Regular readers of the Citizen will have noted recently that it’s Registration Time in the Cowichan Valley.
Yes, like the swallows returning to Capistrano, everyone is expected to troop back to where they were in the spring and arrive, with yoga pants, hockey skates, musical instruments, or whatever at the ready to hit the road running for a busy fall and winter season of singing or sculpting.
And for many folks, it’s a simple routine. Off come the flip flops and out come the toe shoes.
But the Valley is more popular than it’s ever been and I’m sure there are many people who don’t realize how many splendid options there are for recreation or creative expression are here.
We’re not called The Provence of Canada just because of the wineries, you know. Cowichan is chock-a-block with artists, writers, singers, musicians, artisans, and dancers at every level of expertise.
For those who are new here, or who suddenly find they have time to pursue new goals, there’s so much to do that you won’t be able to fit it all in.
From classes to help you get the most out of your new colouring book to amateur theatre groups to develop your inner Dustin Hoffman, from tap dance tryouts to aquacize for the arthritic, if you want it, you’ll find it’s out there somewhere in the Cowichan Valley.
Check our registration pages, look at every notice board you see, read your kids’ school newsletters, your church bulletin, and, most of all, ask your friends on Facebook or in person.
If you love to be out and doing, this is the place to be.
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CORRECTION
Ever checked a schedule and found you’ve read it wrong? Well, I did recently and I somehow included some acts that won’t be appearing on the Cowichan Exhibition stage this year.
So, my apologies to one and all. And I herewith include the “real deal” stage schedule at this weekend’s Exhibition:
Friday, Sept. 8, it’s Backyard Elephant (5-6:45 p.m.), Vance Driver (7:45-8 p.m.), and Completely Creedance (8-9:45 p.m.).
Saturday, Sept. 9, Kathy White Dancers (11 a.m. to noon), O’Brien School of Irish Dance (Noon to 12:30 p.m.), Hip-hop/ jazz dance (12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.), Mucky Boots Old Time String Band (1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 4-5 p.m.), HellKatz (2:30-4 p.m.), Black Moon (5-7 p.m.), Vance Driver (7:45-8 p.m.), and Zachary Stevenson (8-9:45 p.m.).
The popular Zucchini Race is onstage Saturday from 2-3 p.m.
On Sunday, the stage will host the Shelley Cassidy Highland Dancers from noon to 12:30 p.m. and the Pet Show from 1-3 p.m.
