SPECIAL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 17 — Thursday evening Comox Valley Farmers’ Market. Downtown Courtenay from 5-8 pm This is the perfect place to join the fun with the best selection of fresh seasonal vegetables, viagra 100mg free-range meat, seafood, poultry and eggs, pasta, nuts, baking, ethnic foods, take-home meals, cheese and honey, natural skin-care products, pet treats, entertainment and much more! Bring the family and enjoy the entertainment. FMI: www.cvfm.ca
SEPTEMBER 18-20 – Robbie Thompson Slo-Pitch Tournament, Lewis Park. Hosted by the Comox Valley Kinsmen.
SEPTEMBER 18-20 – Comox Valley Rotary RIBFEST. This is a three-day festival with a Fun Zone for kids, amazing food and beverages by up to five professional ribbers and up to 12 additional food and beverage vendors. Admission by donation with all net proceeds going to support our local community and the Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise projects. Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, 11am-9pm each day. Visit www.comoxvalleyribfest.ca FMI.
SEPTEMBER 20 – Terry Fox Run and Celebration. Registration starts at 9am and the walk begins at 10am. There will be live entertainment and activities to follow. Comox Valley Sports Centre Track, Courtenay. Call 250-890-9116
SEPTEMBER 23 – Tour De Rock. Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Ride raises money for pediatric cancer research and programs for children with a history of cancer. The Tour de Rock team cycles from one end of the Vancouver Island to the other, over 14 days, covering 1,000 kilometres.
SEPTEMBER 25-27 – Comox Valley Fall 2015 Home Show. Do you have a list of home renovations you’re dreaming of? Start with one and get it done before the holidays! The 23rd Annual Comox Valley Fall Home Show is coming to the Comox Recreation Centre September 25-27! Come see what’s new and exciting from local businesses and how you can make your dreams become reality. Comox Recreation Centre, 1855 Noel Avenue, Comox Call 1-800-471-1112 FMI. or email [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 26—MOMAR Race. The Atmosphere Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR) is an incredible weekend experience that will test your mental and physical limits in the wilds of the West Coast terrain. Teams must navigate their way through a series of checkpoints on either the 30km Sport course or 50km Enduro course. This race will require teams to paddle, mountain bike and trek their way through a challenging course with only the aid of map and their wits. Watch for runners and bikers on Cumberland roads and trails between 9 am and 5pm. Visit www.mindovermountain.com FMI.
SEPTEMBER 26 – Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour. This is a great way to spend your Saturday! The one-day event provides cyclists with the opportunity to meet the local farmers and producers, in their element, and discover the multitude of fresh products grown right here in the Comox Valley. Fresh air and friendly faces will greet you at the participating farms and establishments on this self-guided cycle tour. $10/person until September 15. Kids 15 and under are free. Register at www.cvfarmtour.com FMI.
SEPTEMBER 26 – Epona 2015. The Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society invites you to purchase your tickets now for a truly unique and magical evening. Meet all our horses over champagne and roaming appetizers. Enjoy the no host bar, a mouth watering dinner by Beez Kneez, scrumptious desserts and a horse parade all while listening to the sounds of Luke Blu Guthrie. A spectacular mystery door prize will make someone very happy! Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds Arena/Barn on Headquarters Road. 6pm-11pm. Visit www.cvtrs.com FMI.
SEPTEMBER 27 – 2015 Kidney Walk Comox Valley. This an opportunity for the whole family to have fun and participate in the local Kidney Walk while representing the Kidney Foundation of Canada BC & Yukon Branch. 8am-2pm, Simms Park. Visit www.kidneywalkbc.ca FMI.
OCTOBER 1-31 – The Pumpkin Patch at Shamrock Farm, open daily October 1-31, 10am to 5 pm. Free admission. U-pick pumpkins, pumpkin barn, farmyard animals, kids’ corn maze, Halloween displays, weekend hay rides, pumpkin contests, school tours. Fun for the whole family! 2276 Anderton Road, Comox. Phone 250-339-1671 or visit www.shamrockfarm.ca
OCTOBER 2 – 2015 Rotary Club of Courtenay Beerfest. At the Native Son’s Hall, 7 – 10 pm. $35 – includes 12 – 4oz tastings and souvenir mug. For more information and tickets visit www.cvbeerfest.ca. Proceeds from this event support the renovation of the Courtenay Train Station project!
OCTOBER 2-9 – Courtenay Little Theatre presents Kiss the Moon Kiss the Sun. This Norm Foster play is a thoughtful blend of comedy and drama. Sid Williams Theatre October 2,3,7,8 and 9 – 7:30 pm, matinee October 4 at 2pm. Tickets $22/$20. Visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com or call 250-338-2430 FMI.
OCTOBER 3 – Cumberland’s almost-world-famous Pie of the Year contest! On Saturday October 3 bakers compete for fame, fortune and fun with prizes, celebrity judges, intoxicating beverages, tastings, songs and a live auction with all proceeds to the Cumberland Forest. It is a Pie Contest like no other. Whether you bake or just come down for the tasting and cheering — it’s the most fun you’ll have with baked stuff! People’s Choice, 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes awarded. Politicians encouraged to enter themed pies! Detailed rules available at www.cumberlandforest.com. It’s all part of the fun at the Foggy Mountain Fall Fair!
OCTOBER 3 through 31 – 2nd Annual Coastal Black Pumpkin Fest will be open every Saturday and Sunday, from October 3rd through 31st from 10 am to 4pm including Thanksgiving Monday. Come Rain or Shine! This fun for the whole family, fall festival includes an all-new Hay Wagon Ride and farm tour out to the additional 4-acre Pumpkin Patch at the farm where guests are able to Pick Your Own Pumpkins and Gourds. Kids of all ages will enjoy wandering through the popular Hay Bale Maze, play some Festive Fall Games, and have memorable photos taken in the Pumpkin Photo Booth by Amanda O’Brennan Photography. Visit the Friendly Barnyard Animals and explore the Tractor Alley. Coastal Black Estate Winery & Meadery, 2186 Endall Road, Black Creek. Visit www.coastalblack.ca or email: [email protected]. $2 entry, children under 2 are free.
OCTOBER 3-4 – Foggy Mountain Fall Fair, hosted by the Cumberland Museum. Cumberland’s annual seasonal celebration of harvest and heritage; culture and craft; forest and food! Featuring the 2nd edition of the Fall Fair Follies, live music and other performances on the Local Colours stage, historic tours, apple press, vendors market, games and activities for the whole family and the highly-anticipated Pie of the Year contest. First Street will be closed between Dunsmuir Avenue and the alley towards Penrith Avenue. FMI visit www.cumberlandmuseum.ca
OCTOBER 4 – Merville Heritage Fall Fair at the Big Yellow Merville hall. Starting at 12 noon there will be farmers selling produce, plus two heritage buildings, (the Stolen Church and the Manse), open for inspection and for vendors. Activities for children and adults, including a big Tug ‘o’ War between Mervillians and Black Creekians. The late afternoon and evening will be taken over by a rural Merville/Black Creek variety show that will feature local acts of music, poetry, dance and more.
OCTOBER 4 – Bridal Exhibition 2015. The Valley’s largest wedding show . Florence Filberg Centre, Courtenay, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. www.bridalexhibition.ca
OCTOBER 5—Courtenay-Alberni Riding All Candidates Meeting. Members of the public are welcome to attend this community event, held at the Sid Williams Theatre on October 5th from 6-8 pm, and hear from the candidates for the next Federal General Election, which will be held on October 19th, 2015. This event is presented by the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is strictly non-partisan and receives no funding from any level of government. www.comoxvalleychamber.com
OCTOBER 19 – Canadian Election Day. Polls are open from 8 am-8pm. Voting is an important part of our democratic process. It is a chance, for every eligible person to influence the policies that affect our lives on a daily basis. With only a simple mark on a ballot, voting lets us decide who our representatives will be and what our future will look like. The right to vote is protected by Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is one of our country’s most cherished institutions.
OCTOBER 21-22 – Tech Expo and Launch Party. The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Tech Expo to showcase innovative products, designs, and services that tech entrepreneurs, innovators, and makers are creating on Vancouver Island, from Nanaimo north to Port Hardy. We invite you to join us, to help us celebrate the entrepreneurs. FMI visit www.comoxvalleychamber.com
OCTOBER 22-24 – Beauty and the Beast, presented by the Rainbow Youth Theatre. Sid Williams Theatre. FMI and tickets visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com
OCTOBER 24 – Halloween Dance Party for kids of all ages at the Black Creek Community Hall. Let’s get the kids excited for a dance! All ages welcome . Adult chaperoned. We will mix up some music, get the smoke machine going, and let loose! Costume contest and snacks provided. Bonfire outside. 5 – 9 pm. 2001 Black Creek Road. FMI and to RSVP go to their Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/events/841970882546622/ or call 250.337.5190
OCTOBER 25 – Perseverance Trail Run. Gear up for the breathtaking scenery and unforgettable views. Be prepared for pristine single track, winding cross-country trails and twisting forest paths. You can be sure there will be a few ups and downs in this year’s race. Racers can look forward to a fantastic trail run, delicious post race food and fabulous draw prizes from a host of local sponsors. This grass roots event is a great way to spend the day with the whole family. The Perseverance Trail Run is presented by Equilibrium Lifestyle Management (ELM) and is a fundraiser for the Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS). www.perseverancetrailrun.com
OCTOBER 25 – NOVEMBER 1 – Spooky Haunted Coal Mine at the Cumberland Museum. Looking for a spooktacular experience this Halloween? Visit the spooky haunted coal mine at the Cumberland Museum and Archives! Be prepared for spirits, apparitions, voices, rats, bats and other scary surprises. Suitable for ages 6+ (if they like the thrill of being spooked). Parents requested to accompany children under 10. The Spooky Haunted Coal Mine runs from Saturday, October 24th through till November 1st during regular Museum hours, 10 am – 5 pm. Open until 6 pm on October 31st. Please note that the Museum is closed on Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th. Admission is by donation, with all proceeds supporting the Cumberland Museum and Archives. FMI visit www.cumberlandmuseum.ca
OCTOBER 31 – Halloween Trick or Treat Costume Parade. Parade your costume down Dunsmuir Avenue in Cumberland on Halloween. Leaves the Village Office at 4pm and travels down the main street and back up to the Cumberland Recreation Centre for a community bar-boo-que. Drop in for hot dogs and drinks, craft tables and Thriller Zumba. Sponsored by downtown businesses and the Village of Cumberland. FMI visit www.cumberlandmuseum.ca
NOVEMBER 1 – 40th annual Comox Valley Child Development Telethon. FMI www.cvcda.ca/telethon
ONGOING EVENTS
EVERY SUNDAY — Bluegrass Brunch Sundays with Archie Pateman & Friends. 10:30 am. The Waverley, 2692 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland • 250-336-8322 www.cumberlandvillageworks.com
EVERY MONDAY — Senior’s Program, Halbe Hall in Black Creek. Start with an hour-long fitness class, followed by a homemade lunch provided by the Black Creek Community Assoc. $5 drop-in. 250-337-5190 FMI.
EVERY MONDAY — Woolgatherers Club. 11am-3pm, Fallen Alders Hall, Royston@Minto Road. Call Carole, 250-334-4284 or Carol, 250-339-3403 FMI.
EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY — Al-Anon for people concerned about a loved one’s drinking. Mon, Tues and Fri 8 pm; Thurs 10 am. Call 250-334-2392 FMI.
EVERY TUESDAY — Fun Euchre, Courtenay Legion, 1:30 pm. Mixed pub darts at 7 pm.
EVERY TUESDAY — Drop-in meditation with Lucas every Tuesday, 7 pm at Ocean Resort, Oyster Bay (by $$ donations to the food banks). Call 250-792-3165.
EVERY TUESDAY — Universal Devotional Chanting and Meditation. Mystic Valley Voices Chanting Community. Little Red Church Healing Centre, 2182 Comox Avenue (at Alpine). 6:45-8:30pm. Everyone welcome! ChantMaster Oliver Clarke, 250-218-1688. Visit www.mysticvalleyvoices.org FMI.
EVERY TUESDAY — Regular Drop In Meditation and Teaching with Geshe YongDong at the Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre. By donation. 407A 5th Street, Courtenay. www.sherabchammaling.com FMI.
EVERY TUESDAY – a Good Yarn Knitting & Crochet Circle meets at the Comox Library, 101-1720 Beaufort Avenue on Tuesday from 6-8 pm year-round. Lessons, refreshments and some supplies are provided. All ages. Drop in. Call 250-339-1240 or email [email protected] FMI.
EVERY WEDNESDAY — Drop-in darts at 1pm. Courtenay Legion.
EVERY WEDNESDAY — The Woolly Mammoth Craft Club is a free, all ages knitting circle ongoing Wednesday nights at Lake Trail School. 6:30-8pm at Lake Trail School (805 Willemar) in the school library. [email protected].
EVERY WEDNESDAY — Regular Drop In Silent Meditation Practice; two sessions: 7-7:30 pm & 7:35-8:05 pm. Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre, 407A 5th Street, Courtenay. www.sherabchammaling.com FMI.
EVERY THURSDAY — Crib & Gucci, Courtenay Legion, 6:30 pm. Men’s darts at 7 pm.
EVERY THURSDAY — Thursday Jazz Club. In the past year the Jazz Club has had over 20 different host combos with 200+ musicians aged 13 to 80 years on the stage. The Avalanche Bar and Grill on Eight Street, Courtenay, 7:30-10:30 pm. www.georgiastraightjazz.com
EVERY THURSDAY — Thursday Night Open Jam. Stellar house band, ready to play music in almost any style! 9 pm. No cover. The Waverley, 2692 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland • 250-336-8322. For more information visit www.cumberlandvillageworks.com
EVERY FRIDAY — Conversation Group—a great opportunity to practice English in a safe and welcoming environment. Sponsored by the Immigrant Welcome Centre. Courtenay Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library. Every Friday, 1-20 pm. Last Friday of the month, 1:30-3pm. Call Jean, 250-338-6359 FMI.
EVERY SATURDAY — The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market is outdoors at the Courtenay Fairgrounds and moves indoors on October 24 to the Native Son’s Hall in Courtenay. This is the perfect place to join the fun with the best selection of fresh seasonal vegetables, free-range meat, seafood, poultry and eggs, pasta, nuts, baking, ethnic foods, take-home meals, cheese and honey, natural skin-care products, pet treats, entertainment and much more! Bring the family and enjoy the entertainment. Headquarters Road in Courtenay from 9am – noon. Also Thursday evening market in Downtown Courtenay from 5-8 on September 17. FMI: www.cvfm.ca
COMOX VALLEY ART GALLERIES
ART ALCHEMY STUDIO/GALLERY — This unique space is home to working artists’ studios and their gallery. Come wander through and see paintings and glass art in the making. .362 10th Street Courtenay • www.artalchemy.ca
BETTY & NEIL BOYLE’S STUDIO AND GALLERY — On display are oil paintings of numerous subjects such as figurative, floral and landscape, which reflect the use of the Impressionist palette. www.neilboyle.com • 250-338-0530.
BRENDA CALHOUN ARTWORKS — Award-winning Courtenay artist. Realistic acrylic, mixed media and watercolor paintings of still lifes, florals and tranquil scenes. Phone? 250-897-1816 or visit www.brendacalhounartworks.com
BRIAN SCOTT FINE ART — Colorful expressionist oil paintings by Brian Scott on display in his Gallery/Studio in Black Creek. Historical and local scenes from the Comox Valley and around BC. By appt 250-337-1941 • www.brianscottfineart.com
BRYAN KEMILA FINE ART STUDIO / GALLERY — Original acrylic paintings and prints for sale, featuring the female form. Shows include Playboy’s Glamourcon Chicago & Los Angeles, Seattle Erotic Art Festival, Montreal Erotic Art Show, Vancouver’s Pan Pacific Taboo Show. Gallery open 10 – 4 Mon. to Sat. by appointment. 250.338.7254 • 3021 Rachel Road, Courtenay • www.SigndesignBC.com
COMOX VALLEY ART GALLERY — Regional public art gallery dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and celebrating emergent contemporary art practice. 580A Duncan Ave., Courtenay • 250-338-6211 www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com
CORRE ALICE ART GALLERY — Frelone’s Grocery in Cumberland has been transformed into an art gallery and studio space by professional artist Corre Alice. 2781 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland
CREATIVE SPIRIT GLASS BEAD STUDIO — Visit my studio to see the process of glass bead making (flame working) and view the wearable, handmade glass bead jewelry made on-site. 365 Ships Point Road, Fanny Bay. • 250-335-3355
CREEKSIDE GALLERY — Fine art photographic prints by Vancouver Island artist David Innes. Vivid impressions of the West Coast, Provence, Colonial Mexico & more. 540 Salsbury Rd., Courtenay 250-703-4725 www.lapausebb.com/gallery
I-HOS GALLERY — Northwest Coast native art, gold and silver jewelry, prints, carvings 3320 Comox Ave., Comox • ihosgallery.com • 250-339-7702
JOE SMITH STUDIO & GALLERY — Original works of art in watercolors and acrylic painted in a realistic style. Local and west coast scenes. Art cards & prints also available. 5867 Garvin Road, Union Bay • www.joesmith.ca 250-335-2578
MARINER’S LOOKOUT ON COMOX BAY GALLERY/STUDIO — Original acrylic paintings, life drawings and relief sculptures by Henrie Beaudoin and guest artists. Open most weekday afternoons 1-4:30 pm. 122 Stafford Street, Comox, BC 250-898-9010
NANCY J. MORRISON STAINED GLASS STUDIO — Original works in stained glass showcasing various styles. Welcome to visit my studio/gallery located in “Tin Town”. Open Saturday 10 to 2 or by appointment. 2364 Rosewall Cr. Courtenay. 334-0262
PEARL ELLIS GALLERY —September 1-20—Trilogy of Art Form by Hans Petersen, Bev Petersen and Kay Bukta. September 22-October 18—Pearl Ellis Gallery Members’ Anniversary Show and Sale. 1729 Comox Avenue, Comox • www.pearlellisgallery.com • 250-339-2822
POTTERS PLACE — Our gallery and shop has been in operation for 15 years and showcases the largest selection of stoneware, porcelain, raku and specialty firings in BC. Run by a collective of enthusiastic potters. www.thepottersplace.ca • 180B 5th St., Courtenay • 250-334-4613
RICHARD MENARD STUDIO/GALLERY — Wood and stone sculpture and painting. Richard’s work is an eclectic mix of eastern philosophy and West Coast materials, style and form—subtle, exquisite and powerful works rooted in and inspired by nature and healing. 6141 Lacon Road, Denman Island. • www.richardmenard.com
SHELLEY’S STUDIO — The home-based Comox studio of designer/artist Shelley Barr is open by appointment only. Unique textile art wall hangings, pillows and clothing as well as her mixed media collage paintings and photography. 250-334-7407 • [email protected] • www.shelleystudio.ca
STOFER GALLERY — A welcoming home studio and gallery on Denman Island. Features a wide range of expressionist paintings by Canadian artist Dawn Stofer. 5305 East Road, Denman Island • www.stofergallery.com • 250-335-3246
TERESA KNIGHT ART STUDIO — View original paintings by Teresa Knight at her studio in Union Bay. By appointment 250-335-3234 or www.teresaknight.com