3 minute read
Prepare to Love Winter
Arts & Culture
Despite the fresh powder, the speedy cross country skiing trails, and the fat biking expeditions, Fernie’s cultural vibrancy is just as galvanizing, with a number of art galleries, historical exhibitions, and creative programming to sink into.
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Start your cultural escapade at the Arts Station, a refurbished train station located just off Second Avenue, offering everything from teen theatre shows, to pottery classes, and even a monthly gallery displaying the work of local artists and artisan producers.
Adding to the vibrancy of Fernie’s art scene is the Fernie Arts Co-op, a space that gives local East Kootenay artists and artisans the chance to display and sell their work. You’re sure to find something that catches your eye while browsing through the array of hand made goods and gifts created by over 40 local artists. Nearby and showcasing historical artifacts and stories is the Fernie Museum. Stop by to learn about everything from the Great Fire of 1908 to a history of team sport in Fernie. Keep strolling and just round the corner you will find the H Squared Gallery, home to landscape oil paintings created by Tara Higgins and the hand thrown pottery of Kerri Holmes. Also conveniently located down Second Avenue is Stephanie’s Glass and Art Studio. Her gallery features professional stained glass and sandblasted glass work, including colourful custom designs, glassware, and more. For a literary escape, be sure to stroll into Polar Peek Books and Treasures, offering a wide selection of best-selling novels alongside books written by talented local authors. Looking for some cultural gifts to take back home to your loved ones? Head on into Eye of the Needle, an artisan gallery and studio selling metalwork, glass, and fibre art from local and international artists. Felting classes are also available upon request for anyone looking to get crafty this winter season. To peruse an array of stunning photography, visit Kyle Hamilton Photography. Located on Third Avenue, the studio showcases jawdropping shots of weddings, portraits, events and action sports. Though there’s a lot more to Fernie than meets the eye, a saunter through town is sure to surprise you with an explosion of culture, history, and artwork.
Fernie Ghostriders
The Fernie Ghostriders are a Junior ‘B’ hockey team and members of the Eddie Mountain Division of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL).
The team takes its name from the shadow of the ghost rider which can be seen on Mt. Hosmer during the summer months, a vision that legends are made of.
The Ghostrider home games are played out of Fernie Memorial Arena, and are usually well-attended, energetic crowd pleasers, although this year they will be live streamed on HOCKEY TV so make sure you pick up your subscription there! No games however, garner the enthusiasm or create the hype and anticipation as does a game against the cross Kootenay rivals...the Kimberley Dynamiters. This team epitomizes what being Canadian and playing hockey is all about. Fernie’s hometown team is coached by Jeff Wagner, recipient of the Coach of the Year Award in his first year with the team (2018/2019). Wagner brings out the best in his players, ensuring they are both good teammates and good citizens. On and off the ice, the Ghostrider players play like champions. Whether it be taking part in the Reach a Reader campaign to support literacy, or Trick or Treat with a Ghostrider each October, wearing Pink Jerseys to raise breast cancer awareness, marching with the Veterans on Remembrance Day, or assisting with the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign at Christmas, the Ghostriders are “All In”.
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