The Cowichan Valley Arts Council has something special planned for the Family Day long weekend at the Portals gallery in Duncan.
While the gallery will be closed on Sunday and Monday, Family Day will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 13 with two artist demonstrations.
The gallery, located at the Cowichan Community Centre, is open from noon until 4 p.m. At noon, Domonique Eustace demonstrates acrylic painting. At 2 p.m. Alison Irwin will show observers how to make a basket out of paper strips.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the current shows, one of which is paintings by Eustace. The other is titled Shards and Shreds and showcases glass and fibre artists.
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There are a bunch of free events you can go to around the Cowichan Valley over the Family Day weekend.
The province supports more than 200 free activities in B.C. communities, and arenas in Duncan, Lake Cowichan and Mill Bay are taking advantage of the opportunity.
“This year, more than ever, B.C. Family Day serves as a reminder of the importance of family and of safely spending time with those you love,” said Melanie Mark, minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “As we all continue to do our part to bend the curve against COVID-19, our government is proud to support safe, free and affordable activities for families to enjoy in every corner of our province. As a gentle reminder this Family Day long weekend, stay local and spread love, not COVID-19.”
With that in mind you can check out the Family Day celebration at the Cowichan Community Centre on Monday, Feb. 15. There’s a family stick and puck from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., a family day skate from noon to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and a family day multi sports event from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is a 50 per capacity limit for events and you must pre-register at reccowichan.ca or call 250-748-7529. All events are free.
In Lake Cowichan there is a free Family Day skate at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena on Monday, Feb. 156. It runs from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and spaces are limited, so people must pre-register online at reccowichan.ca. Those who attend will get a goodie bag to take home with a granola bar, juice box and a take-home craft.
The Kerry Park Arena in Mill Bay is also getting in on the action on Monday, Feb. 15. There will be an on-ice scavenger hunt and a variety of distanced ice challenges. Admission and skate rentals are free. Times are 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.
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It’s time to preview the items for Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue’s online auction so you know what you’re going to bid on.
The auction begins Feb. 27 at 9 a.m. and runs until March 6 at 9 p.m. Registration so you can bid begins on Feb. 24.
“We have received some great donations and would like to thank all our supporters,” RCMSAR said in a press release.
See what’s up for auction at: https://hibid.ca/events/boathouse-replacement-fundraising-and-auction, and be sure to check back, as items are still be added.
RCMSAR is a non-profit organization that responds to disasters, boating problems, floatplane and medical emergencies. Their annual operating costs are $35,000 of which they are required to raise 25 per cent. They must also fundraise for capital projects such as the replacement of their boathouse. The Mill Bay Marine Rescue Society is a registered charity and receipts are issued for all donations over $20. You can donate directly at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/10013