One celebration leads right into another at the start of summer in Chemainus.
The family fun kick-off to the season began with Chemainus Summer fest on Saturday and continues with Canada Day festivities at Waterwheel Park on Monday, July 1.
Chemainus Business Improvement Association coordinator Shelley Johnstone provided a rundown of everything that’s happening downtown from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fire Truck Display - Come and see Chemainus’ pride and joy, a gleaming red fire truck, up close and personal. Plus meet the firemen and women, and get some fun kid goodies helping to learn all about fire safety.
Tropic Mayhem and the Chemainus Community Band - Sway to the beat of a perfectly comprised mixture of vocals, guitar, bass, and drums while reminiscing to fun upbeat music that you won’t be able to get out of your head. Plus, we have our community band coming for a live performance that should not be missed.
National Anthem - Our vocalist stuns the crowd with his beautiful a capella rendition.
Cake (FREE) - What better way to celebrate than with a piece of cake. Enjoy the delicious flavours of our Canada Day celebration cake in front of the Chemainus Valley Museum. Cake donated by the museum.
Ice Cream (FREE) - The 49th Parallel Grocery and Island Farms come together to make sure everyone cools down with a creamy scoop of delicious ice cream.
Cotton Candy (FREE).
Pony Rides & Petting Zoo (FREE) - Whether you want to pet those cute barnyard animals or take a tour on the pony express, Tigerlily Farms provides wonderful hands-on experiences to share with the whole family.
Face Painting (FREE) - If you like a little or a lot, they have everything to please. Show your pride with our Canada flags and maple leaf body emblems, or you can really get into the spirit of family fun with their face painting artist.
Pins & Flags (FREE) - Come with your Canada gear and celebrate, but don’t worry, if you forget it at home they have you covered. Show your love of Canada and claim your free pins and flags before they are gone. Must have a tent and chairs.
Bouncy Terrain Obstacle Course and Firehouse Bounce house (FREE) - This year we have a bouncy obstacle course and firehouse that will get the little one’s energy out and let them have lots of fun.
Hot dogs, Hamburgers - Savoury and juicy, these hot dogs and hamburgers are worth their weight in spare change. The Chemainus Legion No. 191 will be cooking so plan a delicious lunch in the park. The Legion will be fundraising to ensure it can continue to support community events such as this one.
Kids Crafts (FREE) - The Inspiration Station helps to foster children’s creativity through a variety of crafts and projects you get to take home all for free.
Enter to Win (FREE) - Enter your name and information to win a lovely Canada Day basket and $100 shopping spree between any Chemainus BIA businesses. Winner will be drawn before the last song. Participant does not have to be in attendance. Come to the welcome table to enter.
Panning For Silver (FREE) - Kids, spend your time rooting around in Silver Mine’s slew looking for precious stones and other goodies, trading them in for a chocolate kiss.
Johnstone added more is in the midst of being planned this year to make it extra special.