From Thursday July 29 to Sunday Aug. 1, Squamish will be hopping with events to get everyone's pulses racing. From the thrill of competition to a rousing game of Bingo to picking up fresh, locally-grown produce to perusing an art exhibit inspired by the forest that surrounds us -and don't forget the parties - there's something for everyone at Squamish Days Loggers Sports.
Into the Woods art exhibit
Get into the spirit of Squamish Days Loggers Sports with the opening soiree of Into the Woods art exhibit at the Squamish Arts Council building in Cleveland Avenue's Pavilion Park Thursday July 29 at 7 p.m. The exhibit features local artists creating art works inspired by the unique beauty of Squamish's surrounding forests and its logging heritage. The diverse range of works include installations, literary, architectural, painting, sculpture, glasswork, ceramic, textile, jewelry, film and photographic?exhibits.
The Squamish Nation Dance Group, Welh Tima Kexwusem (Skwxw7mesh language for "culture bringing people together") will share a blessing and traditional Coast Salish celebration songs and dances. Door prizes and appetizers will be provided. The exhibit continues for three months at two locations, SAC Artisan Galleries at 1336 Main Street and SAC Building in the Park at 37950 Cleveland Ave. ?
Axe Throw Competition
On Friday, July 30 at 7 p.m., Chances Boardwalk will be joining in on the Squamish Days Loggers Sports competitive events for the first time this year with the First Annual Squamish Days Invitational Axe Throw Competition in their parking lot. Anyone who can throw an axe can take part with an eye to wining the $1,500 in prize money.
The Squamish Arts Council will also be launching the Squamish Arts Council Rock Gallery in the Rock Bar and Grill restaurant located in the upstairs level. The new Chances free shuttle service will be in operation taking people to and from the event. There will also be a barbecue and live entertainment. Attendees must be 19 years of age and older.
Bed Races
On Friday July 30 at 7 p.m., Cleveland Avenue turns into an obstacle course for the always wacky Squamish Days Bed Races. Over a dozen dressed-up teams will use a gurney to negotiate a hilarious obstacle course that sees racers whistle through a cracker-filled mouth, search a whipped cream-filled plate, face first, for a jelly bean and speed through pylons. Come out and cheer on your favourite team. Or put together a team of your own. For more information, go to squamishdays.org.
Children's Sports
On Saturday July 31 starting at 9:30 a.m., kids get into the action during the annual Children's Sports held at downtown's Stan Clarke Park. Come and meet Ronald McDonald and friends. There will be races for all ages as well as special events, including a decorated bicycle, wheelchair or stroller contest, plus many entertainers and other activities for kids of all ages.
Farmer's Market
Check out dozens of stalls of creative and tasty treats during the Farmer's Market on Cleveland Avenue starting at 10 a.m. The organizers behind the weekly market strive to provide the community with the freshest, most local organic foods available in season by hosting local growers, artisans, craftsmen and women and live music.
Novice & Intermediate Loggers Sports
Come see what all the excitement is about -for free. Novice and intermediate competitors just starting out in the Loggers Sports competition circuit take to the Al McIntosh Loggers Sports Grounds at 1:30 p.m. Come and cheer them onto victory while enjoying the beer garden sponsored by the Ocean Port Hotel and famous Rotary barbecued beef on a bun. Audiences are asked to leave dogs and coolers at home.
Giant Bingo
Ready... set... BINGO! After a day at the Logger Sports Grounds Saturday, head over to the Brennan Park Recreation Centre for a night of bingo fun starting at 6:45 p.m. Sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion, Lions Club of Squamish, and the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Association, special prizes will be awarded to seniors. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and participants must be 19 years of age or older.
Loggers Stomp
On Saturday night, the place to be is the Ocean Port Hotel. A more intimate celebration than past years, crowds can dance the night away with performances by local blues rocker Shone and from Vancouver,Steve Kozak'sWestcoast Blues Review. This event is being produced bysquamishmusiclive.com, which wants to make sure no one ever misses another live gig in Squamish again. Don't forget your ID - everyone is required to show it at the door. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
Squamish Days 10k Run and Flashback Mile
A nod to the athletic pursuits so many locals enjoy, the Squamish Days 10k run and Flashback Mile have become a weekend staple.
The day begins with Squamish Days 10K Run at 8:30 a.m. at Howe Sound Secondary. The race is now a part of the Steve Nash Sports Club Lower Mainland Road Race Series, which features 10 of the best events in the Vancouver area. The entry fee is $21 by July 11 or $26 afterward. Race day registration takes place between 6:30 and 8 a.m. The Squamish Days 10K course is an accurately measured fast, flat, out-and-back route with a paved shoulder, minimal traffic and is friendly to wheelchair athletes.
The Flashback Mile takes off at 8:45 a.m. immediately after the 10K run. The event commemorates one of the first runs held in Squamish and is popular with kids, but there is also an open adult category - perfect for those just getting into running or those who prefer speed to distance. Finish line celebrations at Howe Sound Secondary for both races include draw prizes, awards and refreshments.
Elks Loggers Breakfast
Bring your family, meet your friends and start the day with a hearty logger-style breakfast at Mackenzie Plaza in downtown Squamish from 7 to 11 a.m. Sunday. Enjoy pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, milk or chocolate milk. Adults pay $6 while the cost for seniors and children under 12 is $5. Line up for early bird prices until 8:30 a.m., eat for only $5 and beat the crowds.
Squamish Days Parade
Always a family favourite, the parade starts on Cleveland Avenue at 11 a.m. Sunday and travel to the Chieftain Centre. Bring the family and enjoy the fun! Categories for this year's parade include antique vehicles, commercial, log/heavy equipment, community, humorous, marching/drill team, mascot, animals, association/club, and bands.
Squamish Days Marketplace?
At noon through the Loggers Sports Show, the Marketplace features artisans, crafters, housewares and community groups. Take some time before or after the Loggers Sports Show to visit the Marketplace, and don't forget to take your reusable Squamish Days shopping bag to pack home all your goodies.
World-Class Open Loggers Sports Show
The culmination of innumerable hours of volunteer efforts, the World Class Loggers Sports Show hosts competitors from all over the world vying for thousands in prize money. Presented by AJ Forest Products, the event beings at?1:30 p.m. sharp at the Al McIntosh Loggers Sports Grounds on Loggers Lane. Cheer for the Kiwi and Aussie choppers, Canadian birlers or American climbers. Stick around for the grand finale -the World Championship Tree Falling when eight 80-foot trees are chopped down simultaneously. And don't forget to enjoy Rotary beef on a bun and cold beer sponsored by the Ocean Port Hotel. Tickets are $10 for?adults and $5 for seniors and children under 12.
Afterglow BBQ
Still haven't had enough? Head down to the Ocean Port Hotel on Second Avenue for the Afterglow BBQ at 4 p.m. Enjoy live music with local acoustic favourites Billy & Jimmy. Add someyummybarbecue on the patio and you've found theperfect way to end a perfect weekend.
