HISTORY

The Greater Victoria Festival Society

The Greater Victoria Festival Society was incorporated under the Society Act on March 3, 1992.

MISSION:

Our mission is to provide a creative range of free family-friendly festivals, and a variety of events that enhance our community’s quality of life by strengthening connections; building awareness of diverse cultures; creating safe and inclusive opportunities for everyone and actively encouraging a sense of community pride.

VISION:

Our vision is to present world class events that showcase our region across all demographics to both domestic and international audiences. To provide a platform for outstanding entertainment, contribute to year-round sustainable economic development, encourage positive mental health and well-being, and support local businesses and charities.

We produce annual events such as the Victoria Day Parade, the Santa Light Parade, Wicked Victoria and the St Patrick’s Family Fun Day. Our events and parades bring joy to the community, draw thousands of people to our downtown core, help to drive our local economy and they shine a light on our amazing community spirit.
Our Society also leverages these events to help support and bring awareness to several local charities.

Bringing people together is our passion!

SEE OUR EVENTS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kelly Kurta

Kelly was born and raised in Oak Bay. She moved to Vancouver at 18 to live and work in the big city, finally settling into a successful career in Transportation and Logistics. She met her husband Rory in 1992 and has two beautiful girls, Kaelin and Mackenzie. The move back to Victoria was always the plan but came early in December of 2014 due to health reasons in the family and the request to join the Society once again in the administrative role supporting Ron Butlin. Due to Ron’s sudden passing in September of 2014, Kelly was voted into the Executive Director’s position and commuted for over a year between Vancouver and Victoria before settling in North Saanich at Canoe Cove. She chairs the Ronald McDonald House Vancouver Island Golf Tournament in August at Bear Mountain in her spare time and continues to work full time in transportation, remotely. She is thrilled to be back home and has the greatest team imaginable!