Lake Cowichan is going all out this weekend with a stupendous 75th anniversary celebration.
At press time, the final schedule is being completed. Look for it in the Wednesday, Aug. 14 issue of the Cowichan Valley Citizen.
But, we know already that you’d better be there when it all kicks off.
The grand opening ceremonies take place at 11 a.m., followed at 12:30 p.m. by the appearance of four skydivers dropping into Saywell Park. This exciting addition to the day is made possible by a donation from CVRD Area F, and will add extra excitement to an already-jam-packed weekend.
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A Field of Heroes will also be offered on Saturday at Lake Cowichan School’s lower field.
According to Lynn Klein of the 75th and Beyond committee, “The ‘Field of Heroes’ is designed to pay respect to our own emergency services heroes, and thank them for all they do in our Cowichan Lake communities.
“The event will be held on Aug. 17 from 2 to 4:30 pm. BC Emergency Health Services, RCMP, and other allied public service organizations will be on display to the public. It is hoped one of the BC Air Ambulance helicopters will also be on site,” he said.
“Folks will be able to view the equipment in this emergency room in the air. There will be a fundraising component for the organizations of the Wounded Warriors Canada and Honour House.
“These organizations serve our first responders to assist them in recovery from physical and emotional trauma, as a result of the profession they have chosen. A donation box will be set up on site for folks who wish to make a donation to these two great non profit, charitable agencies.”
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The Kaatza Lakeside Players will be participating in the Lake Cowichan 75th Anniversary Imagination Junction on Saturday and Sunday. They will have a photo booth for you and your friends and family to take pictures with costumes and props and we will also have some historical characters from the last 75 years entertaining us with the stories of their pasts. Stop by to take a picture or to just say hi. They’re always looking for more actors or people interested in theatre so come and introduce yourself.
The Kids Zone will also include other activities and fun for youngsters, including Ish da Fish, a juggler, face painting, building kits, an art booth, a bouncy castle, bouncy balls, giant bubbles, and a simulator truck.
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The main stage entertainment on Saturday, features entertainment from noon to 7 p.m. Everything starts at noon with Ish da Fish: a popular family entertainer who has played with Raffi, Charlotte Diamond and many more.
Later, you can enjoy the music of 5 Whiskeys Deep, who will wow the crowd with tunes in a variety of genres.
And finally, it’s Retro Rock Revival. They’ll delight everyone with the music of the 50s and 60s. So, get out those dancing shoes and get ready to join the fun.
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On Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Mosaic Timbersports Competition is making a welcome return to Lake Cowichan’s Saywell Park.
Come out and watch the excitement while the professionals compete for prize money.
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Also on Sunday, starting at noon, little ones can join Ish da Fish and Marion on a Fairy Forest Tour through the magical forest where fairies and wizards reside. It all starts in the covered area at Saywell Park. Treats and drinks will be provided for the children afterwards.
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Plus for special entertainment Sunday, Aug. 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Deep Sea Gypsies will entertain at a special pool party.
Put on a hat, some river-safe sunscreen, and hop onto your favourite floating devices with the family while you enjoy the music from the water in front of Saywell Park.
