that you develop a checklist applicable for your own event. When using District of Sparwood facilities and parks, some of the requirements that you may need to discuss with us are:
Contract the Leisure Centre at 250.425.0552 for more details.
If you are thinking of hosting a public or private event, you may need a special occasion liquor licence, a temporary food service permit, a gaming licence, a public address system permit or a road closure permit.
Special Occasion Liquor License
If you want to serve or sell alcohol at your event you will require a Special Occasion Licence issued by the Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCLB) which is available online at https://specialevents.bcldb.com. However, you must also complete a District application form. This form must be included with your application to the LCLB as proof that the District has authorized liquor service on public lands or within a public facility.
Please see Delegation Bylaw 1181 for more information regarding conditions for serving liquor during your event or visit Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCLB) for Special Occasion Licence requirements.
Temporary Food Service Permit
If you want to serve or sell food at your event that is not exempted, you will need to apply for a temporary foodservice permit through Interior Health at the Cranbrook Health Protection Office located at 103, 1700-4th Street or you can apply online.
Business License
If your special event is a commercial event where you will be retaining all profits, such as a trade show, carnival, circus, or other seasonal business, you will be required to obtain an itinerant or transient sales business licence. You can obtain a business licence for one day, one month, three months, six months or one year for your itinerant or transient sales business. Licence fees are listed in the Business Licence Bylaw.
If you are a society or non-profit business hosting a special event that is open to the public and benefits the community, you do not need to obtain a business licence.
Gaming License
If you want to hold a raffle, 50/50 draw, bingo, poker, or other gaming activity during your event, you may require a Gaming Event Licence issued by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch.
For more information on gaming, contact the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch at 1.800.663.7867 (then ask to be transferred to 604.660.0245) or by email at Gaming.Branch@gov.bc.ca.
PA System & Road Closure Permits
If you want to use a public address system (e.g. microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers) at an outdoor event or close a street, you will be required to obtain permit from the Director of Operational Services in accordance with the Traffic, Parking and Highways Regulation Bylaw.
For more information on public address systems, contact the Operational Services department at 250.425.7760 or by email at publicworks@sparwood.ca.
Eligible Community Events
The District of Sparwood values the contributions and participation of all citizens and has made the District’s Community Event Calendar available to the public as a tool to promote community events and activities.
The Community Event Calendar is established for civic, charitable, non-profit, educational, governmental, and/or public agencies and organizations. It is not the intent of the Community Event Calendar to promote private for-profit business.
Community Events should be open to the public, community oriented and either sponsored by the District of Sparwood or an agency or group that is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt entity (e.g. charitable, educational, registered non-profit, governmental, etc.) or non-income generating community group.
Community events that are open to the general public, community oriented and either sponsored by the District of Sparwood or an agency or group that is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt entity (e.g. charitable, educational, registered non-profit, governmental, etc.) or non-income generating community group are eligible to advertise their event on the District’s online Event Calendar.
To learn more about eligible events and participants, please see the District’s Community Event Calendar Policy for rules about acceptable postings, event locations, and submissions. You can submit your request online or in person at either the District Office or the Leisure Centre.
Looking to host a new event? The District of Sparwood may be able to help support your event through our Community Funding & Support program. For more information call the Sparwood Leisure Centre or visit: https://sparwood.ca/residents/community-funding-and-support-policy/