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Community events thriving again

Once the weather improves, things will really start heating up
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The Calvary Baptist Church is situated on 14.25 acres. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Summer hasn’t even really started yet – weather-wise, at least – and it’s already been packed with celebrations.

It seems like everyone is bringing back everything that used to be on the schedule before COVID restrictions and, combined with various significant anniversaries, it’s kind of gone from the famine to feast scenario.

It’s been great to see the large crowds turning out to mark special occasions, whether it’s Canada Day or the numerous other functions put on by community organizations. It just goes to show we’ve all been starved to get back out again, perhaps realizing how important some of the simple pleasures in life are, after being shut out of certain activities since 2019.

All that’s missing now is some cooperative weather and it will be coming on the horizon soon, folks, throughout most of the remainder of July and into August. You never know any more with climate change whether it might be one of those years with an extended summer into September and even October.

Organizers of events are certainly hoping for brighter days ahead.

We got just enough of a sunny stretch in the latter part of June for the Calvary Baptist Church in Chemainus to enjoy ideal conditions for its 125th anniversary bash.

Canada Day brought a huge turnout into downtown Chemainus for a fun-filled family day under blue skies and everyone seemed to enjoy it all more than usual under the circumstances. Going forward, we’re gaining a greater appreciation for all these types of things offered in our small community that make it fabulous.

The next big event on the agenda is the return of the Chemainus Giant Street Market on Saturday, July 9. This is a long-time favourite with local residents and people from all over the Island once they know it’s back on the calendar.

It’s a fun day to casually stroll Willow Street, peruse and purchase some of the merchandise, indulge in some food and take in the wonderful surroundings. Getting out and about, running into old friends and newer acquaintances, is a common part of the experience.

Don’t forget we’re just getting warmed up – literally – so there will be a lot more to look forward to during the next several weeks.



Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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