The Ladysmith Maritime Society is hosting a number of events down on the water this summer in hopes of increasing traffic on their social dock.
In addition to a number of community potluck barbecues, the society will also be hosting Art Walk on the Dock on July 24 and August 14.
“We’re having artists, painters, face-painters for the kids, the First Nations are doing bannock. We’ve got crafts people doing jewelry, musicians — so it’s a culmination of all kinds of art and it’s free for the artists to attend,” said art walk co-ordinator Donna Notte.
“It’s going to be beautiful and sunny, and there’s going to be a nice, cool breeze blowing and people are going to be listening to music, looking at beautiful artwork, maybe buying a nice new pair of earrings or bracelet, your kids can get your face-painted and learn about water safety while they’re there.”
Notte said there is more happening on the dock than most people realize.
“It’s a community dock and people don’t know that you don’t need a boat to come down and enjoy the dock,” she said. “If they don’t have a boat, they don’t think they have any reason to come on to the dock.”
The Ladysmith Maritime Society dock is host to numerous activities, including harbour tours, the maritime museum, dragonboating and disabled sailing. The lovely heritage boats that come to visit are a sight to see as well, Notte said.
“Old boats, you see them rotting in shipyards, but you don’t often see them restored and able to go out on the water,” she said.
The harbour is also home to the Purple Martin.
There will be a Purple Martin open house held in conjunction with the first Art Walk on July 24. The second Art Walk will coincide with Ladysmith Days, on August 14.
The Ladysmith Maritime Society has already held two potluck barbecues on the social dock and will hold more on August 6 and September 3.
Everyone is welcome.
“You can come down onto the dock, bring a barbecue item and a potluck item, and we’re trying to keep a green theme, so you bring your own plates, cutlery and you take it back with you,” Notte said. “The barbecues, tents and tables are provided.”
