Come celebrate all Sunfest has to offer. The excitement begins Monday, July 1st with the 15th Annual Gorge Canada Day Picnic. The picnic runs 8:30 am to 4:00 pm along the Gorge Waterway. Returning to the picnic will be the pancake breakfast, family parade, entertainment, kid’s activities, canoe rides, buskers, Strawberry Tea, market and more.  

For 47 years, Strawberry Festival has been a summer highlight for many. This year it runs 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Beaver Lake Park on Sunday, July 7th. Don’t miss the pony rides, arts & crafts, interactive sports and games, as well as; information displays, live entertainment, pie eating contest, model boat display and much, much more. Don’t forget to indulge in a little summer sweetness with the traditional serving of strawberries and ice cream for the unbeatable price of $0.50.

Quickly becoming a “MUST” for Sunfest participants is one of the newest additions to Sunfest - the Cadboro Bay Festival. Running Sunday, August 11th 11:00 am to 3:00 pm this festival features: giant sand sculptures; hands on activities; arts and crafts; bouncy castles; pirate school and treasure hunt; information displays; together with food and fun for the entire family.

Another summer favourite is the Music in the Park series featuring a variety of evening concerts played at local parks. The concerts run Tuesdays in July and August from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. With a range of musical styles sure to suit all ages, settle in, bring your picnic dinner, or purchase available food and enjoy the shows. All parks have a children’s playground and some events include other children’s activities as well as local information, displays and produce.

Other Sunfest events include: Gordon Head Recreation Centre/Lambrick Park Skate Jam, Quadra Cedar Hill Association’s Fun in the Park; Fun Day in the Park fundraiser for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation; The Arts and Music in the Gardens; Walk with Volkssport and many more great events!

Use these amazing opportunities to collect your family, friends and neighbours and celebrate your community. Please join me in thanking Saanich Council for their support, and in recognizing the many community volunteers and groups and the Saanich Parks & Recreation staff who work hard to make Sunfest so enjoyable.

Doug Henderson,
Director of Saanich Parks & Recreation