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Tidal Treasures drop Nov. 1 in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Glass floats hidden tomorrow until April 2018
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Tidal Treasures is back in Parksville Qualicum Beach for a second season. Starting Nov. 1, people can find glass floats at Parksville Community Park, Rathtrevor Provincial Park, Resort Row and Columbia Beach (for a shorter time period). — NEWS File photo

Tidal Treasures officially kicks off its second season Wednesday (Nov. 1).

The initiative will have people out exploring the beaches of Parksville Qualicum Beach for art glass treasures. From Nov. 1 through to April 30, 2018, Float Fairies will drop 450 blown-glass floats and 560 fused-glass sea creatures above the high tide line for people to find and keep for free.

The beaches currently slated for hidden treasures this coming season are: Parksville Community Park, Rathtrevor Provincial Park and Resort Row, but parking at the resorts is for hotel guests only.

Glass floats will also be dropped at Columbia Beach, but only from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28, 2017, as a reaction to reports of people disregarding the rules and damaging vegetation at Columbia Beach over the 2017 Easter long weekend.

RELATED: People ‘disregard’ rules after searching for Tidal Treasures in Parksville Qualicum Beach

When people find a treasure they are encouraged to go to the Parksville Visitor Centre (1275 Island Hwy. E.) during the week or the gift shop at Tigh-Na-Mara on weekends to register their find for a chance to win prizes from local merchants.Those who find special glass floats with red stars automatically win a prize. All other registrants are entered into a monthly draw for a prize.

The glass treasures are being produced by glass artists from across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, in an effort to bring glass art to the people. The goals of Tidal Treasures Vancouver Island include: expanding tourism during the off-season months; raising the profile of Island glass artists; increasing economic benefits for local merchants and businesses in the region; and exposing the public to the beach environment and getting them outside during the winter months.

“We were absolutely thrilled with the response from the public during our first season,” said Robert Held, founder of Tidal Treasures Vancouver Island and a local glass artist. “Our intention is to continue to expand the participation of glass artists and beaches in the area so we are known as the art glass capital of Canada.”

Tidal Treasures Vancouver Island is a non-profit organization that relies on grants, sponsorship, donations and volunteers to run. Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism, Destination BC and the City of Parksville are significant supporters of Tidal Treasures Vancouver Island.

“Tidal Treasures was the first project funded by Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism’s program to help build, package, and promote remarkable experiences to off season visitors,” said Blain Sepos, Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism’s executive director. “It’s great that Tidal Treasures will be back to inspire visitors for a second year.”

For more info, visit www.tidaltreasures.org

— Submitted by Tidal Treasures