Finally, some spring weather! It’s so nice to see the fruit trees blooming and everything budding up.
Although there was a cool breeze, the weather held out nicely for the town Easter egg hunt and community picnic. The Easter Bunny had left lots of chocolate and candy for the youngsters to hunt for. We had fun at all the old-style games: sack races, tug-o-war, three-legged race, and the ever-popular raw egg toss. Parents, grandparents, and those without kids gathered around the fire and told stories as wieners were roasted. All and all it was a delightful event; thanks to all the volunteers who chipped in to help, Cook’s Ferry for the financial support, and the fire department for co-hosting!
The Elders’ Vision Council (EVC) hosted a lovely evening on the spring equinox. More than 45 of us over-55s enjoyed sharing a feast, some stories, some dance, and more than a few laughs. This event concluded the New Horizons for Seniors grant program, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the so many who volunteered to make all the various events and activities so successful. There are too many to mention, but key to our success are Dwayne Rourke and Carolynne Terry; also our partners at Cook’s Ferry and Heskw’En’Scutxe health. Thank you!
Although the seniors’ program is officially over, we have pre-paid for Zumba Gold for the month of May; so come to Clemes Hall Fridays at 10 a.m. starting on May 5 for free fun dancing as exercise! The EVC has also bought swim passes for those 60 and over, for the pool in Merritt. We meet Mondays at 10 a.m. at the Cook’s Ferry parking lot and car pool (all chipping in for gas), unless there is a vehicle and driver available from Heskw’En’Scutxe, in which case they very kindly provide the transport.
Soup day has finished up for the year, but we will likely start them up again in the fall. Thanks to everyone who volunteered to make the soup; and a huge thanks to Terri Simpson and Lori Minnabarriet for keeping us so well fed!
The line-up for Desert Daze has shaped up nicely; we have an exciting variety of performers for your entertainment. I’m happy to announce that many talented local artists will be returning, including Dwayne Rourke, Nadine Davenport, John Kidder, Flat Busted; plus Jennifer Ferguson will be coming with her band Jenny & the Gents! Our exciting line-up includes Indigenous singer-songwriters The Norine Braun duo, world music and rhythm band Barefoot Caravan, the fun and folky The Zonnis Band, alternative rock band The John Welsh Band, the dynamite duo This Way North, country rockers The Johnny P. Johnson Band, and so many more! Please check out the website for the full line-up, schedule, and links to the bands (www.desertdaze.ca).
The website has an on-line application for vendors and volunteers: we’re looking for interesting arts, crafts, clothing, and food vendors, and the festival wouldn’t happen without all the amazing volunteers, so consider becoming part of the team. For just two hours of volunteering you are rewarded with a weekend pass!
The festival is dependent on grants and sponsorships in order to bring in high-calibre musicians and keep gate prices low. Should you or your organization like to have their logo on the poster and program, and get plugs and thanks by the emcee in exchange for sponsorship, we are seeking financial support. Email info@desertdaze.ca or call me at (250) 458-2282 for more information.
Our twice-monthly bingos are continuing through May. It has not yet been decided when to break for the summer, so for now every first and third Monday is your chance to win some money and have fun at bingo! Come to Clemes hall at 5:30 p.m. and support the Spences Bridge Community Club (SBCC)! There is always something good to eat available at the concession.
As May approaches, minds turn to farmers’ markets. The SBCC will again be hosting a farmers’ and flea market beginning on Sunday, May 7. The market will be held on the first and third Sundays of the month until October. Come to Clemes Hall between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to shop for plants, produce, baking, arts, crafts, and secondhand treasures. To book a table please call Terri at (250) 458-2513.
April 22 is Earth Day; what better to do than clean up all the litter from the highways and town streets? Meet us at the Post Office at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 and join us in taking pride in your community by leaving it litter-free. If there are enough of us it will only take a few hours, and afterwards we’ll gather at the Madden Island for a wiener roast while we congratulate each other on a job well done. But that’s not all… .
You are cordially invited to the official launch of a new YouTube channel featuring the good life available here in Spences Bridge, all four seasons of the year! The launch will include a slide-show to support local businesses by showing the world the best of what Spences Bridge has to offer. Once posted to YouTube, the slide-show will be available for easy sharing worldwide through a variety of means, including email, Facebook, and other social media.
Many thanks to slide-show creator Dwayne Rourke and to TNRD Director Steve Rice, who commissioned the project. Thanks also to the Spences Bridge Volunteer Society and the SBCC for their support, and to Teresa Wild for her fabulous launch party ginger cake! Don’t miss it: 2 p.m. on April 22 at Clemes Hall. Everyone is very welcome to attend!
Our next, and last, meeting before the AGM in September is on May 10 at 7 p.m. at Clemes Hall. Like us on Facebook (Spences Bridge Community Club), and check our website at www.spencesbridgecommunity.ca.