Peter L.Smith
Published online September 9, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
PEMBROKE – Downtown Pembroke streets were packed, Saturday August 15, as spectators vied for the best spot to watch the third annual Buskerfest, courtesy of the Pembroke Business Improvement Association.
The event kicked off Friday evening, August 14, at Waterfront Park with a charity barbecue and local entertainment; it concluded with a great drone light show, featuring 200 drones. Saturday morning, by 11 am, downtown streets were blocked off to traffic so spectators and buskers could interact safely.
Entertainment by over fifteen buskers (street performers) displayed daring acrobatic stunts, comedic dance moves and kept the crowd enthralled all day. Some buskers called upon members of the audience to assist in their acts.
In addition to the buskers, other entertainment included special activities for kids such as the Bubble Zone, Animal Alley with some fluffy alpacas presented by Pet Valu, Little Rays Reptiles, face painting, a rock climbing wall, and more. The skateboard show attracted a good crowd, as competitors performed various jumps and maneuvers on ramps. Many competitors were from the Colony Skateboard Shop and School located in Downtown Pembroke.
Shamrock Park was busy with Wheels of the Valley antique car show, live entertainment and Art In The Park for Kids, giving them a chance to create their own masterpieces. Various food vendors were set up in the street and merchants had sidewalk sale items on display during the day.
“Ottawa Valley Buskerfest is a vibrant festival that celebrates international and local talent and fosters community engagement through music, performance and art,” stressed event organizers.
Photo: The clown duo, “Same, Same, Different”, entertained the crowd during Pembroke’s Buskerfest, August 14 & 15. (PS)
