The Day of the Estuary has arrived — the finale of the 2012 Keeping it Living campaign this Saturday, for all ages to participate and support the Courtenay River (K’ómoks) Estuary.
The campaign to raise awareness for the protection and restoration of the estuary is co-ordinated by Project Watershed Society and the Estuary Working Group.
Over 30 talented artists have created more than 50 Art for the Estuary submissions, from painting to photography to glass and metal art, being displayed in the K’ómoks Band Hall on Saturday from 1 p.m. The silent auction bidding will end at 6 p.m. sharp.
One of the auction items is an original signed paddle used by the Canadian voyageur canoe team during the Diamond Jubilee Flotilla in London. The community can also support the ongoing Keeping it Living campaign by purchasing limited edition art prints and posters.
Visitors to the Hall can bid on the original artworks, vote for People’s Choice, and have a chance to win several door prizes including a one-hour scenic flight from the Courtenay Airpark.
Families will enjoy book readings by Marlet Ashley and Kate Brown, reading from their children’s series Revelry on the Estuary. Two walks to the Dyke Slough and Hollyhock Flats will appeal to naturalists. Boaters will appreciate the displays by the CV Paddlers Club and Marine Search and Rescue.
Project Watershed will have a preliminary display of their new Walking the Watersheds of the Comox Valley maps. Scheduled to be completed this fall, the GPS accurate maps show features such as wheelchair accessibility and public washrooms. These printable maps will be available free on-line.
Two examples will be on display, a walking map of the town of Comox through the Brooklyn Creek watershed, and a walk along the Royston Waterfront in the Roy Creek watershed.
The Experience the Estuary Flotilla will depart from the Courtenay Marina at 3 p.m. and from the Comox Marina at 3:30. The flotilla of human-powered boats will parade to the K'omoks Band shores to be greeted by the IHOS dugout canoe about 4 at the Band shores.
All will be welcomed ashore to enjoy the activities at the Band Hall. The flotilla can be viewed at either marina, or at the Band shores on the Dyke Road. The Laurie Tinkler Dancers will perform outside the Band Hall after the arrival of the Flotilla.
From 4 to 6 p.m, salmon, chowder, bannock and salad catered by Cory Frank will be available for $12. To close the day, the Kumugwe Dancers will perform in the K’ómoks Big House.
For the complete schedule, visit www.keepingitliving.ca.
— Project Watershed Society