Monday 29 August 2011

August 29th to September 4

Greetings Campbell River and Campbell River Fans!!  What a wonderful summer it's been - a little slow on the start but it's been full swing for weeks now.  The 7-day forecast is sunny and warm with a highs of 24, 25, 26 - who says summer is over!

August 30th be sure to stop at the Museum at Campbell River for their last puppet show of the season.  The shows are Tuesday at 10:30am and 1:30pm for the low price of $2 and children under 3 years old are free.  Also Tuesday is 'Lunch in the Square' featuring Nicole Potvin.  Great time is always had by all at Spirit Square and you will get a true break from your day.

Wednesday there is a Beer & Burger Night at the Riptide Marine Pub for a Cops for Cancer fundraiser.  Tickets are $15 and available at the door between 4pm - 8pm.  Wednesday at 7pm it's Jam Night at Serious Coffee on on Friday night it's open mic night - show up early and get a good seat!

This weekend September 3 & 4th is going to be a busy one.  Saturday from 11am - 4pm at Save On Foods there is a BBQ fundraiser for Tour de Rock.  The annual 'Discovery Passage Passage is also Saturday at 9am.  "Once again over 100 paddlers will glide across the Passage to the beautiful beach at Cape Mudge Village. This adventure reenacts an important part of our history.    

Sunday, the North Island Cruisers present the 'Show 'n' Shine on Shoppers Row and Tyee Plaza from 8am - 2pm.  As part of this event on Saturday, Tyee Chevrolet Buick GMC presents their 3rd annual car show at 570-13th Avenue downtown and A & W Cruisin' at Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre starting at 6pm.
Also on site Campbell River Daybreak Rotary will being having their ever popular BBQ.

Don't forget about the Pier Street Market!!  As always entertainment, crafts, food and the city meeting place with your friends and family Sunday from 9am - 2pm.

Also available starting this week in full swing are Grizzly Tours to Bute Inlet these are all day tours starting at 8:30am and 11:30am for more info on these tours contact Campbell River Whale Watch at 250-287-2667, Aboriginal Journeys at 250-850-1101, Discovery Marine Safaris at 250-287-7008 or Eagle Eye Adventures at 250-286-0809.

Until next week keep smiling Campbell River and enjoy our little piece of paradise!

Monday 22 August 2011

August 22nd to August 28th

Hello Campbell River! We're off to a slower start weather-wise this week, but don't worry! Its going to pick up by Thursday at the latest! Even now I can see the sun pushing through the clouds.

     Tomorrow, August 23rd, will be the beginning of another week of fantastic Puppet Shows put on by the Campbell River Museum. These shows, which run every Tuesday and Thursday at both 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, are full of Campbell River history and entertainment, a perfect combination to take your kids to! The price is $2 per person, with children 3 and under free. After the show, stick around to join in with crafts!
     Puppet shows not your thing? Then head on down to the Spirit Square to be entertained by tomorrows free Lunch in the Square concert. Tomorrow's musician will be Doug Folkins, so pack a bag lunch or grab one from downtown and join in the fun! The concert will begin at 11:30 am and run until 1 pm.

     Also coming back to town tomorrow will be the Blood Clinic, which takes place at the Campbell River Community Centre. The Clinc will be here on Tuesday 2:15pm - 8:30pm; Wednesday noon - 8pm; and Thursday noon -6:30pm.

     Wednesday, August 24th, will be the 3rd Movie Under the Stars presentation of the summer, with this week being a presentation of the much loved movie ET. This is a "fresh air" type event, so bring along a blanket or a lawn chair to sit on. The event start time will be around 8:30 pm at the Willow Point Park/Sportsplex.

     Thursday, August 25th, will present another chance to go check out the Miracle Beach Farmers' Market. From 4 pm-7 pm you can go and check out local artisans, buy local produce, and just enjoy some time outside.
     Ready for another River Concert? Because this week is going to be a great week to come downtown for a free concert starring the Kings Without! Head to the Campbell River Spirit Square with your friends and family to start your night out. The Concert begins at 7 pm!

     On Friday, August 26th, Strathcona Gardens will be holding a Dance Party on Ice. The event will include snacks and pizza, dance contests, ice activities, funky tunes and karaoke! The price is $10 a child, which includes both the skate rentals and pizza. Come and cool off at the rink! For more information, please call 250-287-9234 ext. 231.
     The 13th Annual Alpine Wine Festival will also be taking place this Friday at Mt. Washington's Raven Lodge. This event begins at 6 pm and will feature the Melissa Hill Jazz Quartet as well as a great BBQ. Tickets are $30. The festival will continue on Saturday at the Alpine Lodge at 12pm. At both 1:30 pm and 3pm there will be Chefs demonstrating cooking techniques and recipes using local ingrediants wine pairing suggestions, which you can join in with for $15. Samples will be provided.

     The Art Gallery will be holding another Super Saturday Art Class on Saturday with this week's theme being Salmon Cycles. Beginning at 1pm, kids can join exhibiting artist Megan Dill for a surprise activity which should guarentee an afternoon of fun! Admission is by donation and all materials are provided. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, you can contact the Art Gallery at 250-287-2261.
     There will be a Drinking Watershed Clean-up at the John Hart Lake Watershed on Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Come help protect your drinking water! For more information, please contact 250-203-2316 or water.wise@campbellriver.ca.
     The weekly Quadra Island Farmers' Market will once again be taking place this Saturday from 10am to 2 pm. Come enjoy some local talent, food, produce, goodies, music and entertainers!

     Sunday, August 28th, will be the Cops For Cancer Family Carnival at Whitespot! Beginning at 12pm, there will be a fair, games, crafts, rides, a dunk tank, and much more! Prices are $5 for a pirate pack and 5 carnival tickets, with additional tickets at $1 each. For more information on this great event, you can contact the North Vancouver Community Fundraising Co-ordinator Patti Mertz at 250-218-7158.
     The Campbell River Museum will be doing another one of their Historic Marine Tours this Sunday! This weeks destination will be to the East and West Thurlow Islands. Join knowledgeable local residents who will guide you along the coast and through nearby islands on a journey through the past and present. The cost of this trip is $125 per person and includes a picnic style lunch. The trip leaves Campbell River at 4pm, arriving back in town at 8pm. For more information or to make a reservation you can contact the Museum at 250-287-3103.
     Campbell Rivers weekly Pier Street Market will once again be taking place this Sunday from 9am - 2pm by the Discovery Pier. The market will feature local produce and baking, as well as artisans.

Have a great week!

Monday 15 August 2011

August 15th to August 21st

Hello Campbell River!
The rain has come and gone, and left the town looking green and fresh and ready to be explored.

     Tuesday is looking like its going to be a busy day in town, beginning with the Museum's Puppet Show. This event takes place every Tuesday and Thursday at both 10:30 am and 1:30 pm at the Campbell River Museum and is a perfect opportunity to get the kids learning about our history in a way that will catch their attention. The cost is $2 per person (children 3 and under get in free), and craft time will be included after the show.
     Also at the Museum tomorrow will be a presentation of the Marx brothers popular movie, Duck Soup at both 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. The show will be shown with a serving of fresh lemonade and popcorn, as well as a lot of laughs.
     There will be another Lunch in the Square tomorrow afternoon from 11:30 am to 1 pm, and this week's performer is Birgit Kuit. Grab a bag lunch from home or one of Campbell River's great resteraunt options and head down to enjoy this free event in the sun.
     Beginning at 6 pm Tuesday evening will be 'Songs and Stories of Kingfisher Creek' with Sandra Milligan. Bring your binoculars and a keen ear to see and hear who's home on Kingfisher Creek! Explore the birds that use the creek habitat in August and listen to stories of what can be heard and seen along the trail in winter, spring, and summer. The "riparian" zone is a special ecosystem that connects land and water, and this wetland has a much larger variety of birds then other forest habitats. Explore the history of this unique, man-made and beaver-altered creek that was created through the efforts of Haig-Brown and many other local heroes. Participants can meet at the Church parking lot across from the Haig-Brown house and recommended donations are $5 per person, or $10 per family.
     Freeman and Hill will be performing in concert at Willies Cafe in Willow Point Tuesday evening beginning at 7 pm. The concert has no cover charge and free admission. You can call Willies Cafe to make a reservation at 250-923-4886.
     On a side note, St. John Ambulance will be holding a First Aid for Babysitters course Tuesday at 9am to 1 pm for $46. The course will take place at their office at 170 S. Dogwood Street.

     On Wednesday, August 17th, the Campbell River Art Gallery will be holding a "Mom, There's a Monster in My Closet" Papier Mache art class for kids ages 7-12. Drawing on their imaginations, students will create fantastical papier mache creatures. They begin by drawing different creatures and then move into making their creation into a 3-D masterpiece using balloon frames. Once dry, the creatures will be painted and brought to life! Supplies are included, and to registar you can call the Art Gallery at 250-287-2261.
     There will be another Haig-Brown Croquet and Tea Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. This event takes place on the lovely grounds of the Haig-Brown House and provides a great option for a way to spend a sunny afternoon. Limited space is available so register early. You can register with the Campbell River Museum at 250-287-3103.

     The Miracle Beach Farmers' Market will be held once again this Thursday off of the Old Island Hwy in Black Creek. From 4 pm to 7 pm farmers and artisans will be selling local art and fresh produce in this outdoor event.
     This week's River Concert, held on Thursday night beginning at 7 pm, will present the musical workings of Campbell River's Local All-Starts, including The White Horse Band, Myers and Rugg, Nigel Nikoliasen, and Wildwood. Grab your lawn chairs and kids and come on down to enjoy a night full of local talent!

     Coho Book's Kids Fun Day will be held this Friday, August 19th from 11 am to 1 pm at the Spirit Square. It's Scaredy Squirrel's birthday! So join us for a fun, safe, germ-free party in celebration with lots of games, stories, and prizes.

     The much anticipated Strathcona Wildnerness Festival will be held Saturday, August 20th, from 10am to 5 pm. Join us for the greatest celebration Strathcona has ever seen! This celebration of our park will include activities such as Day Hikes, Nature walks and talks, Kayaking, Canoeing, children's events, trail rumming, rock climbing, Tai Chi, Yoga, massage, building the Bedwell Centennial Trail, and even First Nation Storytelling. We ask that you bring everything you need for those activites you wish to participate in and for the day, which includes a packed lunch, as this is a true wilderness festival and the only amenities available will be toilets and water. This is a "leave no trace" event so prepare to take home everything you bring, including garbage.
There will be bus transportation provided for those who contact Friends of Strathcona directly (friendsofstrathcona@gmail.com or Carol at 250-339-2300). Pickup locations will be in Courtenay at the Driftwood Mall, or in Campbell River at the junction of Hwy 19 and 28 (big grassy lot) leaving at 9 am. Buses will return to departure sites by 6pm and 7pm respectively. For more information on the event, you can go to http://friendsofstrathcona.org/#celebration.
    
     Waterfest 2011 will also be this Saturday at McIvor Lake. Beginning at 11 am, join us as McIvor Lake main beach for a day of fun and information about responsible recreation in our watershed. Activities are free and transportation is provided to and from the Community Centre. For more information, please call 250-203-2316. The festival goes until 4 pm.
     River Heritage Day will be on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm at the Spirit Square. Heritage Day celebrates our town's past with a family-friendly day of entertainment and involvement. Head down to enjoy Roy Ashdown, River City Players, Museum Heritage Puppets, CR Indian Band, Crow Theatre, Glacier Heritage Vintage Tractors, Historical Fashion Show, Dominion History Project, the Alberni Project, and much more!
     Mount Washington Bike Park will be having their See Jane Jump event August 20th to 21st beginning at 10am. Pro riders will strut their stuff on some of the funnest trails Vancouver Island has to offer, including slopestyle features built specifically for the event. For more information, you can visit the website at seejanejumpfest.com.

     The Campbell River Museum will be having another Historic Marine Tour this Sunday, with this week's destination being the beautiful Sonora Island. Knowledgeable local residents will guide you along the coast and through nearby islands on a journey through past and present. The Cost is $150 per person and includes appetizers at Dent Island Lodge. For more information or to make a reservation, you can call the Museum at 250-287-3103. The tour runs from 4pm to 9pm.
     The ever popular Discovery Passages Boat Rodeo will finally be coming back to Campbell River this Sunday! This event started with humble beginnings four years ago, and has grown and improved more each year. This year, there are plans for a sanctioned Bathtub race event, kayak races, blind dingy races, a Search and Rescue demonstration using a helicopter and rescue vessel, an onshore model boat exhibit and demonstration, rope tying demonstration, Build, Bail, and Paddle event, the MV Aurora Explorer and more. This free public event will take place in the waters adjacent to the Robert Ostler Park in downtown Campbell River. As you can see from the outline, this should be a fun filled day for all ages!

Have a great week and don't forget to keep on exploring!

Monday 8 August 2011

2nd week of August and the sun is staying with us!

Here are some happenings to help you get out and enjoy the sun!

     The Campbell River Art Gallery will be hosting a Acrylic Adventures Light kid's art class on Tuesday, August 9th at the Gallery. In this day course, students will be given the opportunity to delve into acrylic paints as a medium and learn colour theory and mixing techniques while viewing work of different artists from Monet and Seurat to Picasso. Supplies are provided for participants. The class is for ages 7-12, and to find out more information or register in this course you call call the Campbell River Art Gallery at 250-287-2261.
     There will be another Lunch in the Square taking place tomorrow beginning at 11:30 am and going until 1 pm. This week will showcase the talents of perfomer Gerry Barnum! Grab a take-out lunch from one of Campbell River's amazing resteraunts and head on down to enjoy this free performance!

     Wednesday night will feature another Jam Night at Serious Coffee in Willow Point, where musicians and listeners are invited to sit and share music in a relaxed, informal setting. For more information, you can contact Serious Coffee at 250-923-1312.
     There will be another Teen Pool Party Night taking place at the Centennial Pool on Wednesday from 7:45 pm to 9 pm. Teens aged 11 to 15 are invited to an fun evening of challenges, pool competitions, food, and much more! The cost of this event is $3 per person.

     The Sportsplex will be having a Drop-in Basketball and Badminton  day for $2 per player on Thursday, August 11th. This is a great opportunity to grab some friends or your kids and have a day to get out and have some fun (for a good price).
     Miracle Beach's Farmers Market takes place every Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm. Local food and artisans will be heading out to sell their product and provide a way to spend your early evening. Well out there, you could also take part in a game of mini golf with the family!
     On Thursday night, beginning at 7pm, there will be another fantastic and free River Concert in the Spirit Square. This week, Campbell River will be introducing to the stage the Rakish Angles, a hot bluegrass instrumental band with lots of talent and lots of surprises. Grab your lawn chairs and kids for a night of musical entertainment and dancing!

     Friday, August 12th will be the long awaited Grand Opening of the Jubilee Connector Trail Grand Opening! Participants will be meeting at 1pm at the Jubilee and Dogwood intersection and then casually walk to the Willows Creek Bridge to cut the ribbon and mark the official opening of the Trail. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the newest edition of the Greenways loop. The event goes until 2 pm so there is plenty of time afterwards to enjoy a walk along the trail.
     The 23rd annual Howie Meeker Special Olympics Golf Classic will be held this Friday at the Storey Creek Golf Course, with the cost being $125 per person. There will be a team get together and Auction of the teams at the Sportsplex beginning at 7pm with the proceeds going half towards prizes and the other half towards the special olymipcs.
     The Big Time Out Music Festival will begin this Friday in Cumberland and keep on going through Saturday. This festival includes non-stop entertainment with a mix of music and sunshine in downtown's Village Park. Artists will include  Bedouin Soundclash, DJ Nils, Benny Renegade and much much more!

     Strathcona Gardens will be hosting a Diversity Health Fair on Saturday, August 13th beginning at 9:45 am. The event will include everything healthy, such as a Kids Zone, live entertainment and activities, cooking demonstrations, health screening, keynote speakers and interactive booths. If you are interested in having a booth or looking to volunteer, please call 250-830-0171.
      The Campbell River Art Gallery will be holding another Super Saturday Art Class with this week's theme being Whale of a Tail. Beginning at 1pm, kids can collage, draw and decorate a matte board whale tail. Admission is by donation with all material provided. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call the gallery.
     Also on Saturday will be the Helping Hands Walk/Run at the Dick Murphy Park, with proceeds going towards Radiant Life. To get your pledge sheets, you can call 250-830-0190 or 250-202-5040.

     This weeks Historic Marine Tour, put on by the Campbell River Museum, will feature a trip through Quadra, Maurelle and Read Islands. Knowledgable local residents will guide you along the coast and through nearby islands on a journey through past and present. The cost is $125 per person, which includes a picnic style lunch. For more information, or to make a reservation, you can call the Museum at 250-287-3103.

Monday 1 August 2011

A New Month!

Hello Campbell River, and welcome to the first week of August!

     I hope your ready for a week of sun and summer weather! And if you're interested in getting out of the office for a little bit to enjoy the heat, the Campbell River Spirit Square has got you covered. Tomorrow we will be presented with another fantastic Lunch in the Square, a popular event that provides free music entertainment during the lunch hour for the community to enjoy. This week's performer will be Sue Pyper, so grab yourself a bag lunch and head on down. The performance will begin at 11:30 and go until 1 pm.
     The Museum will once again be holding their weekly Puppet Show performances on Tuesday and Thursday at either 10:30 am or 1:30 pm. Bring the kids by to learn about our town's history in a fun and interactive setting, and then join in on the after show craft time!

     On Wednesday, August 3rd, the Haig Brown House will be hosting another of their Croquet and Tea afternoons. Sign up for some old fashioned fun on the beautiful and historic Haig Brown property beginning at 1:30 pm. Register early as there is limited space available!
     Also on Wednesday will be Serious Coffee's weekly Jam Night at their Willow Point location. Every Wednesday evening a group of musicians come together to sit around and share music in an informal, relaxed setting. Everyone is welcome to join in or just come to sit and listen. Make sure you go early though, as space runs out quickly.

     Thursday is proving to be a day full of events, and with a forecast of 27 degrees and sunny, what a great day to be out! The Centinnial Pool will be hosting the Ultimate Fun Day - The Big One! from 1 pm to 4 pm which will include a number of crazy games, competitions, face painting and more. And, of course, a great way to cool off from the heat. Regular admission applys.
     On Thursday night will be another chance to join in on Campbell River's popular River Concert series. This week will feature the talents of our favorite band from across the sea, Duffy and Friends!  It's time to get down and boogie 'Quadra-style', so grab your lawn chairs, grab the family, and have a great time. The concert will go from 7pm to 9pm.

     This year's Salmon Fest begins Friday, August 5th and features a Summer Sizzler as well as our ever famous Logger Sports! The daily entry fee is $5, with kids 2 and under free. Every day events will include a trade show, community corner. children's events, food booths, an outdoor stage, beer gardens and more!
Friday, August 5th -5pm to 10pm
Logger Sports -- best in the bush competition
4th annual Summer Sizzler -- Beer and Oyster tasting for $15 from 5-9pm
Entertainment -- 6pm Jazzberry Jam
                             8pm Nigel Nikoliasen
                             8:30pm Crimson Reign

Saturday, August 6th - 10am to 10 pm
Logger Sports -- Novice and Intermediate events
4th annual Summer Sizzler -- Salmon cooking competitions
Children's area -- rides, climbing wall, face painting, games
Cribbage Tournament -- Doubles, Eagles Hall at 1pm
Entertainment -- 12pm Ocean Pearl
                             1pm Fiftieth Parallel
                             3pm Ally Coho and Justine Collins
                             7pm Theo
                             8:15pm Molly Hogans

Sunday, August 7th - 10am to 5pm
Logger Sports -- Open and Ladies events, mixed events
4th annual Summer Sizzler -- Salmon cooking competition
Children's area -- rides, climbing wall, face painting and games
Cribbage Tournament -- Singles at the Eagles Hall, 1pm
For more information, you can visit the website at http://www.crsalmonfestival.com/

     Saturday will also be Art Awareness Day in the Spirit Square. This is the chance for every local artist to show they're work, and its all for sale! Art displays include everything from metal work to oils and watercolours, pottery to photography. This is the second year this event will be taking place, and it promises to be very well attended! The event is sponsered by the Impressions Gallery and Tide Water Books and Arts, and will be an all day event.

     The Campbell River Museum will be putting on another Historic Marine Tour this Sunday, with this week's destination being the beautiful Desolation Sound. Knowledgeable local residents will guide you along the coast and through the nearby islands on a journey through past and present. The cost of this adventure is $125 per person and includes a picnic style lunch. For more information, or to make a reservation on this tour, please call the Museum at 250-287-3103.

Enjoy your week and keep yourself busy with all these fantastic opportunites being offered!