Festivus 2025

Canada Day Festivus, July 1, 2025

Family fun is coming to town.

This is a grassroots version of Canada Day in true Metchosin style, ”enriching local culture through creativity and inclusion”.

Festivus is hosted by Metchosin Arts & Cultural Centre Association (MACCA). It is held outside and inside the Arts Centre within the Metchosin Elementary site, 4495 Happy Valley Road.

Inside points of interest include:

Studios will be open for public viewing.
An intriguing fine art exhibition called “4 Journeys” in the POV hallway galleries, featuring mixed media on vintage found objects such as tea stained pages, burnt edges, and recycled materials.
Seniors Information Resource Centre – open for quiet respite from the raucous crowd. Checkers anyone?
The old school welcomes everyone upstairs and down. Feel free to wander.

Outside activities include plans for:

Performances on stage:

An unforgettable rendition of O Canada performed by special guest singer, Victoria, the Queen of all anthem singers.
Josh Mansfield of Shiloh Music Studio, including performances from some well-known locals.
Silvina Samuel and cello students from Bella Cello.
Metchosin Uke Group.
Fine Brew duo. (Fred Andrew & Bob Whittet).

ParticipACTION:

Bouncy castle.
Clay station.
Create a personalized “I Love Canada” flag with Greg Dow and Diana Farrell.
“Hay Bale Alley” bowling and putting.
Airbrush King demo by Dwight Lockhart featuring Rat Fink drawings and a free comic book.
“Falling Water”/ “Ocean Art Walk” segment, a public art participation project by Dyan Marie with: 1.) – Ocean Art Flags. 2.) – Painted Fabric Panels transformed into… a wave, a sculpture, a hurricane. 3.) – “ Ocean Inspired” art exhibition by Christopher McClellan plus a guided walk to view his sand carvings at Witty’s Beach. 4.) Memet Burnett’s “Haiku Station”. 5.) – Art Brendons “Parking Lot Fish Mural”. 6.) – Ed Pecks “Memory Station” along the ocean walk.
“Festivus Pole” – announce your kudos, gratitude and/or grievances to the world.
Old Fashioned Hot Dog Stand – juicy dogs with the works, plus pop, water and popcorn* (fundraiser presented by the Metchosin Preschool Parents’ Group).
Drinks cart by vendor Ian Taylor of the sweet little VW bus called “Dig It” featuring speciality coffees, homemade lemonade, cold drinks.
Free Canada Day cake (served at 1:00pm).
Wrap up at 2:00 with a repeat of Oh Canada by special guest singer, Victoria, the Queen of all anthem singers !