This year's carnival took place August 21 - 24, 1997 after a period of construction in UpTown Waterloo. At 3:00 pm on Thursday, amateur community performers competed for prizes and a spot on the street. Opening ceremonies and a community bbq kicked on the carnival in the evening.
New for this year, Habit for Humanity Waterloo Region held "Cornfest" on Friday and Saturday evenings from4pm to 9pm while the Hunt for Health Group held a "Where is Welldo?" draw on Saturday from Noon to 9pm. Participants were asked to locate the three Welldos, collect 2 stamps from each, and enter the draw for various prizes.
Saturday featured the Late Night Adult Show with while the Family Vaudeville Show wrapped up on the carnival on Sunday.
Buskers included:
Barto, Boischatel, Quebec - comedy, contortion
Rachelle Elie, Toronto - comedy
Green Fools, Calgary - comedy, dragon puppet, stilt walking
Jeff Hill, Toronto - escape, fire show
Hilby, Ithaca NY - juggling, unicycling, unsupported ladder
Junkyard Symphony, Ottawa - music on everything including the kitchen sink
Klassic Komedy Troupe, Hamilton - comedy, theatre, historic figures
Magic in Motion, Waterloo - mime, comedy, magic, escape, balloons
Master Lee, New York City - comedy, martial arts
Miss Take, Quebec - puppetry, juggling, comedy, magic
Pucara, Montreal - Argentine dance
Lee Ross, Colorado - mime, comedy
Mark Segal, Glasgow, Scotland - comedy
Sheree Vickers, London, England - comedy
Young Raoul, Winnipeg - clowning, comedy
Special Note: For the first time, a Busker Buddy Club was started. It included a newsletter with insider information on carnival gossip and entertainment as well as prizes and discounts on "cool stuff". All this for just $15.