Shirley Day

Today is our community's annual event, Shirley Day - always the second Sunday in August. It starts with a 4 km family fun run/walk down to the lighthouse and back up (gravel road), followed by a pancake breakfast. The run was my idea last year (I'm on the organizing committee for Shirley Day) to give people in our community an active, fun event to participate in - it's all about healthy living. At 10 a.m., the crafters and vendors are set up in the park adjacent to our community hall and the kids' games are ready to be played. There was a tai chi demo, and music throughout the day (a classical trio, bluegrass band, and chamber vocal ensemble) - all local talent. In celebration of B.C.'s 150th anniversary, a historical display was set up by the local regional museum inside the community hall, along with a pioneer family's collectibles. There were t-shirts for sale with a print of the community hall (last year we had a photo of the lighthouse on the t-shirts which were very popular). One of the community members was giving 15 minute chair shiatsu massages; all proceeds were donated to the community association. A silent auction inside and a concession, featuring burgers, samosas, spanakopita, reportedly-delicious cheesecakes.... There was free watermelon in the afternoon and the kids LOVED the barbie dunk tank and face painting. The afternoon culminated with a salmon barbeque and free birthday cake for B.C.'s 150th, both of which were well-received by the community (our first time having a salmon bbq to end the day). The weather, despite having rained HEAVILY yesterday, was great all day - a little overcast, but the sun did peak out in the afternoon and warm things up. All in all, a very successful event.

And a *huge* round of applause to all the volunteers who make community events like this happen; goodness knows this event is no exception. Every last detail was handled by volunteers - some of whom put in untold hours. This is my definition of COMMUNITY SPIRIT. And it makes me darned proud to live in Shirley.

Now if only I could convince the other committee members to have at least *some* raw food on the menu. It was monumental that they had veggie dogs. So we have a long way to go in that regard.