Almost 20 years ago a small group of Brentwood Bay residents took it upon themselves to create some local events which would bring the community together. Little did they know how successful their efforts would be!
The Brentwood Bay Community Association’s (BBCA’s) weekly Music In The Park series in Pioneer Park was an instant hit, and is now attended by thousands of local residents and visitors every summer. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, they can feel good that their pioneering efforts have since been replicated by almost every other community in greater Victoria.
Again this year the series will be on Wednesday nights throughout July and August, kicking off this year on July 6.
Thousands more local residents look forward to the Brentwood Bay Festival on the first Saturday of June each year, with its family-friendly theme and all-day entertainment. This year the event will take place June 4, starting with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by activities throughout the day.
The Association also puts on the annual Strawberry Dance as a fundraiser for their programs. Besides being a rockin’ good time, the popular event celebrates the agricultural heritage of the community, and has a history going back to the 1930s!
This year the dance will be held on June 11 at the Saanich Fairgrounds Hall, with local favourites “Shaky Ground” providing all the dance hits. It’s a co-production between the BBCA, the Saanichton Village Association and the North & South Saanich Agricultural Society. All net proceeds will go towards new roofs for the fairgrounds barns, and a new permanent performance stage in Pioneer Park!
For more information on BBCA events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.brentwoodbay.info.
