The BC Lions say there will be a new and improved version of the ever-popular Fan Fest, which is scheduled to take place in Kamloops on Saturday, May 18.

It will begin at Hillside Stadium with the Play with the Pros clinic for kids aged 6 to 13, with people being asked to register online. The clinic runs from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., with a full Lions scrimmage scheduled to take place between 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

FanFest will then move to downtown Kamloops for a street festival that gets underway at 4 p.m. It’ll feature live music as well as food, beverages, and entertainment for fans of all ages.

“FanFest is a highly-anticipated event on our calendar for both members of our organization and our outstanding fans themselves,” Lions’ president Duane Vienneau, said. “We are excited to expand the tradition this season and beyond, giving our great fans the opportunity to also enjoy some activities in beautiful downtown Kamloops.”

FanFest is part of BC Lions Training Camp, which gets underway in less than a month.

Lions rookies will take the field at Hillside Stadium for a three-day mini-camp starting on May 8. They’ll be joined by veterans on May 11 with the first full practice scheduled for May 12.

“The amenities and hospitality given to our club in Kamloops are the best we can ask for, “Lions’ co-general manager and director of football operations Neil McEvoy, said. “The football team is thrilled to be kicking off a 14th straight season in Canada’s Tournament Capital.”

The Lions – who are hosting the Grey Cup on Nov. 17 this year – have been coming to Kamloops for training camp since 2010.

The Lions will play a pair of preseason games – in Calgary against the Stampeders on May 25, and then against the Edmonton Elks at BC Place Stadium on May 31.

They open the regular season in Toronto against the Argonauts on June 9, with the Lions home opener set for June 15, when the Calgary Stampeders visit BC Place.

You can find details about the training camp practice schedule here.