What's Up? A List of Events in Cowichan

Summer holidays are nearing there end and there are lots of events taking place in the valley.  From country fairs to movies in the park, from jazz festivals to walking tours, there's something for everyone. Get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and join in the fun!

BC Forest Protection warns of extreme forest fire hazards here in the valley.  Campfires and open cooking fires are prohibited. Find more information here.

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The new Autumn 2013 Recreation Program and Schedules guide is now available at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre and Fuller Lake Arena. You can find the guide online at http://bit.ly/1bd7ynI

The Maritime Centre is looking for folks to offer community talks and classes beginning again in the fall on a volunteer basis. Contact the office at 250-746-4955 or email cwbs@classicboats.org if you are interested in sharing your knowledge and passion for Maritime life.

School District 79 has released a list of school day starting and ending times for the coming year.  These times have changed for some schools so you'll want to check the chart.  Find the school district's school hours time list here.
  
The Cowichan News Leader Pictorial is now accepting used book donations for their September fundraiser sale. They are accepting all types of undamaged, current books. Bring your books to the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. (Please no drop offs after office hours.)

• Ongoing – Penny Drive fundraiser for MS Support Group. Drop off your pennies at the MS Society office, Duncan
• Ongoing – Penny Drive fundraiser in support of four food banks, Wavaw, & The Salvation Army, News Leader Pictorial office, 2-5380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan
• Ongoing – Frances Kelsey student art show, Whiskey Point Grill, Mill Bay
• Weekdays, beginning September 16 at various locations throughout the Cowichan Valley - Parent-Child Mother Goose, a free, interactive song, rhyme and story time activity.  For information and registration, please contact Margaret Moss Health Center, (250) 709-3050
• June 1 - October 1 - Stage 1 sprinkling regulations are in place for all CVRD water systems.  For more information on regulations contact the CVRD at 250-746-2513 or visit cvrd.bc.ca
• June 11 - October 11 - The Chemainus River Bridge located on Chemainus River near Pinson's Corner (between Swallowfield Rd. and Ashcroft Road) will be closed to all traffic including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
• June 18 - October 26 - Cowichan Valley Intercultural and Immigrant Aid Society Tapestry Gala, Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Center, 200 Cowichan Way, Duncan.  Info, 250-748-3112
• July 15 - August 30, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Alpine Stables Summer Riding Camps.  For detailed schedule info visit www.alpinestable.com/ 
• August 8 - 31 - Held Over! - Singin' In the Rain, Chemainus Theater.  Info, chemainustheatrefestival.ca/season_sing.html
• August 8 - September 27 - The east side of Holland Creek Trail in Ladysmith will be closed. Info, 250-245-6424.
• August 23, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (and every Friday) - Art Beat, a weekly art walk and street party, Willow St., Chemainus.  Info, www.cvcas.com
• August 23, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - "Just Jim," Eagles Lounge, 2965 Boys Rd., Duncan.
• August 24, all day - Jubilee Jazz Festival, Chemainus.  Info, chemainusjazzfestival.com
• August 24, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - 104th Annual Cobble Hill Fair, Cobble Hill Fair Grounds, 3550 Watson Ave., Info, cobblehillfair.ca/ 
• August 24, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (and every Saturday until Thanksgiving) - Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market, Coffee Mill, Honeymoon Bay.
• August 24, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. - Video editing and screenplay session with VI Film Co-op members, Duncan Library Multi-purpose room.  Everyone welcome. Info, 250-743-6780
• August 24, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. (weekly on Saturdays) - Open Mic, Duncan's Courts Sports Lounge
• August 24, 9:15 p.m . (approx.) - Summer movies in the park, Field A, Kerry Park Sports Fields. Admission by donation.  Info, 250-743-5922
• August 25 – Art on the Avenue artists’ show and sale, downtown Ladysmith
• August 25 (and every Sunday through Oct. 6) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - South Cowichan Farmers’ Market, 4485 Trans Canada Highway at Koksilah Rd.
• August 25, 2:00 p.m. (and every Sunday) - Sunday Country Jam, Eagles Lounge, 2965 Boys Rd., Duncan
• August 25, 2:00 p.m. - Miles Black Little Big Band and singer Maureen Washington, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club
• August 27, 8:00 a.m. - noon - Oak and Carriage First Annual Show and Shine, 3287 Cowichan Lake Rd., Duncan.  Info, 250-715-6218
• August 27, 12:00 noon (weekly on Tuesdays) - Toastmasters Noon Hour Club, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans-Canada Hwy.
• August 27, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. (and every Tuesday until fall) - Ladysmith Make it, Bake It, Grow It Farmers Market, 1st Ave., Ladysmith
• August 27, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Tuesdays) - Dads Make a Difference, 213 - 80 Station St., Duncan. Info, 250-597-2801
• August 27, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Historic Cowichan Bay Village walking tour - Cittaslow Cowichan Bay, Hecate Park. Info, 250-732-3541
• August 28, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. (continuing weekly on Wednesdays) - Choir with Cari Burdett, all welcome, M'akola Centre, Ts'i'ts'uwatul'Lelum Assisted Living, 5755 Allenby Rd., Duncan.  Info, www.joythroughmusic.com
• August 28, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (and every Wednesday) - Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Square, Chemainus.  Info, 250-246-3944
• August 28, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Toastmasters Club 950, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan.  Info, 250-743-1785
• August 28, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Men’s Circle, The Hub, Cowichan Station.  Info, 250-597-2801. 
• August 29 (and every Thursday) - Free nature meditations with Dr. John Scull.  Info, 250-746-6141
• August 29, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Cowichan Culture Speaks Easy Community Dialogue Session, Waterfront Gallery in Ladysmith.  Info, cowichanculture.ca/speakseasy
• August 29, 2:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Chronic Pain Self Management Program, MS Society of Canada, 204-394 Duncan St., Duncan.  Info, 1-866-902-3767 (toll free)
• August 29, 2:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Multicultural Leadership Group, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St.
• August 29, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Family Choir - 100 Voices for One World, Cari Burdett, 3228A Gibbins Rd., Duncan.  Info, www.joythroughmusic.com
• August 29, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Triple P Preteen Parenting Program, Margaret Moss Health Centre, Duncan.  Info, www.triplepvip.ca
• August 29, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Meditation, VIU Cowichan Campus.  Info, 250-710-7594
• August 29, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Prostate Cancer Support Group, Board Room, Canadian Cancer Office, 100-394 Duncan St., Duncan. Info, (2500 743-6960
• August 29, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. - The Gords at Crofton Hotel Pub, 294 Joan Ave., Crofton
• August 30, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Summer Send-Off Barbecue and Awards, Arbutus Park, Youbou. Info, 250-749-6742
• August 30, 6:00 p.m. - "Just Jim," Eagles Lounge, 2965 Boys Rd., Duncan
• August 30, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. - Pat LePoidevan, Duncan Garage Showroom, 210-330 Duncan Ave.
• August 31, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - A Ladysmith Waterfront Heritage Experience, Ladysmith Maritime Society Heritage and Cultural Center, 610 Oyster Bay Drive.  Info, 250-748-7529.
• September 1, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Scarecrow trail, Shawnigan Lake.  Info, scarecrowtrail.ca
• September 1, 2:00 p.m. - John Lee and his trio, Jazz at the Crofton Hotel Pub, 294 Joan Ave., Crofton
• September 1, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. - 2nd Annual Cittaslow Cowichan Bay White Dinner.  Info and RSVP, linda@rockycreekwinery.ca, 250-748-5622, rockycreekwinery.ca/event/cittaslow-white-dinner 
• September 5 - 8, 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Cowichan Exhibition, Cowichan Exhibition Grounds, Duncan.  Info, www.cowex.ca
• September 5, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (and the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month) - Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery and Handwork Group, 3696 Gardner Rd., Saltair
• September 6 to 8, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Introduction to permaculture, designing your own property, Cowichan Valley Green Community, 360 Duncan St.  Info, 250-748-8506 
• September 7 and 8, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Vulture Awareness Weekend, Pacific Northwest Raptors, 1877 Herd Rd., Duncan. Info, pnwraptors.com 
• September 7 - 15 - Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival.  Info, wines.cowichan.net
• September 7, 1:00 p.m - 1:00 a.m. - Farm to Table Picnics & Music in the Vineyard, Blue Grouse Estate Vineyard, 4365 Blue Grouse Rd., Cobble Hill.  Info, 250-732-3834
• September 7, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - MNP Grape Stomp, Cowichan Exhibition Grounds.  Info, wines.cowichan.net
• September 7, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Cowichan Culture Speaks Easy Community Dialogue Session, Mason Hall, Mill Bay. Info, cowichanculture.ca/speakseasy 
• September 7, 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Damali Sangria Fiesta, 3500 Telegraph Rd., Cobble Hill.  Info, 250-743-4100.
• September 8, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Sunday Country Jam, Eagles Lounge, 2965 Boys Rd., Duncan
• September 8, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Island Chef's Collaborative - Freedom to Farm Dinner II, Dragon Fly Farm, 4064 Vaux Rd. Info, 240-743-1638
• September 9 - Frank Jameson Community Centre in Ladysmith resumes regular operating schedule.
• September 9, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Arthritis Support Group, St. John's Church Hall, 486 Jubilee St., Duncan.  Info, 250-748-4395
• September 11, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m  - Cowichan Culture Speaks Easy Community Dialogue Session, Twisted Sisters Tearoom, Chemainus.  Info, cowichanculture.ca/speakseasy 
• September 13 and 14 - Parent and Child Mother Goose Facilitator Training, Crofton Community School, 8017 York Street, Crofton.  Info, (250) 709-3050
• September 14 and 15 - Events at Merridale Ciderworks for Cowichan Wine Festival, 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill. Info, merridalecider.com/events/cowichan-wine-festival-events-merridale 
• September 14, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Parkinsons Super Walk, Duncan Curling Arena, 3141 Sherman Rd., Duncan.  Info, 604-662-3240
• September 14, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Used book fundraiser, Cowichan News Leader Pictorial, between Buckerfields and the Brick, Duncan
• September 14, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Cowichan Culture Speaks Easy Community Dialogue Session, Inspire! Shawnigan Lake. Info, cowichanculture.ca/speakseasy
• September 15, 10:00 a.m. - Terry Fox Run. Various locations. Info, terryfox.org
• September 17, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Organic Master Gardener Course Info-Session, Cowichan Green Community, 360 Duncan St. Info, 250-748-8506 
• September 17, 6:30 - 7:55 p.m. - Tim's Tuesday free swim, Frank Jameson Community Center, Ladysmith.  Info, 250-245-6424
• September 19, 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - South End Seniors Social Club, Kerry Park.  Info, glodav@shaw.ca
• September 20, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Harvest Dance at the Gardens, Community Gardens, High Street, Ladysmith
• September 21, all day - Great Lake Walk and ultramarathon, all around Cowichan Lake.  Info, greatlakewalk.com
• September 21, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - St. John's Church, Cobble Hill September Festival, 3295 Cobble Hill Rd., 250-743-3095, info@stjohnscobblehill.ca
• September 22, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Duncan Flea Market, Eagles Hall, 2965 Boys Rd, Duncan.  Info, duncanfleamarket@hotmail.com
• September 27, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Dive In Cinema, Frank Jameson Community Center, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-6424
• September 28 and 29, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Salmon and Mushroom Festival, Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall.  Info, salmonmushroomfestival.com 
• September 30, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m - ProD Camp for Kids (ages 5 - 12), Frank Jameson Community Center.  Info, 250-245-6424
• October 8 - November 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Organic Master Gardeners Course, Cowichan Green Community, 360 Duncan St. Info, 250-748-8506
• October 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Halloween Monster Bash.  Info, 250-245-6424.
• November 22, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Dive In Cinema presents "Brave!" Frank Jameson Community Center.  Info, 250-245-6424
• December 1 - Cinnamon Bun Fun Run, Frank Jameson Community Center.  Info, 250-245-6424
• December 23, 27, 30 and January 2 & 3, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Christmas break activity days, Frank Jameson Activity Center.  Info, 250-245-6424.