It’s no surprise that Bowen Island, along with the rest of Canada, will be celebrating Canada Day differently this year due to the restrictions on large gatherings ordered by the Provincial Health Officer. The usual celebration in Crippen Park has been cancelled for this year as Bowen embarks on a summer of physical distancing and no large public events. But, thanks to a nod from Council, the folks in the Bowen Island Community Recreation (BICR) Department, who brought you the Great Bowen Bunny Search over the Easter long weekend, are working with some creative community members to bring you something to warm your hearts and celebrate some of our biggest strengths as a community!
The Celebrate Canada Day on Bowen event runs each year in Crippen Park on Canada Day from 12 – 3pm. The event is planned by BICR and often includes a live band or DJ, a moving rendition of Oh Canada sung by a Bowen student, games for kids hosted by the always energetic BICR Summer Camp staff, food from a local restauranteur, crafts with the HeARTh, face-painting by Bowen Island youth, a beautiful community art project, cake sponsored by the Bowen Island Pub, snakes and reptiles (because why not?!), visits with the local RCMP, Community Paramedics, NERPS and of course the traditional “waterfall” at the end from the Bowen Island Volunteer Fire Department. The event has always qualified for a small communities grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage.
This year, thankfully, the Federal Government has advised all Canada Day grant recipients that the grant funds can be used towards a community “virtual” celebration. BICR will be working with Paul Whitecotton, video editor Annabelle Coon and the band members of Black Molly (this year’s planned live band) to bring you a virtual event we hope will be memorable, moving, and hopeful for the whole community to safely enjoy on July 1st from the comfort of our own homes.
“Bowen is a community of immensely talented, creative, and caring people,” said Mayor Gary Ander, “and we are so fortunate that this group of people is teaming up to highlight and engage our community, along with so many others, during these challenging times.”
Curious about what’s to come? You’ll have to tune in to check it out on Canada Day! Details will be shared in the Undercurrent and on the BICR Facebook page at www.facebook/BowenRecreation