The Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce cordially invites all organizations and members of the public to attend a breakfast meeting on Tuesday, March 27, at 7:30 a.m. at Doc Morgan's Pub to discuss our highly anticipated Steamship Days heritage festival that will be held July 7 to 15.
This summer, we want to relive the experience when Bowen Island was a popular weekend destination and are inviting everyone to participate by dressing up in summer whites from the period and sponsoring an event or two. Please come and share your ideas and enthusiasm.
In 1900, Captain Cates turned Bowen into a popular playground. A steamboat day trip to a large picnic ground with organized games, entertainment, food, swimming, horseback riding and trail-walking would have presented an extraordinary novelty in 1902.
Businesses, clubs, churches and societies took advantage of the opportunity to hold picnics in Snug Cove.
The zenith of this period was from 1924 to 1952 via the Union Steamship Company's addition of the Lady Alexandra to their fleet.
Reliving these days has been the fantasy of many Bowen Islanders and this year, the Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to working with local groups to make it a reality.
The nine-day celebration runs from July 9 to 15 and old photos of folks promenading about the island are a good source for inspiration. Islanders have come forward with new ideas: a demonstration cricket match in the baseball field; high tea on the dock; croquet in the park; an antique car show.
We're talking about filling every day with a special event and this is where islanders can help. We're asking local organizations to sponsor an event and think of ways to make it profitable.
A souvenir program will be designed that can be filled with historical information, event times, and coupons/discounts from participants and a website is under construction.
Please RSVP the chamber at [email protected] or call Alan at 604-947-2055 for more information.
