Residents of Vancouver Island had several sources of strawberries. The native varieties were picked and reported by the Daily British Colonist: “Wild strawberries are being gathered in large quantities in the vicinity and are served at the restaurants” (June 3, 1867, p. 3).
Over one hundred and sixty years later, strawberries remain popular in British Columbia. Both cultivated and native varieties grow in most regions of the province. U-pick and ready-picked baskets are in abundance everywhere this month. Buy local, appreciate the farmer-grower and enjoy!
Come join in on the fun! Saturday June 11 the at the Peninsula Country Market a the Saanich Fairground. The Saanich Fair is pleased to partner with Light House Brewing to bring you the first of the seasons locally grown Strawberries. We are featuring:
Freshly grown local Strawberries, ripe for the dipping in the Chocolate Fountain, while sipping a sample of Lighthouse Brewing’s “NEW”
Strawberry Rhubarb Wheat Ale”.
Friday Night Music at the Empourium
Friday night music is back at the Brentwood Bay Village Empourium! Remember to visit the BBVE website to reserve your table (https://empourium.ca/events).
Allen
Scott Cook - Saturday, May 7 @ 7:30 pm. SOLD OUT! Alberta's Scott Cook has been living out of a van or a backpack for a dozen years now, touring almost incessantly across Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Australia and elsewhere, and distilling his experiences into straight-talking, keenly observant verse. His fourth independent release, One More Time Around, was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award, and its opening track "Pass It Along" won the Folk and Acoustic category in the 2013 UK Songwriting Contest, with UK magazine Maverick Country naming him "one of Canada's most inspiring and imaginative storytellers".
Clanna Morna – Friday, May 13 @ 7:30 pm. Hailing from the occupied territories of the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ nations (Victoria, BC in Canada), Clanna Morna brings their take on the Celtic Traditional genre to the west coast. Their sound is rooted in the traditional Irish, Scottish and English music that many love, and features carefully crafted arrangements, rhythmic spirited energy and captivating storytelling. Tickets $25 by advance reservation. Information https://empourium.ca/events/
Open Mike night – Friday, May 20. We're pleased to welcome performers and audience back to our Open Mic Cabaret! Got a song that needs singing? A poem or story that needs telling? A magic trick or stand-up comedy routine that needs an audience? This is your stage! If you want to perform and/or reserve a table, visit https://empourium.ca/events/ for details.
Honour Saanich Fair Families
The North and South Saanich Agricultural Society is offering Honorary Trees for your loved ones that were a part of the Saanich Fair or had a love for the longest running Fair in British Columbia. Our community has many generations of families that have been instrumental in the Society and we would like to recognize them for many more generations. The Society will purchase a mature maple in any colour or your choice (Red, Yellow, Green) plant it within the Fairgrounds property which will offer beautiful shade during the annual fair each year and a permanent plaque will be dedicated to the tree in honour of your loved one. The cost for the Honorary Trees is $1,000. Please contact our office if you are interested in purchasing a Tree or have any questions about purchasing a Tree.
Sidney Farmers' Market Open May 8
The countdown is on… Get ready for a fun day out at the Sidney Farmers' Market, opening this Mothers' Day, Sunday, May 8, outside at the Mary Winspear Centre! NEW HOURS - 10am - 2pm. "We are super excited to see all the vendors and guests again after our “Winter Hibernation” . All your faves and some new vendors this year will be back and ready to make your “Sunday… a Funday”. . Entertainment, a giant basket of beauty goodies to be won, lots of tasty treats, amazing, talented artisans and a fresh outdoor atmosphere, that’s got that “safe and comfortable” feeling and all at no cost to you!" All Sidney Outdoor Markets are Pet Friendly! Why not let “Rover" or "Spot” have a fun day out too? And who knows, he or she just might be a star in our Creature Feature posts too!
Fresh Cup Cafe Welcomes You!
Jim Townley, owner/operator of Saanichton’s Fresh Cup Roastery Cafe invites you to stop by and appreciate the coffee house culture in his recently renovated cafe. Jim believes that having a coffee with friends is not just about drinking a coffee and enjoying a treat, It’s also about communication. As we emerge from the pandemic, he recognizes it will take time for some people to adjust to freely sharing space with others.
His business has expanded into space occupied by a neighbouring business which has created more spacious seating space for customers. Jim also plans to re-introduce live music and other events. Supporting local business is critical to maintaining the sustainability of our local villages so come on down and enjoy a cuppa java at Fresh Cup! And remember... “life’s too short to drink stale coffee!”
We are so excited to feature a fresh new look with the same excellent quality food, beverages and service you’ve come to know in beautiful Brentwood Bay. Come for coffee, enjoy a freshly baked treat or stay for lunch-eat in or take out! Make sure you check out the appetizing selection of house made meals using locally sourced produce and ethically raised meats, ready to take home or share with friends. Stop by, say HI!
1191 Verdier Avenue
Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm
Office Now Open Five Days a Week!
The Saanich Fair Office is now open 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm!
Christmas in the Manger 2022
VENDOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN - VISIT OUR CRAFT FAIR PAGE! Back and better than ever, the North and South and South Saanich Agricultural Society is pleased to present the 2022 Christmas in the Manger Craft Fair at the Saanich Fairground November 26 and 27, 2022! Once again, more than 100 vendors will come together to showcase their artisan wares in this juried craft fair; offering you their handcrafted, homemade, and homegrown products in a festive holiday setting. You will discover fabulous finds to help fill your holiday shopping lists and stockings for the whole family, local entertainment, refreshments and so much more!
Of course, we will remain mindful of all existing Public Health Orders in place and guarantee that we will work diligently to ensure the health and well-being of all those in attendance. Complete your vendor application now - don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this beloved family friendly event in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula.
