Sunday 27 May 2012

May 28th to June 3rd

Another week, another set of activities to get involved in. And, as always, Campbell River isn't lacking in things to do!

Monday, May 28th:
Bike to Work Week starts today! Hopefully you have signed up your teams or yourself to get involved as it is a great way to not only feel great, but to save money on gas too! If you haven't signed up yet, or if you are interested in knowing what the events involved with Bike to Work week are, check out their website at http://www.biketowork.ca/campbell_river_overview_of_celebration_stations
-The Monday Breakfast Celebration Station will take place at the Frank James Park from 6:30-8:30am where participants will be invited to enjoy coffee, muffins, and fruit provided by Healthyway Natural Food Market, Steiners Bakery, and Island Cycles.

There will be an Upper Island Safety Conference and Trade Show taking place at the Strathcona Gardens Recreation centre. This will be a two-day conference in all, and you can find more information by calling 250-287-9234 ext. 248.

Tuesday, May 29th:
Bike to Work Week continues with a Bike Shorts Film Fest at the Sportsplex from 7-9pm. Come and check out the round of short bike films provided - definitely a must see!

On a side note, make sure to register your team in the Campbell River Hospital Bed Race that takes place on Canada Day (July 1st)! You can do so at http://www.canadadaybedrace.ca/

Wednesday, May 30th:
Today will be the Bike to Work Week BBQ, which will take place from 4-6pm at the Robert Ostler Park. Come by to grab a burger and check out some of the vendors that will be set up, including:
-Naked Bikes
-Island Cycle
-Outdoor Addictions
-Spokes
-Pedal Your World
-Island Cycles
-Swicked Cycles
-Rehab in Motions
You can also pick up a map of local cycle routes, as well as learn more about the Beaver Lodge Lands from Greenway Trust, and much more!

The weekly Jam Night will be taking place again at Serious Coffee in Willow Point from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Whether you play or are just an enjoyer of music, come down and join local musicians as they sit around and share their music in a relaxed, informal setting. Everyone is welcome to come down, but make sure you arrive early as the place fills up fast!

Still Water Books and Art will be hosting a book reading on Wednesday evening of the book "Yorke Island and the Uncertain War." This is a locally published book by Kask's Ptarmigan Press, and written by Catherine Gilbert of our own Campbell River Museum! "York Island..." is a wonderful contribution to local history and the island's participation in the war. The reading will take place from 7:30 to 9pm, and the book is also now available at Still Water Books. Head on down with a friend to enjoy the evening!

Thursday, May 31st:
There will be another Breakfast Celebration Station set out for the Bike to Work participants on Thursday, this time at the Campbell River Christian School. From 6:30 to 8:30am, drop in for some great food and to even win some great prizes!

Friday, June 1st:
On Friday, the Breakfast Celebration Station will be located at the On the Rocks Climbing Gym/Outdoor Addictions from 6:30 to 8:30am. Participants are invited to join in on coffee, muffins and fruit to get their day started with some much needed energy!

Saturday, June 2nd:
As the last event of Bike to Work Week, Active Campbell River will be holding a Bike Rack Poker Rally! For this event, participants are encouraged to bring their bikes and head off on an 'adventure by bike' tour as they go in search of the new bike racks purchased by Active Campbell River. At each rack there will be a dealer to deal out a card. When participants have collected a 5 card hand, they head back to the Spirit Square where the best hand will win the prize!

The 5th Annual Handyman Challenge begins on Saturday at 12 pm. In this event, held in support of the Campbell River Head Injury Support Society, volunteer teams build storage/garden sheds, greenhouses, and playhouses, as well as smaller items such as deck furniture, lawn items, or planters that will later be judged and auctioned off with bids starting at $1200 in order to fundraise for the society. The building will continue on into Sunday, and then the finished projects will be put on display at the Robert Ostler Park for a week for those interested in checking them out. Teams, couples, and individuals can still register for this competition by contacting the CRHISS office at 250-287-4323.

The St. Johns Ambulance First Aid Annual Provincial Competition will also be taking place this Saturday from 7am to 5pm. In this competition, kids between the ages of 9 and 19 from all over the province come to compete in 3 different events. If you are interested, volunteers are needed to act as patients, judges, runners, and general assistants to the marketing and admin. staff. Come out to help or even just watch this great event!

Ocean's Day is going to be held this Saturday as well!!!
This is an event that has been celebrated worldwide since 1992 when it was declared a celebratory day to care for our oceans at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, and Campbell River does not disappoint!
Most of the activity for the day will be taking place around the Maritime Heritage Centre. Past events have included:
-a Stewardship Activity Information booth
-DFO Conservation Initiatives
-The Campbell River Museum Exhibits
-Beach restoration
-Ocean Critter touch tanks with Crabby Bob's and the Sleepwalker
-the Coast Guard Tour of Point Race
-Boat Safety with the Power Squadron
-Ocean Art, Free Fishing at the Pier
-Aquaculture info
-Free tours of the Maritime Heritage Centre
-Pirate Bounce-a-rama
-Dunk Tank
-and, of course, music!
The event will go from 10am to 3pm, and is great for anyone from individuals looking for a way to spend their day, to families looking for something to do together!

The Knight's of Columbus Fundraiser Lobster Dinner is to take place on Saturday evening from 6-9pm at the St. Patrick's Parish Hall on Alder. Doors for the will open at 6pm, with dinner beginning at 7pm. There will also be a silent auction and cash bar included in the event. For tickets, please contact the parish office at 250-287-3498, or Josh Gernon at 250-923-5207.

Saratoga Speedway will be holding races including Crash to Pass, Road Runners, and Hornet Cars - rain or shine! Gates open at 5:30pm and the races begin at 7pm. Tickets for adults are $15, students $12, and children $5. For more information, you can go to the website at http://www.saratogaspeedwaybc.ca/.

And, last but definitely not least, the Beatle-inspired show Fab Fourever will be held Saturday evening at the Tidemark theatre beginning at 7:30pm.
The show will feature authentic costumes and instruments that span the Beatles' career. This event provides an awesome opportunity for families and individuals to come together to celebrate the music that continues to influence generation after generation. Expect to see a spectacle of all your favorite hits, including songs such as She Loves You, Help!, A Hard Day's Night, St. Peppers, Yellow Submarine, Come Together, and so much more! The Fab Fourever are, of course, huge Beatles fans, and their enjoyment of the music translates into an energy that becomes infectious to the audience!

Sunday, June 3rd:
The Downtown Clean-up will begin at the Spirit Square at 8am Sunday morning. Coffee and snacks will be provided for the volunteers, and tools, vests, and bags will all be provided.

The weekly Pier Street Farmers' Market will be taking place from 10 am to 2:30pm down in the parking lot of the Maritime Heritage Centre. This is an open-air market, offering a wide selection of farm products, processed foods, as well as an array of crafts, fun, and entertainment. Afterwards (or even during), you can head onto the Discovery Fishing Pier to grab lunch and an ice cream, then go on down onto the docks to see what fresh seafood there is to buy.

Saturday 19 May 2012

Campbell River Events May 21st to May 27th

Yes, it's true that the forecast isn't looking as promising as it has been the last couple weeks, but that doesn't mean that Campbell River has any less events to offer for the week. Besides, how often is the weather forecast correct?

Monday, May 21st
Schools are closed for the long weekend!

Tuesday, May 22nd
There will be a Women Empowering Women seminar being held at the Royal Coachman Carriage room from 5:30 to 9pm. For more information, contact Tucker at 250-204-3343.

Wednesday, May 23rd
It's Jam Night once again at Serious Coffee in Willow Point! Join local musicians as they come together to play in a relaxed, informal setting and share their tunes. If you're not a musician, just come by to enjoy a good drink and listen to the local entertainment.

The Ocean Resort is holding a Fresh Start Health Restoration Retreat beginning Wednesday that will go for 5, 10, or 14 days depending on your preference. The retreat includes an advanced, whole-body detoxification, cleansing, and fitness and emotional well-being. For more information, you can call the resort at 250-923-4281.

Thursday, May 24th
There will be a Wildlife Symposium taking place on Thursday evening from 7-9om at the North Island College Lecture Hall. This is a free event that is open to the public, and will feature 4 speakers who will be discussing topics related to wildlife and/or wildlife management. Dave Donald, an ecosystem biologist, will be discussing species at risk management along the BC coast; Terri Martin will be discussing environmental development permits; Elke Wind  will be talking about the amphibians of Vancouver Island; and David Ewart will be discussing the Quinsam River fish passage project update.
For more information, click here.

The Paramount will be presenting Baby Jane live in concert. Tickets for the event are $10 and are available at The Paramount or Best Buy Liquor.

Friday, May 25th
The 7th Annual Premier Golf Tournament and Banquet will be taking place at the Storey Creek Golf Course. Registration begins at 9am, and the tournament itself will begin at 10:30am. This event is hosted by the Campbell River Community Foundation, who can be reached at 250-830-8100.

The Annual Rotary Honors Concert "Best of the Best" will also be taking place on Thursday evening at the Tidemark Theatre downtown. Tickets for the show are $12 and the concert begins at 7:30pm. This is a chance to honor the hard work and dedication of young locals, as well as enjoy an evening of award winning music and dance!

Enjoy art? The Painters at Painters Celebration of Art at Painters Lodge features BC's finest artists who will be in attendence for workshops and discussions. Head on out to view some impressive collections at the exhibits!

For families looking for a fun event to do with their kids, the Ecole Mer et Montagne Annual Fun Fair will be happening this Friday from 5-8pm. There will be over 20 carnival games featured at the event, some of which include: a climbing wall, fish pond, bounce-a-rama, cake walk, plasma car race, and many more! There will be lots of prizes to give away, as well as both a silent auction and a barbeque. This is a great opportunity to get out with your friends and family and enjoy the evening!

Saturday, May 26th
There will be a Mother's Day Swim Special being held at Strathcona Gardens on Saturday from 12:30-4pm. Spend an afternoon at the pool with your mom! The day will also include prize draws for mom and toonie admission. For more information, you can call Strathcona Gardens at 250-287-9234.

The theme for this Saturday's Super Saturday Art Class at the Art Gallery will be Spring Blossoms! It's time to be inspired by the spring, so bring in some beautiful blossoms and try your hand at recreating them using watercolour. Admission for the class is by donation, and all children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please contact the Art Gallery at 250-287-2261.

The Tidemark Theatre will be putting on the show Crossroads Ceili this weekend, a show that many have been looking forward to. Beginning at 7pm, get ready to enjoy Irish music and dancing that will capture the heart! Presented by the Tara Dancers Performace Association, this will be a stirring presentation of Irish dancing, music, and storytelling. The dancers will also be joined by special guest and Irish Rover John Reynolds to bring the magic of Ireland's myths, legends, and culture vividly to life! So, if you are looking for that ideal family outing, head on down to the Tidemark Theatre to pick up your tickets now!
Matinee tickets (2 pm) are $15, and evering tickets (7pm) will be $19 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Group rates will also be available for this show.


The Saratoga Speedway Races will be taking place beginning at 7pm come rain or shine on Saturday, with cars such as IMCA Modifides, Bomber cars, motorcycles, and hornet cars being featured.

Sunday, May 27th
The Pier Street Farmers' Market will be taking place this Sunday down in the Maritime Heritage Centre parking lot (by the pier). From 10am to 2pm come on down to see what the different vendors have to offer and get your fill of fresh vegetable and fruit, baking, and arts and crafts.

Theere will be a "WIB" Angelica Benefit Concert being held at the Spirit Square from 1-3pm featuring the local boys "WIB" in concert with Kyell Erickson and others.

The Great Strides Walk will also be taking place this Sunday beginning at Penfield School at 11am. This organization works to take steps towards creating a cure for cystic fibrosis, and you can register or donate online at www.cysticfibrosis.ca/greatstrides. Participate in a 4 or 8km pledge to walk, run, bike, or blade!  The Fundraising pledge forms for this event are available at the Campbell River Community Centre, Sportsplex, Strathcona Gardens, Shorerunners, and the Java Shack.
For more information, please call River Stoppard at 250-850-0875.

If you have anything you would like us to add to our event list, feel free to send an email to info@visitorcentre.ca!
Also, don't forget that next week is Bike to Work week, so make sure to get your bikes ready to go!

Saturday 12 May 2012

Monday, May 14th to Sunday, May 20th

Hello Campbell River and welcome to a new week of adventures and sunshine!
It seems like summer has finally found us and the forecast couldn't be better. So, to celebrate, here are some ideas to get you out of the house and around the town.

Monday, May 14th
Interested in drumming? The Campbell River Drum Circle will be meeting on Monday to experiment in the tradition of rhythm making. All hand drummers and percussionist regardless on tradition and level of experience is welcome to join in to help perform songs from all different ethnicities, including Ethnic African, Cuban, Latin, and Middle Eastern. For more information, you can get in contact with Bruce by either e- mailing brrecamp@telus.net or calling 250-923-6858.

Tuesday, May 15th
Painter's Lodge will be holding an Introduction to Fly-Fishing on Tuesday for those wishing to get into the sport. This is a great opportunity to learn the art of fly casting with Instructer Ian Muirhead! The cost of this class is $199, and for more information you can either email info@obmg.com, or call 1-800-663-7090.

Wednesday, May 16th
There will be a Jumpstart Breakfast held Wednesday morning at the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce Enterprise Centre for those interested in a networking and informative breakfast presentation. Tickets for this event are $15 for members or $20 for future members, and are available at http://crchamberjumpstartmovingup.eventbrite.com/.

Serious Coffee in Willow Point will be holding a Jam Night on Wednesday evening beginning at 6:30pm for all those who are interested. This is an event that takes place every Wednesday evening as musicians gather around to play and share music in a relaxed and informal setting. Not interested in playing? No problem! Just come down to enjoy listening to some local entertainment.

Thursday, May 17th
Thursday will be the mark of the 4th Annual Cambpell River Crime Stoppers "Jail and Bail!" Have your boss arrested by a real RCMP officer, transported by a police car, and taken before a not-so-real judge who will set the bail amount for their release. Once the "detainees" have collected the required bail, they will recieve some bread and water and get a ride back to work in a vintage car. Interested? To have your boss arrested, round up a $30 donation to give to the Campbell River Crime Stoppers and call 250-202-4025. The event will be held in the Spirit Square from 10am - 3:30pm.

Volunteer Campbell River will be hosting a "How to Successfully Involve, Engage and Empower Boards as Effective Fundraisers" with facilitator Colleen Evens of the Chamber of Commerce from 9am to 10 pm at the Enterprise Centre. The workshop fee will be $35 for member agencies of Volunteer Campbell River, and $50 for non-members. To register, contact Louise at 250-287-8111.

Friday, May 18th
Arrr Mateys! Pirate Days are back, so get your ship shined up and head on down the the Discovery Shopping Centre on Friday from 4-8pm! During this period, there will be a wide range of activities taking place including: Fire Spinning, Whale Watching, Performance Circle, Family Activities, Shopping Specials, and the Treasure Island Reptile Show. Need a bigger pull? How about $500 in River Treasure Chest Hunt prizes!?

Also on Friday, Strathcona Gardens will be holding the Great Freezie Shoot Off from 6:30 to 8pm. Join them for a massive water fight and then spend the evening competing in various water battles and challenges! Bring all of your water spray toys from home! Throughout the evening, there will be prizes for the furthest shot, hardest shot, and (of course) the wettest shot. If you bring a water gun or spray toy, you will earn yourself a freezie. This event is sure to be tons of fun, and all ages are welcome to come and participate! Cost will be the same as regular admission, and you can find more information by calling Strathcona Gardens at 250-287-9234.

Looking for some live entertainment for the night? The Quinsam Hotel in Campbell River will be hosting the live band Molly Hogan beginning at 9:30 pm. On Quadra Island, the Heriot Bay Inn will be welcoming the Charlie Wells Band for a live performance as well.

Saturday, May 19th
Saratoga Speedway will be holding a Monster Truck Event on Saturday. Gates will open at 5:30pm, and the race itself will begin at 7pm.
Willies Cafe in Willow Point will be welcoming performers Bruce and Judy Wing for a live dinner performance. Dinner will be served at 5pm, and the performance will begin at 7pm.

The First Annual Ultimate Fitness Challenge will be taking place in Arena #2 at the Strathcona Recreation Complex from 10am to 3pm. Come and test your strength, agility, power, balance, speed, and endurance will fellow fitness lovers! This event is open to all adults 19 years and older, and you are welcome to either sign up as an individual or get a team of 3 together to cheer eachother on. The course will consist of 6 individual stations and one obstacle course. The cost of this event is $35 per person, or $90 for a team of 3, and includes both prizes, appetizers, and awards.
For more information on this event, or to register yourself or a team, please call Debra Wilson at 250-287-9234 extension 236.

The Campbell River Geneology Society Heritage Night Dinner will be held on Saturday at the St. Patrick's Hall on Alder Street from 6-10pm. Tickets for the dinner are $35 and can be purchased at the Visitor Centre or the Geneology Library located at the the Maritime Centre.

Sunday, May 20th
The Saratoga Speedway's Races continue on Sunday with Monster Trucks, Crash to pass, Road Runners, and Hornet Cars. Rain or shine, this event is happening so join in on the fun! Gates open at 5:30 pm and the race begins at 7pm.

The Pier Street Farmers' Market and Arts Fair will be taking place again this week from 10am to 2:30pm, and it is the 10th anniversary! Head on down to the Maritime Heritage Centre parking lot to see what there is to see and enjoy the nice weather!

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Mothers Day 2012!

As happens every Mother's Day, there is a sudden rush as you realize the day is getting closer and you need to get something planned for your Mom.
Well, take a deep breath and relax because Campbell River has got you covered. Here are some options to choose from for a day of fun and celebration.

Mother's Day Brunch on the Ocean - Quay West Resteraunt will be holding a Mother's Day brunch on Sunday, and they have some amazing omelets to try out! To make reservations, you call call Quay West at 250-286-9988.
Mother's Day Breakfast - The Dolphins Bay Resort will be holding a Mother's Day Breakfast in their dining room. There is also a special set menu for having dinner at 5pm and 7:30pm. For reservations, call 250-287-3066.
Annual Mother's Day Brunch - The Royal Coachman will be hosting a Mother's Day Brunch in their Carriage room on Sunday as well. The patio is now open as well! For reservations, call 250-286-0231.
Mother's Day Brunch Buffet and Fabulous Dinner - Salmon Point Pub will be holding a brunch from 10am to 2pm for those interested in a good  relaxing morning, as well as a Mother's Day dinner later in the evening. For reservations, call 250-923-7272.
Mothers (are awesome) Day Brunch - The Heriot Bay Inn on Quadra Island will also be hosting a Mother's Day brunch on Sunday. The good food in combination with an amazing view will make for a great morning with your mom! For reservations, call 250-285-3322

Mother's Day Swim Special - This event is for all ages and will take place at the Strathcona Gardens swimming pool on Sunday afternoon from 12:30 - 4pm.

For more events and ideas, keep an eye on the Campbell River papers and postings around town!

Campbell River Visitor Centre

Monday, May 7th to Sunday, May 13th

Hello Campbell River and welcome to what looks to be a sunny week!

Today marked the start of the Acrylic Painting: The Positives of Negative Space classes down at Painter's Lodge, a great event for many artists looking to improve or perfect their skills. And what a beautiful setting to learn in!

The North Island Rhododendron Society's Annual Mothers Day Garder Tour will be taking place on Tuesday, May 8th with 8 different gardens on view. This event will be taking place from 10am to 4pm with tickets being sold for $10 a piece at Art Knapp's Plantland.
Starting May 9th, there will be a Diversity Lives Here Conference taking place right here in Campbell River, BC. During this event, scheduled speakers represent various entities including the government, education, and not-for-profit and industry sectors to address some of the many factors involved in the management of a diverse workforce. Some ideas incorporated into this will be: finding and attracting skilled immigrant labour, managing employees from diverse cultures, evaluating foreign credentials, and bridging the knowledge gap that develops as senior employees retire and newer employees are hired on.
If you would like to learn more about this conference, check out the website at www.ImmigrantWelcome.ca/DiversityConference

Continuing on in their weekly forms of entertainment, the Serious Coffee in Willow Point will be holding a Jam session on Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Every Wednesday evening, a group of musicians sit around to share music in an informal, relaxed setting. Everyone is always to come and join in or just come to simply listen to the local music.

Coho Books (downtown Campbell River) will be hosting a book reading and signing with author Suze Casey on Thursday, May 10th to promote her book "Re-Patterning: The Amazing Technique for 'Flipping the Switch' to Positive Thoughts. This event will take place from 3-5 pm, and for more information on it you can either check out the Coho Books website at http://www.cohobooks.com/, or give them a call at 250-287-2336.

Also on Thursday, Strathcona Gardens will be hosting the Move for Health Day Free Swim throughout the whole day.

If you are looking for a chance to exercise your musical talents, why not go and check out the women's group "Island Phoenix Acappella" on Thursday evening. Those interested are encouraged to come to a rehearsal to check the group out between 7-9:30 pm at 210 Beech Street in Campbell River. If you have any questions, you can call them at 250-923-0101, or you can just show up!

The Blue Kats band will be playing at the Heriot Bay Inn on Friday evening for a fun night of Vintage rock & roll, ryhthm, and blues! To find out more, give the Inn a call at 250-285-3322.

This weekend, the Rivercity Players present "The Long Weekend," a Norm Foster comedy.  The show will begin on Thursday evening and will run until Saturday, May the 12th at 1080 Hemlock Street. If you are interested in the show, tickets will be sold at the Campbell River Landromat, The Comfort Zone, and at Impressions Gallery for $15 a seat. For more information, please email rivercityp@gmail.com.

This Saturday looks like it's going to be a blast, with activities coming and going all day!

First, at 10am get your team together for the Vancouver Island 2012 Mud Run Ride happening at McIvor Lake! Whether you are looking for a win, or just a good, muddy time, this is the spot for you! Not so interested in the muddy part? You can stick to the sidelines and still watch the fun as the event unfolds. For all the details and registrations information, visit the Mud Run Ride website at http://www.mudrunride.com/.

The Campbell River Geneology Society will be hosting a Heritage Night Dinner Saturday evening at St. Patrick's Hall on Alder Street. Tickets for this event are currently being sold at the Geneology Library (located at the Maritime Heritage Centre), or right here in the Campbell River Visitor Centre for $35 a piece. For more information, please call Pat Masters at 250-923-6575.

The Cogs will be performing on Saturday  night at Willies Cafe in Willow Point. The event will include a 5pm dinner followed by a 7pm performance. On the same night, the Heriot Bay Inn will be hosting a Dinner and Show featuring Gary Fjellgaard. The cost for this show will be $55 a person, and reservations are required. To make a reservation, please call the Heriot Bay Inn at 250-285-3322.
For all those parents looking for something fun and exciting for their kids, here it is! The Campbell River Art Gallery will be holding a Star Dust Super Saturday Art Class from 1-3 pm for all interested. Get ready to create glittering galaxies using an array of planetary stencils, paint, and (of course) GLITTER! Admission for this great class is all by donation, and parents are asked to accompany their children if they are under the age of 12. For more information, please feel free to contact the Art Gallery at 250-287-2261.
But don't worry parents, we have something for you too!
The new millennium not only saw out the age of the Mullet hairstyle (or so they say), but also welcomed  Toby Hargrave into the world of stand-up comedy! Since, he has gone on to perform at various festivals including the Vancouver Comedy Festival, Whistler Comedy Festival, Atomic Comedy Festival and even the ever popular Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. Toby relies on the truth in order to extract laughs from his audience (although admits to the occasional curse now and then), as life in general can provide the greatest laughs. Toby begins his performace at 7 pm at the Tidemark theatre. Tickets are on sale for $37.50 for adults, and $32.50 for students/members/seniors and those in the military services.

I know you've all been waiting for it - the Pier Street Farmers Market is back in town for the summer! Once again, it will be located down in the parking lot of the Maritime Heritage Centre and Discovery Pier, and will be running from 10 am to 2:30 pm. The farmers market is sure to include a wide array of arts, crafts, and (of course) food.