For the second year in a row, the Denman Blackberry Fair Parade was dominated by opposition to the proposed Raven Coal Mine. The bright yellow Denman Opposes Coal banner led a long line of representatives from various “interest groups” through downtown Denman Island to the applause and cheers of onlookers.
It was left up to participants to write up their own protest signs, many with the reasons for their opposition to the mine.
Among the represented: “Lungs against Coal, “Bakers Say ‘No’ to Coal,” “Welders Against Coal,” “Bellies Against Coal” (an expectant mother), “Kids Say No to Coal,” “Fruit Growers Against Coal,” “Birders Against Coal” “Gods and Goddesses Against Coal,” “Hikers Against Coal,” “Jilted Brides Against Coal,” “Yogis Against Coal,” “French Maids Against Coal,” “Clowns Against Coal,” “Endangered Species Against Coal,” “Pet Lovers Against Coal,” “Golfers Against Coal,” and “Beekeepers Say ‘No’ to Coal.” Most on point was a six-foot raven carrying a sign that read, “Ravens Against Coal.”
Graham Hayman with Denman Opposes Coal said, “Although the parade was humorous and fun, the spectre of a coal mine in the beautiful Comox Valley is no laughing matter. We have serious concerns about the impacts of a coal mine on water, air, wildlife, health, the local shellfish industry, and the increased greenhouse gas emissions when the coal is burned.
"The parade was a lively way to give voice to those concerns.”
— Denman Blackberry Fair Parade