Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Ever thought of Joining the Circus???


Well today on Gabriola the New Old Time Chautauqua came to the island with its crew of 61 performers to give Gabriola Islanders a full day of circus events…

The musical vaudeville circus in its 28th annual summer time tour, came through the Village in full costume and musical instruments, and I mean through the Village leading the parade… Everyone was welcome and there were many familiar faces in the crowd, mostly behind big red noses… No sooner did they enter the parking lot at the Folklife then the parade carried on through Village Food Market, gaining yet more unsuspecting shoppers who soon became lured by shiny instruments, and the vibrant costumes. In front of Artworks they did a teaser of what’s in store for their big performance at 7:00 tonight at the Commons, and tickets are available right at the Entrance to the Commons.

But before the show these merrymakers led the parade, first through the office & out the back window, back to the Commons. All those who had ever thought about joining the circus were welcome by the performers both adults & kids had the opportunity to learn a variety of skills including juggling, acrobatics, mask making, clowning, etc.

For those that can’t get enough tonights “Big Show” is going to inspire – bring a blanket or a chair, the performance take place on the lawn...

The New Old Time Chautauqua is a non profit organization, whose mission is to nurture and build community through laughter, entertainment and education. They present family-oriented events in diverse communities, especially to rural and under-served populations. The traveling troupe partners with local organizations and service groups, with the intention of inspiring creativity and supporting community.

This summer Aqua Chautauqua will travel by boat and bus to maritime communities in Canada and Washington State. The merry band of performers and educators will create community events with colorful
Parades, creative and informative workshops and vaudeville shows with all the bells and whistles.

This show will benefit the fund raising efforts of the Commons to reduce carrying charges for the mortgage and enable renovation projects to get underway sooner. Thus the motto at "The Commons... a Place For Everyone" can be truly implemented!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Picnic Place

The Descanso Bay Regional Park is a great little spot on the North-West side of Gabriola to go for a picnic, if youre catching the ferry from Nanaimo it’s just a short 1.5km walk from the ferry landing. You’ll find an idealic setting with picnic tables in a meadow with the sandstone shores just in front. There is also a campground located here, for more information or to reserve a campsite phone 250.247.8255.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Dancing Man Festival- It ‘Haint going to be boring !

This year the Dancing Man Festival is being held in the summer, and it kicks off on Friday July 10th with the HAINTS at the Community Hall. Tickets are being sold at Artworks, and if you sign up in advance you can take a lesson before the Country Barn Dance starts rolling.

There ya go pardner! Cowboy Up...

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Helping Hands

Gabriola Fellowship Church is hosting a summer camp for kids from 3 years old to Grade 7 this week, from July 6-10. This year’s theme is “ First Response-Help At Hand”, inside the church you can certainly see the organizers have been busy using their hands to create the setting with the handmade props and artwork. My kids (age 4 & 6) love going into this inviting atmosphere and learn a lot through the songs, games, sharing, crafts and activities. Submitted by: Tina LYNCH

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

More than just an address.

Make your house sign an art statement and you could win a prize ! The fun "Gabriola Sign Contest" event is being presented by the Gabriola Arts Council and will surely add some personality to the streets of Gabriola. This contest is open to all residents of Gabriola, register and find out more information at Artworks Cofee Bar. Categories: best individual residence address sign, best neighborhood of signs, best business sign and the best art studio sign. $15 application fee. Voting will take place at the Fall Fair on Saturday, Sept. 12th.
Let's see some art on the streets !

Thursday, July 2, 2009

With Glowing Hearts...

The Island was full of Canada day events and activities yesterday, there was a band playing and a bbq in the Village parking lot, the Potato Gun Contest at Brickyard beach and in our own neighborhood we had a party.

In my eyes a great country starts with good families, and neighbours that stick together, and yesterdays gathering at Spring Beach with more than 100 neighbours was evidence that Gabriola is on track. It was a heart warming event to watch the kids dance around and dip into the ocean, neighbors catching up with each other and trying to answer the local trivia quiz and it ended with the most delicious cake I've ever had!

The day was capped off by a friends & family BBQ with the little ones still active, from the cake they at the events they had travelled to that day... Just another day of glorious island living! Submitted by: Tina LYNCH