Grab your lawn chairs and blankets, pack up the sunscreen, and get ready for a full day of music, food, and fun.
The Old-Fashioned Country Picnic is coming to John Phillips Memorial Park to celebrate Sooke’s 20th anniversary and it’s certain to be a great day of family-friendly activities.
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Let’s start with the main stage.
The music will start at 1 p.m. with the musical stylings of Solo/Duo/Trio. They’re a party band that’s sure to get your feet tapping and might just inspire some dancing in the sunshine.
An hour later Supreme Remedy takes the stage with a mix of crunchy guitars, cacophonous drums, and energetic guitar and vocals of Nico Turner, Kevin Ishizaki and Dylan Parr on bass.
At 2:40 p.m. Liquor Riot is on hand with some original music and a nod to the rock music of the past. These local musicians have developed a reputation for getting the crowds on their feet.
Second-Hand Habit takes the stage at 3:20 p.m. with a mix of high energy riffs, wicked solos, killer drum beats and an unmistakable groove that has made them one of the most sought after bands in B.C.
At 4:20 p.m., Provinces will join the picnic, bringing with them a folk/rock fusion. They’re just a lot of fun and with a really great musical style.
Solo/Duo/Trio returns to the stage at 6:20 p.m. followed by the country Island surf rock music of The Ed Fury Band at 6:20 p.m..
Finally, at 7 p.m. the evening will round out with the ever-popular Mexican Bus Ride. Hugh Smith and his friends bring a traditional take on some great music. It’s a sound born in the jungles of West Vancouver Island and honed in venues across B.C.
But Music is only part of the day’s events.
The Hannah Day Family Fun Zone will feature a series of inflatable bouncy castles and water slides for the littles to enjoy and SEAPARC staff will be on hand with some games and arts and crafts. There’ll be face painting and a special story corner where the kids can kick back and hear some of their favourites read in a way that will bring the tales alive.
Everyone is welcome to the rock and fish painting station where they can leave their mark on the event. (We might even have a parade of all those painted fish at some point in the afternoon.)
Admission is free, but folks are encouraged to bring along a new, unwrapped toy and put it into one of our collection bins. (We’ll have some cash donation jars available as well if you’ve not had the time to find a toy.) All the donations will be split between the Victoria General and Vancouver Children’s hospitals in honour and recognition of Hannah Day and all the kids battling serious illness in the Sooke Region.
No picnic is complete with food and drinks, and we’ll be featuring a great selection of food trucks. The Sooke Lions will be on hand with treats of their own and, of course, folks are invited to bring their own goodies from home.
Oh, there’ll also be a selection of classic cars, the 1942 fire truck, artisans and some local vendors to provide mom and dad with a selection of interesting side trips between listening to the music and watching the kids bounce till they drop.
At the end of the picnic, the District of Sooke takes over with a screening of Avengers: End Game under the stars.
Just a few rules to note.
The Old-Fashioned Country Picnic is a family event and no alcohol will be allowed on-site. No smoking or vaping will be allowed on the grounds and all pets must be kept on-leash and under control at all times.
Whew, that wasn’t so bad, was it?
This community event is a great way to come out, meet the neighbours and celebrate 20 great years of Sooke. We’ll see you there.
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