With blacksmiths hammering the anvil, sheep being shorn and a live reenactment of a day-in-the-life of Metchosin 2,000 years ago, you know it's Metchosin Day.
The annual festivities at Metchosin Day celebrate everything Metchosin and more, Sunday, Sept. 7 at the Metchosin municipal grounds.
Starting at 8 a.m. with a 5 km run/walk to raise donations for the Senior's Information and Resource Centre, the event goes until 7 p.m., packed with activities, displays and vendors.
"It's kind of an old-fashioned fair," says Mary Gidney, who's organizing the event. "You could spend the whole day there. It costs nothing to get in. There's a giant field to park in and parking is free."
The most expensive activities are the hay rides and turns on the digger, at 25 and 50 cents apiece, she says.
For those interested in astronomy, models of the solar system and an ecliptic calendar will be set up across the field, sharing the space with Project Germani, a reenactment of the first century BC to the first century AD showing off food, crafts, armour and clothing of the era.
The pet show at 11 a.m. draws a huge crowd every year. "I've seen everything from a rat to a donkey to a rooster," says Gidney. "It's an incredible menagerie of animals, and everyone is welcome."
Two stages showcase the entertainment this year, with the acoustic stage offering a low-key atmosphere to enjoy the photography competition.
And at 5 p.m., dinner is served.
"For $20, you get roasted lamb, barbecued salmon, corn on the cob, watermelon, coleslaw and mint jelly," says Gidney, and for an extra $3, a slice of pie or cake from the baked goodie contest.
More than 100 vendors will be set up on the village green, from wool spinning, pottery and jewelry to farm fresh produce, herbs and honey.
The event, and surrounding parking, are free. Volunteers are still needed. For more information or to register as a volunteer, call Mary Gidney at 250-474-6145 or email info@metchosinday.ca.
acowan@goldstreamgazette.com