A new statutory holiday calls for a new celebration and the Duncan Business Improvement Area folks and their members and friends are ready to step up.
"This is something I'm really excited about," said Jen Coyle of the Duncan Business Improvement Area.
"I have very passionately proposed something new to our DBIA events committee, and I am so happy to share that they have thrown their support behind a brand new free family event, for BC Family Day."
It's called For the Love of Community and it's set to take place on Monday Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Duncan's City Square.
"As we are all very aware that we live on the West Coast, make sure to bring your family's umbrellas and galoshes, because, come rain or shine, we are planning on having a ton of fun," Coyle said. As the day is a holiday, most school district facilities, many daycares, and the Forest Museum will all be closed, so for family fun why not make tracks to City Square? "It is presently in the whirlwind planning stages, but we're
keeping it simple enough for our community groups to come out and run a family themed activity (some are including a Valentine's Day theme), or they have pertinent information on services they provide for our Cowichan Valley families," she said.
Five community organizations had stepped up by last weekend, and are either coming out with their tents and activities, or because of their staff and volunteer shortage, have given the DBIA branded giveaways (appropriate toys and stickers), to use as contest prizing, and information pamphlets and brochures for family based services that their organizations provide.
In addition to what's going on in City Square, Kathryn Gagnon, curator of the Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives, is volunteering her time to open the museum's doors during the same hours as the fun in City Square so be sure to visit while you are downtown.
"We are also very fortunately teaming up with Vancouver Island's Scouts, Cubs and Venturers, who are generously putting in their time and efforts to have a youth-run obstacle course, and a family activity challenge in our City Square," she said.
The Red Balloon toy shop is working with the DBIA to put together some crafts and board game stations, she said.
There will also be other interactive activities, mini-workshops, Valentine's Day-themed crafts, family and children's entertainers, prize giveaways, cultural booths, artisan market vendors, delicious treats, contests, community awareness programs, wandering performers, and hopefully face-painting, according to Coyle.