As the Town of Qualicum Beach celebrates the 70th anniversary of its incorporation, organizers are preparing to celebrate one of the town’s most valuable assets — its spectacular beach.
To this end, they are gearing up for the very first time, to hold a have a summer beach party, slated for Saturday, July 21 at the Qualicum Beach beachfront.
Organizers say the idea began with wanting to put together an event that would be good beach fun for the young people of the area and that people belonging to the older generation can enjoy at the same time.
The idea caught on, with an impressive level of community support in putting this together, led by a small team of dedicated volunteers.
Participants will be able to enjoy a variety of food, live music and fun throughout the day, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The action will kick off with a Shriners pancake and fruit breakfast starting at 8 a.m.
If you have a hard time getting out of bed to sit down with the Shriners there’s no need to worry. From 11 a.m. to closing the Kiwanis have the food end covered with a salmon and corn barbecue, complimented with the adjacent Beach Hut offering barbecued hot dogs, drinks, ice cream and more.
The Qualicum First Nation will offer a traditional blessing of the beach, accompanied by the mayor and council for the official event opening at 12:30 p.m.
Things really kick into gear with the beach activities starting off at about 11 a.m. with a sandcastle competition for all ages, skimboarding thrills and spills, nine-hole disc golf with some hotshot demos, thrilling beach volleyball and tug-of-war challenges.
Residents and visitors alike are being encouraged to bring their own down and show how it’s done.
Participants may wish to present a challenge to another business or organization to meet you on the sands for a little friendly competition.
There will be lots to do for the younger kids, including face painting, giant bubbles, hula, parachute games, beach seining and a University of Vancouver Island shellfish and beach ecology awareness display.
A vintage swimsuit fashion show will be followed by modern bikini perspectives.
A variety of talented local musicians and entertainers provide a stimulating backdrop for this all day beach celebration event. Gerry Barnum and his Band will provide the grand finale from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Get a team together, bring your family and friends and come enjoy your beach!
Visitors are encouraged to park throughout the community and walk to the beach.
