It’s August, and if you’re like me, that means the family is about to arrive for a summer visit.
My partner’s family is all from Calgary, which means we don’t see them as often as we’d like. What it also means is a certain feeling of added responsibility to show them the best the West Coast has to offer while they’re here.
Luckily, we live on the Saanich Peninsula, and at this time of year we are overwhelmed with fun things to do. And even more fortuitous, this issue gives me a great head start on a bucket list!
For my little nieces, we’ll take advantage of Panorama’s Play in the Park, happening every weekday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The program is offered at various parks throughout the Peninsula. For details visit https://www.crd.bc.ca/panorama/events-birthday-parties/play-in-the-park.
For my mother- and sister-in-law, the weekly markets are always a sure bet. The Sidney Street Market, on Beacon Avenue every Thursday night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. until August 28th, has something for everyone: delicious food, live music, handmade crafts featuring everything from clothing to jewelry to pottery, and so much more. Saturdays offer a great chance to stock up on your weekly produce, at the Peninsula Country Market (Saanich Fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and the North Saanich Farm Market (St. John’s United Church, North Saanich, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m). With so much more on offer than fruits and veggies, these markets are a weekend can’t-miss!
For an opportunity to enjoy our gorgeous weather and some fantastic live music, all in one place, the Peninsula Celebrations Society’s Summer Sounds series, every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Beacon Park in Sidney, is the place to be! Admission is by donation. For a full lineup of the bands visit www.peninsulacelebrations.ca.
If you’re ready to give your houseguests a more comprehensive tour of our beautiful Saanich Peninsula, the North Saanich Flavour Trail on the weekend of August 22nd to 24th is the way to go. It offers residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and experience Peninsula food and agriculture – and have fun! This is two days of food, farm and rural fun at 16 venues and activities. To download a brochure listing all the details for printing on your home computer, visit http://www.flavourtrails.com/index.php/nsflavourtrail/.
For great experiences to keep your summer guests entertained, Seaside‘s August issue is your guide to Peninsula fun!
