People from across the Comox Valley and beyond will come together Saturday, Feb. 20 to share their culture, hobbies and collections at this year’s 12th annual Cumberland Heritage Faire. Held at Cumberland Recreation, 2665 Dunsmuir Ave. from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., the Faire features a huge variety of displays created by individuals and organizations spotlighting the rich history of the community.
Heritage Canada’s theme for this year’s festivities is “Distinctive Destinations: Experience Historic Places”.
Cumberland is one of the few Island communities to celebrate the National Heritage Week and is a very distinctive destination. Cumberland’s heritage is full of resourcefulness, pride, talented artisans, collectors and entertainers. The Heritage Fair promises to showcase many of these local attributes and more!
Cumberland’s Heritage Faire is modelled on the folk festival that ran from 1949 to 1958 celebrating the diverse heritage of Cumberlanders. Each year, dozens of families, clubs and other organizations set up displays of antique tools, unique collections, photos and demonstrations of crafts and folklore from the early days of Cumberland and the Comox Valley. Many displays are interactive too.
The Heritage Faire has evolved into a full day event that’s not to be missed.
This year’s displays will include the Gem and Mineral Club, Comox Air Force Museum, Number Six Mine, Comox Valley Medieval Club, Brazilian embroidery, Alberni Museum Project, Comox Valley Camera Club and the Wool Gathers & Weavers to name a few.
“The Heritage Faire is an opportunity for everyone to share and discover the rich heritage we have in Cumberland and the Comox Valley,” said local business owner Kathryn Hird. “I’m always impressed by the creativity and effort of the presenters, and I look forward to chatting with the curators of the exhibits again this year. My kids love how the presenters are keen to explain their collections and we have been attending for years.”
There will be musical entertainment for the entire family including performances by Andy Everson and the Kumugwe Dancers, the Comox Valley Ukrainian Dancers, Nick Sullivan, the Black Swan Fiddlers, and the Laurie Tinkler dancers.
Admission to the Cumberland Heritage Faire is by donation and everyone is welcome.
For more information and a schedule of performers find the “Cumberland Heritage Faire” event on Facebook.