One day, Stokefest co-founder Robin Moffatt and her friends discussed how they could showcase their favourite aspects of the Comox Valley in a festival.

Their idea would eventually evolve into a biannual event, drawing attendees from across the Valley and beyond.

鈥淎 friend鈥� and I were talking on the chairlift about wanting to bring the film festival and party (spirit) that happens in the ski and mountain biking industry to the local community since (the Valley has) such a big group of enthusiasts,鈥� said Moffatt. 鈥淲e felt that Cumberland needed an event that showcased the (work of) local filmmakers. Cumberland also has an amazing arts and sports scene. We kind of wanted to marry these two things together.鈥�

Inspired by Whistler鈥檚 Crankworx, the women came up with a unique idea: a festival highlighting skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.

Revolving mainly around the community rather than emphasizing the competitive nature of these sports, Moffatt invites people from all ages and walks of life to partake in this year鈥檚 celebration.

The lineup for this year鈥檚 festival includes a video premiere of local filmmakers, an enduro race, airbag sessions to practise aerial manoeuvres and much more.

The two-day festival, kicking off on Friday (May 10) will happen throughout the village鈥檚 central core, with the movie premieres presented at Cumberland鈥檚 cultural centre and a final wrap-up party hosted at the Waverly on May 11.

The Stokefest organizers decided to anchor the summer festival in the village for a few reasons.

鈥淲e鈥檝e sort of focused our energy in Cumberland now because it鈥檚 such a nice tight-knit community that is very accommodating,鈥� said Moffatt.

Though only a handful of people are running the festival, the co-founder mentioned that it鈥檚 the community coming together that makes this event possible.

鈥淣ow, we鈥檝e brought on bike-related community members and volunteers to help support the event and have it come to life. It鈥檚 very much a community effort,鈥� Moffatt said.

The only ticketed event will be the movie premieres, with entry fees for those wishing to participate in the jump competition. However, for the most part, other events will be free of charge explained Moffatt.

For more information about the festival, to register for an event, or to see the schedule, visit