Last year's Oak Bay Tea Party saw sideways rain and strong winds. "The tent was blown away," recalls chair Sandy Germaine.
But this year, she's "praying" for sunny skies.
However, rain or shine, it's always a good time at Oak Bay's now 63-year-old festival.
This year, the event will be held at Willows Park from June 6-8.
Shooting Star Amusements will return with the usual midway, a favourite for all ages, on Friday from 4-10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
This year, there will be a new 2025 Zero Gravity ride, which has a higher hourly capacity and gives a "faster, steeper ride than the previous ride," said Shooting Star owner Justin Wagner, whose company has provided the festival with rides for over 20 years.
The grand new gondola wheel, which premiered in 2024, returns to offer a "beautiful view of the ocean," he added.
Wagner has two favourite parts of the Tea Party.
"The pancake breakfast early in the morning before the crowds arrive, sitting by the water," he said, referring to the Esquimalt Lions' breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings from 7-11 a.m.
"The Beef On A Bun is another favourite I look forward to each year. We attend many events across the province, and the Beef On A Bun at the Tea Party is the best there is," he said.
And what would the party be without the parade? Saturday at 10:15 a.m., the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics starts at Windsor Park. The parade will then depart at 10:30, winding through the streets of cheerful crowds to end at Willows Park about 45 minutes later, where festivities will fill the park with games, entertainment and dancing.
The parade route runs northwest along Newport from Windsor Park to Oak Bay Avenue, west on Oak Bay Avenue, north on Hampshire and Musgrave, east on Estevan, south on Beach, finishing at Willows Park.
Those unfamiliar with the festival may wonder where the tea factors in? The Oak Bay Tea Party Society operates the Tea Tent, run by the Girl Guides on Saturday and Sunday. Teas, of course, will be on hand.
Then, there's the annual Mayor's Floating Teacup Race, on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Willows Beach. Mayor Kevin Murdoch will face his opponent(s) in a thrilling ocean race as they paddle giant teacups made of fibre glass. Even in stormy weather last summer, it was an exciting event.
The Kiwanis Tea Room will open for business with a limited menu including hot dogs, French fries and frozen treats.
More events and an entertainment schedule can be found at oakbayteaparty.com, and include food, kids' activities and live music.
And, as always, the Tea Party will commit to its green initiative, diverting trash from landfills, promoting recycling, and staying balloon-free – all to honour the beautiful landscape that makes the Tea Party a popular destination.
