June 2012
villagevibe News and views from the heart of Fernwood
BC’s best urban street-party FernFest returns on June 22nd & 23rd for the 17th year in a row
›› Lee Herrin
S
orry Fernwood, but your secret is out: BC’s best urban street party has hit the big time! “Many of Victoria’s 13 neighbourhoods hold an annual summer festival, but none can hold a candle to the shaker known as FernFest,” said the Vic News in feature article on Fernwood in January of this year. With publicity like that, you’ll have to get there early this year. After all, there’s only so much room in the square! Friday evening, the festivities kick off at 5:00pm with music, a BBQ and “refreshments.” At 6:00pm, we have the hair show from Who Dyd Your Hair, followed by music till we close at 10:00pm. There will be dancing in the square so come prepared to cut loose. Saturday, FernFest really heats up with 13 hours of awesomeness for all ages. The day begins with the pancake breakfast (by donation) at 9:00am in front of the Fernwood Inn. That is followed by the Kidical Mass Bike Parade (with police escort), and kid’s activities including music, facepainting, bubbles, games, a bouncy
Also coming up:
Fernwood Bites
(Above) FernFest is jam packed with many great activities and performances for all to enjoy. Photos: Alexandra Stephanson & Willie Li
Local Fare in an Urban Square
(Left & Below) Samples of the delicious treats that will be served at Fernwood Bites. Photos: Alexandra Stephanson & Derek Ford
A food and drink tasting event featuring local eateries & chefs.
castle and more. All day long, there will be an Artisan Market on Gladstone Ave. featuring 40 vendors with everything from local artists, hula hoops, massages, and even a tarot card reader. And as if all that isn’t enough, throughout the day on Saturday, the Victoria Heritage Foundation is offering free Heritage Walking Tours through Fernwood starting at 11:00am and 1:00pm. And of course, the Fernwood Art Stroll is happening from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Saturday evening, there will be more live music, BBQ (featuring pulled pork sandwiches, Szasz Sausages, as well as veggie dogs and kids hotdogs), and refreshments. Our headline act is the Chantrelles, helping
Sunday, June 24th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm in Fernwood Square Tickets: $50, available online at www.fernwoodnrg.ca
us get down like in Memphis circa 1966, bringing a blend Motown, Soul and R&B to little old Victoria. See you there Fernwood—but whatever you do, don’t tell anyone else! Let’s keep this street party Fernwood’s little secret.
For more information: For a full list of performances and activities, jump to Page 4 and 5. To stay tuned in with all the latest updates, join us on: www.facebook.com/ FernFest.FernwoodNRG
in this issue Neighbourhood Lives
Feature
Garden Gleanings
Farewell Paul Phillips page 2
FernFest Progam page 4 & 5
Growing Succulents page 6
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