In a matter of six weeks, organizers have pulled together a Bowfest-ish for a festival-starved island.
This year's summer-capping event looks a little different from its predecessors but is still bound to be a delightful island reunion. There's no parade and there won't be the usual rows of vendors in the field. Only the lower field will be used this year, but, alcohol will be permitted throughout the grounds. Admission is by donation (cash or e-transfer [email protected]). No dogs are allowed and masks are optional.
The volunteer-run event is still seeking volunteers (sign up online) for islanders ready to pitch in.
Here's what's happening Saturday:
The day starts with Rotary Run for Rwanda. There's just one five-kilometre route through Crippen Park this year (usually there's also a 10-kilometre run), starting at 9 a.m. There's still time to sign up online until this evening, or show up at the library lawn at 8 a.m. to register. There's a fee of $30 for an individual and $60 for a family. All registrations and donations go straight to Rwanda to support 12 high school girls and five university students.
The regular Farmers' Market is on from 10 a.m. until noon at Bowen Island Community School where you can get goods grown, baked and made on Bowen.
Bowfest-ish gates open at 2 p.m. at Bowfest Field. Food and drink this year is from Orbaek, Riley's Cidery, Tuk-Tuk Bowen and Tell Your Friends – all cash-only.
There are games and activities for all until 6 p.m.
The Sixties take to the stage at 2 p.m.
At the Country Fair:
- The biggest zucchinis will be weighed between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- World-famous slug race heat one begins at 2:30 p.m.
- World-famous slug race heat two begins at 3 p.m.
- World-famous slug race heat three begins at 3:30 p.m.
- Winners are announced at 3:50 p.m.
The dunk tank (cash only – three balls for $5) runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A Kelly Konno Studio dance performance is at 3:20 p.m.
Black Molly takes to the stage at 4 p.m. and then the headliner band, Jaguar, starts at 6 p.m.
There's a safe ride home shuttle provided from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. from gate three (courtesy of The Orchard).
The event ends at 8 p.m.
Don't forget – we love submissions! If you get any great shots of the festivities and want to share them, email us at [email protected].
