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Hey Errington, get to know your wacky neighbours

They only come out once a year — at the annual Hi Neighbour Day in Errington
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Hi Neighbour Day happens in Errington this Saturday

Hi Neighbour Day is upon us and although there will still be outrageous sights and spontaneous fun, there are a few changes this year residents may want to note.

There will be no Ms. Errington Contest this year, instead there will be a tribute to a longtime Errington Hall personality. Organizer Bob Herbison said it’s a matter of finding people who are willing to dress up and be silly for the contest, and that’s proven to be challenging.

“Last year we only had two contestants, one of  which was an 11-year-old, so we’re perhaps scraping the bottom of the bottle,” he said.

The tribute will have some music from the local Phil Harmonic’s Jug Band Orchestra, pictures and testimonial.

Herbison said the Zucchini Race will be better than ever this year, set to take place at 11 a.m. at the field.

Contestants will have added wheels to their zucchini’s and perhaps some other tiny props, and will race them down a ramp, competing for furthest distance travelled and most creative design.

Hi Neighbour Day kicks off Saturday, Aug. 18 with a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. An Art and Craft display in the old fire hall begins at 9 a.m. and the Farmer’s Market runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community park. The Hi Neighbour Parade starts at bit later this year, at 12:30 and everyone is welcome to join in. A lunch will be served up in the Hall from 1 p.m. and the Goods and Services Auction starts around 1:30. The Hi Neighbour Inn Bar will be open in the afternoon serving beer.

There will be kids’ 16mm movies in the preschool in the basement, which Herbison said is popular. And the day finishes off with the Hi Neighbour Day Dance, featuring world fusion group Tambura Rasa at 9 p.m. This year it’s an all ages event and there will be no alcohol served. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children and under 5’s are free.

Hi Neighbour day always attracts a large crowd and Herbison said it’s easy to see why.

“It’s a tradition. This will be our 43rd and it’s pretty well established.”

Herbsion said the day turns into a bit of a reunion where a lot of people return back to the area to catch up and have fun.

Get tickets for the dance at the Errington Store, Cranky Dog Music in Parksville and at Heaven on Earth in Qualicum. For more, visit www.erringtonhall.bc.ca.