Island Events and Activities

SPRING/SUMMER 2024

INSIDE

BUCCANEER DAYS

FIRED UP! CONTEMPORARY WORKS IN CLAY

THE PARKSVILLE BEACH FESTIVAL SOCIETY

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL

SUMMER CAMPS

SPRING AND SUMMER MARKETS

FLAVOUR TRAILS®

COWICHAN ARTISANS

CHEF'S CHALLENGE

Buccaneer Days

Once again we look forward to Buccaneer Days festivities in Esquimalt. This event is always well attended by locals and people from other communities. This great event allows our community to work and play together, have a great time and instill a feeling of accomplishment and pride in our community.

A fun filled weekend loaded with events for both young and old. It begins at noon on Friday May 10th with a Seniors BBQ in the Recreation Centre with entertainment by some of the local school children. This is followed by West Coast Amusements opening of the Midway. West Coast Amusements have been the providers of our Midway for over 25 years and the crew are looking forward to being here again this year.

Saturday morning, May 11th starts the day off bright and early with the famous “Wakey Wakey” loved by some, hated by others, however it is a Tradition.

What would Buccaneer Days be without the Lions and their famous Pancake Breakfast beginning at 7:00 am on Saturday Morning, May 11th in the Curling Rink, followed by the Parade on

Esquimalt Road which starts at 10:00 am. We invite any interested parties who would like to be in this parade to go to our web page esquimaltbuccaneerdays.ca/contact

However, we are excited to announce that we will be doing two nights of Music Bingo! Friday will be family-friendly, and Saturday will be adults only. Watch for timings and cost. Some other things to watch for is the commuter bus from the parking lot on Canteen Rd. to Bullen Park, and a Bike Valet. Stay tuned for more info to come.

Ahoy Matey’s!

Buccaneer Days 2024 Coming Soon!

When May 10th, 11th and 12th, 2024 Where

Archie Browning Sports Center, Parking l ot & Bull en Fiel d

Come enjoy the Midway, Parade, Pancake Breakfast, Market Pl ace, Community Booths & Displ ays,

Music Bingo: Friday Night, Family friendly, Chil dren Wel come. 7pm to 9pm.

Saturday Night, Adults only Two games. 7pm to 9pm and 9pm to 11pm

Come on out and enjoy the fun.

DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

Fired Up! - Contemporary Works in Clay

A 40th Anniversary Celebration of Canadian Ceramic Arts

The first Fired Up! ceramics exhibition was hosted in Metchosin 40 years ago by the renowned Robin Hopper and Judi Dyelle when they brought together 12 ceramic artists whose goal was to show the public the many diverse ways of working with clay and to promote the understanding and appreciation of ceramics as an art form. This spring, the Fired Up! group celebrates their 40th anniversary as the longest running ceramic exhibition group in Canada. In recognition of this impressive milestone, they will feature contemporary work from current artists, and iconic work from past members by adding a month-long show in the Cowichan Valley Arts Council Gallery from April 5-May 2, with an opening reception on April 4th from 5-8, in addition to the usual weekend show in Metchosin, May 25-26.

Fired Up! consistently offers an opportunity for the public to meet some of BC’s bestknown ceramics artists, and to have first-hand access to their work. Together, the 28 past and present members represent some of the most important and influential Canadian ceramic artists of our time. This is a unique opportunity to view the work of these “influencers” who have helped put Canada on the ceramic arts map, and whose knowledge and expertise continue to be foundational to practicing ceramic artists in the field.

For more information, Please visit their website: www.firedup.ca follow Fired Up! On Facebook: www.facebook.com/ FiredUpWorksInClay/ and Instagram: www.instagram.com/ firedupworksinclay/

Parksville Beach Festival

With the addition of the Parksville Outdoor Theatre in the Community Park, Parksville Beach Festival offers a variety of entertainment options throughout the 5-week event. Locals and visitors can look forward to the return of the popular Tim Hortons “Free” Summer Concert Series Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Concert dates are July 19, 20, 26 & 27 and August 2, 3, 16 & 17. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair or blanket and be prepared to dance! To view lineup visit: parksvillebeachfest.ca/ event/summer-concert-series/ Now in its third year, the Mid Island Co-op Rock the Park Music Festival returns August 9-11. Featured bands for 2024 are performing the music of: Shania Twain, Bon Jovi, Dixie Chicks, Tragically Hip, Def Leppard, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Queen, Chicago, Bryan Adams, Buddy Holly, and other favourites!

Tickets on sale April 1, 2024 parksvillebeachfest.ca/event/midisland-coop-rock-the-park-musicfest/

“Symphony by the Sea” featuring the Vancouver Island Symphony returns August 18. On Parksville Beach Festival’s final day don’t miss the opportunity to experience live orchestral music

at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre sponsored by Carol Riera, PREC RE/MAX Anchor Realty.

Tickets on sale May 1, 2024. parksvillebeachfest.ca/event/ symphony-by-the-sea-featuringthe-vancouver-island-symphony/ The new addition to the festival this year is the Footprints Security “Opening Weekend Concert” featuring Trooper. Join us for a night of musical mastery and witness firsthand why this iconic band continues to hold the hearts of music lovers everywhere. Tickets on sale March 1, 2024. parksvillebeachfest.ca/event/ opening-weekend-concertfeaturing-trooper/

Also, the public can enjoy a diverse cross section of Vancouver Island musicians performing daily at the Boardwalk Gazebo adjacent to the sand sculptures. The Party City Buskers are programmed to play from 11 am to 1 pm and 2 to 4pm daily from July 15 to August 18.

These are just some of the family friendly activities offered during Parksville Beach Festival home of the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition. Parksville Beach Festival runs July 12 through to August 18. Plan your visit today at www.parksvillebeachfest.ca and see you at Parksville beach!

Parksville Beach Festival…much more than sandcastles!

Beach Festival events planned for July and August at Parksville Community Park…

This year, rather than having a specific theme, we’re empowering our sculptors to bring their own vision to life. We’re incredibly excited about the limitless possibilities this approach offers. There will be plenty of activities at the Parksville Community Park throughout the 5 ½ week festival, starting with the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition July 11-14. Twenty-nine sculptors from around the world will compete for prize money to be awarded Sunday July 14 at the close of the competition. The sculptures will then remain on exhibit until August 18. In addition to our sculpting competition the public will have an opportunity to learn sand sculpting techniques used by the professionals. Parksville Canadian Tire has sponsored two professional sculptors on July 13 & 14 to work with the public and teach them how to create a “proper” sand sculpture from scratch. All ages are welcome!”

Parksville Beach Festival

City Buskers in the Boardwalk Gazebo from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm daily July 15-August 18. Join us for Art in the Park July 20 (10am-6pm) & 21 (10am-4pm). This two-day market will showcase over 60 talented local artisans and vendors in the beautiful park setting of the Parksville Community Park.

Mid Island Co-op “Rock the Park” Music Festival returns August 9-11. This three-day musical event features world-class tribute bands, plus performances by perennial favourites. For the line-up and to purchase tickets online visit https://shop.mcmillanartscentre. com/collections/box-office or in person at the MacMillan Arts Centre, 133 McMillan Street, Parksville.

The new addition to the festival this year is the Footprints Security “Opening Weekend Concert” featuring Trooper. Join us for a night of musical mastery and witness firsthand why this iconic band continues to hold the hearts of music lovers everywhere. To purchase tickets online visit https://shop.mcmillanartscentre. com/collections/box-office or in person at the MacMillan Arts Centre, 133 McMillan Street, Parksville.

On our final weekend, for two nights only the Sand Sculpture Exhibition will remain open after dark. Brought to you by the Coastal Community Credit Union, the sculptures will be illuminated which brings out the details in a unique and wonderfully different way. The gates will remain open until 11pm the evenings of August 16 & 17.

The Tim Hortons Summer Concert Series will feature live performances Friday and Saturday evenings July 19, 20, 26, 27 and August 2, 3, 16 and 17 from 6:30-8:30pm. The shows will feature mainly Vancouver Island musicians performing at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre in the Community Park. Visitors are welcome to bring a blanket or chair and enjoy free entertainment. Dancing is encouraged! Other programmed entertainment includes the Party

And finally, on August 18, don’t miss the opportunity to experience live orchestral music featuring the Vancouver Island Symphony brought to you by Carol Riera, PREC, RE/MAX Anchor Realty. To purchase tickets online https:// shop.mcmillanartscentre.com/ collections/box-office or in person at the MacMillan Arts Centre, 133 McMillan Street, Parksville. Other events taking place in the Parksville Community Park during Beach Festival include: Quality Foods Festival of Lights August 17, and the Quality Foods Children’s Sandcastle Competition August 18.

Public entry to see the sculptures begins Friday July 14 at 2pm. The exhibition remains open daily from 9:30am to 8:30pm through August 18. Admission is by suggested donation of $5 per person. Method of payment accepted: Cash, Debit, Visa, and Master Card.

For all the details visit www.parksvillebeachfest.ca

Parksville Beach Festival

Parksville Beach Festival promises fun in the sun at the Parksville Community Park located alongside Parksville’s beautiful beach. Starting with the worldrenowned, signature event, the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition, opening weekend is July 12, 13 and 14 with the sculpture exhibition open until August 18. This everpopular event features a 30-hour competition between twenty-nine international master sculptors. Sculptors will “pound up” on July 11, with the competition open to the public beginning at 2pm July 12. Each soloist works with 10 yards of sand and 15 yards for doubles. This year, rather than having a specific theme, we’re empowering our sculptors to bring their own vision to life. We’re incredibly excited about the limitless possibilities this approach offers.

Some of the other familyfriendly activities to enjoy during the festival include: Parksville Canadian Tire Sculpting Lessons & Demonstrations 10am-5pm

July 13 & 14. Inspired by our sculptures? The public will have an opportunity to learn sand sculpting techniques used by the professionals. Parksville Canadian Tire has sponsored two professional sculptors to teach anyone who wishes to learn how to create a ‘proper’ sand sculpture from scratch. All ages welcome!

Art in the Park July 20 (10am6pm) & 21 (10am-4pm). This two-day market will showcase over 60 talented local artisans and vendors in the beautiful park setting of the Parksville Community Park.

Coastal Community Credit Union Sculpture Light Up!

The sculptures are available for viewing from July 15 through to August 18 from 9:30am8:30pm daily. Admission is by suggested donation of $5 per person. Since 1999, the Parksville Beach Festival Society has donated over $1 Million from the gate proceeds to non-profit organizations and community projects.

August 16 & 17 On our fi nal weekend, for two nights only the Sand Sculpture Exhibition will be illuminated and open after dark. This lets you experience the sculptures in a unique and wonderfully different way. Gate remains open until 11pm on these two evenings. Start planning your summer today at www.parksvillebeachfest.ca and see you at Parksville Beach!

Adventure Awaits at St. Margaret’s School Summer Camps

Nestled on 22 acres at 1080 Lucas Avenue in the Lake Hill neighbourhood, St. Margaret’s School (SMS) invites children and teens to an unforgettable summer of fun and discovery. Our inclusive summer camps are all co-ed, and cater to both SMS and non-SMS students.

Whether your child dreams of mastering the art of tennis, unleashing their creativity through art, delving into futuristic realms with Minecraft, or exploring the thrilling world of robotics, we have the perfect camp to suit their interests and aspirations.

For budding tennis enthusiasts, our Tennis Camp offers a unique opportunity to learn from a professional while having a blast on the court. With activities ranging from skill-building sessions to tennis-themed arts and crafts, this camp promises a blend of fun and learning for players of all levels.

Meanwhile, our Little Artists Camp invites children to explore their creative potential through a weeklong journey into various art forms. From painting and pottery-making to sketching and storytelling, campers will unleash their inner artist under the guidance of experienced instructors and guest visits from Story Studio, culminating in a showcase of their original works.

the Moon, all while engaging in hands-on building projects and outdoor fun.

For those with a penchant for technology and adventure, our Junior Minecraft - Traveling into the Future camp offers a thrilling virtual journey into a futuristic world. Campers will tackle environmental challenges, hone their Minecraft skills, and even design and build a new home on

From Outdoor Fun Adventure Camps, where children explore nature and mythical creatures, to Build and Publish Your Graphic Novel, where storytellers bring their tales to life through art and writing, there's something for every young explorer and creator at SMs.

PUBLIC MARKETS

Every Saturday, May 4 to October 5 9 am to 3 pm

Corner of Menzies & Superior Fresh Local Produce Specialty Foods

Local Award Winning Ar tisans Great Live Music Food Trucks Suppor t LOCAL Growers & Makers w w w.jamesbaymarket.com

Veterans’ Memorial Park, Langford Handmade - Homemade - Homegrown

Every Saturday 10am - 2pm May 4 - October 12, 2024

From our Hands to Yours Fresh Local Produce, Baked Goods & Ar tisan Crafts, Check us out on Facebook and Instagram

PUBLIC MARKETS

Metchosin Farmers’ Market May 12th - October 27th

Every Sunday 11am-2pm

Lovely countr y market featuring local growers, ar tisans, and bakers offering a wide variety of produc ts including jewelr y soaps potter y and an assor tment of treats for both pets and their humans Live Island music

Join us in our relaxed rural atmosphere

Presents “Sunday ’s at the Da Vinci” 195 Bay Street (outside)

11am - 3pm June 30th - Sept 1st

Explore a diverse array of offerings from talented ar tisans, browse through enticing vendors, savour delicious treats from food car ts and trucks, and be enter tained by live per formances

w w w.westcoastoutdoormarkets.com

MARCH

MEET THE MASONS

E mb ark on a tr ansf or m at iv e jou r ne y w i th T he M a sonic B r o therho o d enr iching you r li f e and le g ac y R e g ar dle s s o f you r b ackgr ou nd or pr o f e s s ion, we in vi t e you t o ele v at e you r c ommi tment t o ser vic e and br o therho o d. Join us at ou r e xclus iv e op en house at 650 Fisgard St. on Saturday, March 23, 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Register by sending your contac t info to camosun60jw@gmail.com camosunlodge60.com

APRIL

RUTH KING ELEMENTARY

Spring Craft Fair

Saturday, April 6th, 10am - 3pm 2764 Jacklin Rd - Rain or Shine

A wide variety of amazing vendors and ar tisans Bounc y Castles, Face Painting, Food truck, Raffle, Giveaways and more! Admission by donation

For more information email rkcraftfair@gmail.com

St. Luke’s Church Spring Fair

Saturday, April 27th 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 3821 Cedar Hill X Rd.

Plants, jeweller y, antiques, needlework, garden ar t, baking, jams, silent auc tion, vintage clothing, books, toys, white elephant and more Food available

Free admission. Ample parking Wheelchair accessible

For more information call: (250) 592-2842

MAY

PACIFIC RIM POT TERS

Annual Spring Show and Sale

Saturday, May 11, 10am-4pm

Knox Presbyterian Church Hall 2964 Richmond Rd.

Local ceramic ar tists in this popular long established show will exhibit a wide variety of handcrafted, ar tful, func tional and sculptural clay creations for home and garden.

Free admission. Door prizes

Ever ybody welcome

For more info: 250 658 4523

Join us for the annual Hills to Shore Ar tists Tour on May 11th and 12th, 11 am to 4 pm. Celebrate Mother ’s Day weekend with a free, self-guided journey through 9 studios and discover 18 talented ar tists in Gordon Head, Mt Tolmie, and Cadboro Bay

Find the map at hillstoshorear tists.ca and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

MAY

May 25 – 26, 2024

11 am – 4 pm

34 ar tists showing and selling a variety of ar t Paintings, tex tiles, jewelr y, potter y, ar t cards handmade knives & much more!

Free self-guided tour Check out the studios and garden settings at 10 locations

Enter to win free draw baskets!

Music, refreshments & more!

See website for map & details:

w w w.scatteredar tists.ca

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: scatteredar tists

JUNE

Sooke Fall Fair Celebrates:

Sooke Fall Fair Summer Craft Market June 22-23 (10am - 4pm)

Sooke Fall Fair

September 7-8 (Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 9am-5pm)

Sooke Fall Fair Winter Craft Market November 30 - December 1 (10am-4pm)

All events are at the Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd

AUGUST

Victoria Quilters’ Guild “City of Gardens”

Quilt Show and Sale, August 23th-25th Pearkes Recreation Centre 3100 Tillicum Road, Victoria, BC

Friday 10 am - 5 pm Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Sunday 10 am - 3 pm

Admission: $10 for all 3 days

w w w.vic toriaquiltersguild.org

Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable

Keep your fork - t here’s more in 2024!

Keep your Fork -There's more Flavour Trails Fun in 2024!

What happens when farmers, growers, producers and sellers meet a hungry- for- local- food community? Flavour Trails!

Flavour Trails programs are a fun-for-everyone- way for the community to meet and/or learn about their local farmers, makers and creators and taste their favorite, fresh and locally produced foods as they travel the “trails” to experience the flavours of the region.

Flavour Trails is a path to local food celebrations where grower and vintner, fisher and producer host experiences, tours, tastings and more.

hosted by local farmers, makers, vintners, brewers, producers and creators.

Flavour Trails programs prioritize and nurture the growth and sustainability of the regional food economy, building a more informed community in accessing and consuming locally grown/sourced food. There is so much to celebrate on Flavour Trails!

Mark your calendars!

CRFAIR/The Good Food Network, in partnership with several municipal partners and Destination Greater Victoria is thrilled to announce two local Flavour Trails programs in 2024!

And then, Aug 17-18, join us for the 18th Annual North Saanich Flavour Trails Festival. From edible flower salads and pork belly rubs to Lavender lemonade and locally grown herb infused beer, North Saanich Flavour Trails is a cornucopia of flavours and fun made famous by wonderful growers and makers Flavour Trailswww.flavourtrails.com - Jump on it!

Coming to a few neighbourhoods near you!

Trail goers download or pick up a map (www.flavourtrails.com) and jump on the trail where they can enjoy farm gates and tours, tastings and agricultural demos

In partnership with the District of Saanich, we are excited to announce the Savour Saanich Flavour Trails celebration weekend, July 5-7.

Come tour and let the Cowichan Artisans move you, uplift you and enrich your minds.

"Studio touring gives us the opportunity to share our art, our homes and workplaces" Says artisan Bev Robertson. We invite you to check our website, cowichanartisans. com. Check which artist will be participating, download the tour map, and come visit us on April 27th and 28th, from 10:00 to 5:00. We welcome you to come experience the diversity of Cowichan Artisans Art Studios. This year’s

Cowichan Artisans

participants and their arts are, Bev Robertson, painter of vibrant, light fi lled, floral oil paintings, Live Edge Design, creating artistic furnishings, Jennifer Lawson paints a colourful array of watercolour houses and gardens, Catherine Fraser’s explorations of colour and composition in a variety of mediums, Tyler Hayes blown glass sculptures, Laurel Hibbert’s vibrant, whimsical, storytelling art, Cathi Jefferson’s fi nely crafted salt fired stoneware both functional and sculptural pieces, Ruth Warkenten's upholstery studio and custom

fabric printworks at Whippletree Junction with Pipi Tustians textile art. Bev Thompson's prints and printmaking artworks, Wilma Millette’s collage artwork takes collage to a whole new level.

Look out for the latest additions to the tour and new studio spaces from Margrit Nellemann ceramics, Morgan Ann Designs silver jewellery, the incredible pottery and woodworks by Devin and Jennifer of Miller + Co. and Wroughten Art’s metal sculptures design wall art to gates.

Cowichan Artisans are delighted to invite you to their studios to share their creativity, inspiration and processes.

Chef’s Challenge: Supporting Food Rescue

45 volunteers at The Mustard Seed’s Food Security Distribution Centre, sort, clean and package fresh food for the 70+ organizations that are part of the Food Share Network. In 2023 they distributed 2.4 million pounds of food, beverages and hygiene products. Get tickets to Chef’s Challenge at Eventbrite or mustardseed.ca and support food rescue!

Food rescue in Greater Victoria is growing thanks to the 30+ regular grocery partners and the countless food service businesses and local farms that donate food destined for the landfill to The Mustard Seed’s Food Security Distribution Centre (The Mustard Seed).

Over 2023, The Mustard Seed distributed 2.4 million pounds of food, beverages and hygiene products via their Food Bank and Hospitality program as well as through the 70+ organizations that make up the Food Share Network. This network is a collection of service organizations such as North Park Community Association and Help Ukraine, and they redistribute the food through a variety of means including hot meals or hampers.

Collecting and warehousing this food is labour and capital intensive with six full-time and four part-time staff and

45 volunteers, in addition to delivery trucks, coolers, kitchens, forklifts, etc. To bring awareness to food rescue in our region and help support this critical infrastructure, The Mustard Seed is holding its third Chef’s Challenge on April 13th. Last held pre-COVID, this “industrial gala” event will see the warehouse transported into a chic fine dining establishment where four of the region’s top Chefs will vie for votes. The evening includes appetizers, followed by four small plates curated by:

• Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio, Chef Ken Nakano

• LURE Restaurant + Bar, Chef Curtis Toth

• Block Kitchen and Bar, Chef Tyler Thompson

• Ferris’ Oyster Bar & Grill, Chef Billy Sanderson

and Dancing to The Helen Davies Band. Buy tickets by March 17th to enter a draw for a stay at the Inn at Laurel Point and complimentary breakfast for two. Tickets are available at eventbrite or through mustardseed.ca. There are close to 70,000 hidden hungry in our region. Whether it is the working poor, seniors, immigrants, families struggling to make ends meet or students, the impact of not having food is debilitating. Food rescue means that thousands of people in our community will not go to bed hungry. Join The Mustard Seed and support food security on April 13th. with

The evening is topped off with dessert donated by Cakes Etc.