There’s no shortage of family-friendly events to keep Highlanders of all ages busy this weekend.
The fun kicks off with the return of the Highlands Community Fling on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Caleb Pike Heritage Park (1589 Millstream Rd).
This year’s annual event includes live entertainment by Bijoux du Bayou and Back Track, a community market, dunk tank, crafts and games, as well as a firefighter obstacle course for children. New this year, residents are invited to browse an exhibit on emergency preparedness.
“It’s our one big blowout of the year,” said Scott Richardson, chair of the Highland District Community Association that puts on the event with help from the Highlands Firefighter Association and the Highland Heritage Park Society. “It’s just a chance to meet new Highlanders, talk with neighbours and friends, enjoy the music in a bit of a party atmosphere, and celebrate who we are, after all, this is our 25th anniversary later this year since we were incorporated.”
RELATED: Highlands Family Fling takes place this Saturday
The community fling takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Events continue the next day with Fiddle Fun in the Highlands on Sunday, Sept. 9, when residents can join the B.C. Fiddle Orchestra for two afternoon performances at the Highlands Community Hall.
The orchestra’s Old-Time Dance Band, comprised of youth and directed by well-known Victoria fiddler Daniel Lapp, will perform a concert presentation from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by an orchestra dance from 3 to 4 p.m.
“We’re just excited to bring [Daniel Lapp] to the West Shore and to let the public see what fiddling is all about,” said Laura Davis, president of the West Shore Arts Council, who, in collaboration with the District, the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the British Columbia Arts Council, are putting on the event.
“It’s a unique thing for youth. In fact, in some schools the Victoria Conservatory of Music has been able to provide some programming. So we’re hoping that families and youth that get exposed to it, might be open to that in the future … It’s just a super fun environment, very upbeat and there will be some dancing, which will be quite fun as well.”
For more information on this event visit westshorearts.org.