There's no denying it - Squamish's popularity is on the rise, and the best part about it is the community itself, new residents and old, are generating all the interest. So it appears the fears of becoming a "bedroom community" were all for naught.We're nowhere near the end of summer, but already, this season's festivals, races, concerts, charity events and competitions have left many a resident's head reeling. There's something for everyone, and too much for any one person to cover. Thousands upon thousands of visitors from all walks of life are visiting the area this summer - not merely for the spectacular surroundings, but to take in the creativity, enthusiasm and fun this town's residents have to offer. To name only a few of the locally-organized events we've seen so far this year: Cliff Miller's baby, the Test of Metal, has a life of its own now that it's in its 11th year; the Farmers' Market, involving numerous local organizers, has evolved into a must-attend weekly event; the Squamish Mountain Festival, only in its third year with resident Ivan Hughes at the helm, is gaining popularity at an astronomical rate; the course for GearJammer, plotted out by race creator Curtis Roberts, keeps hundreds of riders coming for more; not to be outdone, resident runners ensure top athletes from near and very far get their fix with the annual STORMY race; the entirely locally-organized Squamish Equinox Rock Festival (SERF) saw hundreds swarm Nexen Beach, which was transformed into a feast for the senses; perhaps inspired by SERF's use of the beautiful backdrop, the newest festival on the scene, Hevyfest, could easily become an annual staple; and mentioned last only because it deserves a standing ovation is the granddaddy of all local events, the one that put Squamish on the map, Squamish Days Loggers Sports. This celebration has been around a staggering 51 years, and is showing no sign of slowing down. Whether the residents behind these events have lived here their entire lives or merely a year, they all have in common the love of the community, a passion for their particular penchant - which invariable involves the local geography - and the wherewithal to share that passion with others. These people in turn inspire others to participate, and many of them then create events of their own. Fears of becoming a bedroom community appear to be disappearing, and in its place is a growing awareness that people are moving here precisely because they want to rediscover what it is to live in a community. Let's keep giving them what they want.
