Dear Editor,
We wanted a celebration that would be remembered, to create some magic, for something delicious and beautiful and fun for the community. All our wishes came true. Bowen Heritage started 25 years ago as a result of the demolition of two cottages. The same issue is facing us again. We have not succeeded in saving all the cottages and putting them to good use, but not for lack of trying. The challenge remains but how to create awareness and get some support? A party – focus and get people talking. We couldn’t afford a booze cruise on a boat, or a dance hall with a swing band. Then Murray Atherton posted a photograph and it had traction. We had a gorgeous location with space for tables. Metro very generously agreed to rent tents, tables and chairs. Matt Matheson and Will Hayes said they wanted to work together to create the food.
Summers are outrageously busy for food events but we found a date – except Will’s firstborn was scheduled for early August. He had to drop out. Christophe Langlois, Park Hefflefinger and Brad OvenallCarter stepped up. Julie Cree agreed to stage manage and thank god for that! With federal grants, Bowen Heritage was able to hire two students. This event could never have happened without their help. Just to mention the start of their long list of responsibilities, Marion Arnott’s parents’ church loaned the china, cutlery and linens and Lindsey Curtis found the photo we used on our advertising. No one predicted the event to sell out in four days. Bam! Between Julie, Marion, Lindsey and myself, we planned every inch and moment of the event from arriving at the site with lanterns and lights in a proscenium arch, to photo collages of our activities over 25 years lined up to usher everyone into our museum where some incredibly generous raffle gifts were on display, to the “kitchen” where the chefs and sous-chefs finalized their magic (having chopped and prepped for at least two days).
While the amuse-bouche was made ready, Lisa Battacharya’s blackberry kefir water was mixed with some bubbly for the new Bowen Kefir Royale cocktail. Sujinder Junega used his amazing contacts and palate to find some great wines from Evolve Cellars in Summerland, and Pernille Nielsen organized the bar for the opening act. The veggies were grilling while the appetizers were delivered on six-foot cedar planks – Christophe’s idea for a wow delivery! The chefs created a menu that was locally sourced: the fig vinegar was from Aubin van Berckel, the honey was from Ian Kennard, the salads, cherries, beans, eggplants, corn, onions, garlic, lavender, nasturtiums, everything, was grown on Bowen (except the beef and coconut). The Rossi Gang musicians also have a Bowen connection with IPS. Everyone has been incredibly generous – huge discounts and loans. Basia pulled our fat out of the fire a couple of times, notably wine glasses at the last minute that I had forgotten to confirm! Natasha, Tracey, Noemie, Fanny and Amandine were your smiling acrobatic servers. Tim Hausch (what a champ!) came in with his cherry picker and bent over backwards, literally, with me down below saying, “Over that way a touch, no there, well maybe there.” Rob Duft and Mark Groen did the lights and lanterns. Catherine Epp, Sarah Haxby, Lindsey Curtis and Adele Therias welcomed everyone and helped sell raffle tickets. Rod Harding and Erik James were the Metro crew who helped set up and clean up. Elena Waldman and Maria Steernberg washed a mountain of dishes and Lary Waldman did laundry. Marina, our mascot, helped sell memberships.
And then there was you: our guests. Your generosity, happiness, compliments and photographs have been outstanding. There is much to be thankful for. I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone. Best of all, most was done with smiles and happiness. I was the only grouchy, fussy, fretting, tired and sore Grinch – but in the end, you all made me smile. Not sure I would do it again, but very happy we pulled it off. More photos (including a drone flyover!) will be on our website (bowenheritage.org] although without help it might take me forever! Bottom line: please join our organization. Numbers matter as we can hire students, pay for events, organize more support for our work with Metro to save the cottages, install more art and meet more of you.
Huge thanks!
Judi Gedye
