by Deborah Rogers –
It’s the same every year: waiting, waiting, impatiently waiting and then suddenly, there’s a switch and it’s summer! The end of June brought a bittersweet moment for my family, attending the graduation ceremony of my youngest and bidding farewell to the school system. The past 18 years of my life have been measured out by the school year, with a hectic June full of band concerts and field trips leaving us exhausted and ready for the change of pace that summer break brings. This year, the end of school signifies the end of an era. I’m watching with pride as my son moves into the next stage of life, and grateful for the happy years that school provided.
This month has me excited for a number of summer-specific reasons. Sunny bike rides for an outdoor coffee; farmer’s markets and the Sidney Street Market; field-fresh strawberries and (my favourite) raspberries; cold drinks on a hot patio; paddle-boarding or canoeing and then, when it gets really hot, ocean dips at the end of the day. There’s just so much to squeeze into July and August; let’s hope that good weather rolls on into September too.
This summer, on top of our family’s annual three-week preoccupation with the Tour de France, there’s also The UEFA European Championship and the summer Olympics. I just don’t know how we’re going to fit it all in! Alongside the sports to watch and outdoor activities to enjoy, festival season is truly underway. Victoria punches above its weight with Jazzfest and Skafest, the Symphony in the Summer Festival, free weekly concerts in Centennial Square, and Rifflandia. But Sidney and the Peninsula have plenty to offer too. Try Music in the Park in Brentwood Bay every Wednesday evening or the Sidney Summer Sounds Concert series on Sundays (or both, of course).
Take a trip to Sidney Spit, enjoy a picnic at Butchart Gardens, spend time at the beach, host a barbecue, eat ice cream and fresh produce; relish the weather and the change of pace it brings.
Enjoy your summer; we’ve waited so long for it!
Photo by Janis Jean Photography. Clothing provided and styled by Moden Boutique.
Shot on location at Port Sidney.
