Happy Groundhog Day! Remember, if you don’t see your shadow, you have to sign up for another membership at the Community Complex. Maybe it was if you do see your shadow – I forget which one but, regardless, spending February getting in shape for all the March outdoor activities will help offset pulled muscles, out of breathiness and various other afflictions we have gathered over the past few months from eating too many chocolates and watching too much TV.
If you happen to be reading this column online or earlier today Feb 2nd, remember the completed plan presentation for the Skatepark and upgrades to the surrounding outdoor spaces will be happening at 5:00 pm in the Creston room today. If you are part of the dedicated crowd that has been participating in this exciting process for the past 18 to 24 months, you get to welcome Jim Barnum of Spectrum Skateparks and Mark van der Zalm, Landscape Architect back for the culmination of yours and other community members input towards enhancing this area. Even if you haven’t been involved, you are welcome to attend and see the proposal for the transformation of one of our outdoor spaces.
February is a pretty hopping month as usual – seems like there is always a minor hockey tournament to watch on some weekends which can be pretty interesting and don’t forget that Sunday Feb 12 is the second of three Farmers Markets we are hosting up here in the Creston Room from 11 am till 2 pm. The reason I’m saying “don’t forget” has nothing to do with the fact we drove into town specifically for the January 22nd market on the Saturday instead of Sunday. It’s not like I work here or something. We did stay in town for an enjoyable bowl of soup and the Market was a success with a roomful of vendors and about 300 people through the doors. Check out their great website at www.crestonvalleyfarmersmarket.ca for more info on this local treasure.
Other events worth noting are the Kootenay Regional Figure Skating Competition which dominates the arena ice Feb 9th through 12th and which overlaps the Valentines Bonspiel happening on the other ice surface in the building. It is always interesting to see what the theme is and what the costumes end up as plus the Ladies Valentines always has some top shelf curling happening.
Immediately following that is the Monday Feb. 13th Family Day celebration up here that starts with a free skate, ends with a free swim and has a pile of free activities in the middle involving our friends from the Lower Kootenay Band, Creston Public Library, Creston Museum, Creston Curling Centre and Family Place amongst others. We are still putting finishing touches on the lineup so make sure you watch for more detailed advertisements here and around Town. Don’t just lie on the couch eating chocolates and watch TV – get out and do something with the family!
The other major event here is on Sat Feb 18th when the Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club host their annual wild game dinner, fundraiser and trophy awards. This popular event’s goals are to recognize the hunting and fishing achievements of members, young and old, and to raise money for the year’s projects. Always a popular event; get more details at www.crestonvalleyrodandgunclub.org or stop in to Mawsons or Pauls Superette.
So, these are but a few of the events going on here over February – there are others happening around the Valley as well – watch the usual advertising mediums and stay active!