Neighbours and friends in Errington are getting together again to celebrate the community and raise funds for the Errington War Memorial Hall on August 18.
The 43rd annual Hi Neighbour Day offers something for everyone in the family and proceeds raised from the event pay for the repair and maintenance of the Errington War Memorial Hall.
Built as a memorial to those who died in the First World War, the hall opened its doors in March 1922 and continues to be maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers.
This year’s event kicks off with a recital in the community park at 6 p.m. Friday, August 17.
Students from the Summer World Music Camp will perform what they’ve learned playing drums, marimbas and dancing. After that their instructors, Afro-Mumanzi will take to the Community Stage for a concert. The informal potluck picnic in the park is open to all.
A full day of activities is set for Saturday, August 18 starting out with a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. served up by the Errington Volunteer Fire Department.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. there is an arts and crafts display which showcases fine work done by Erringtonites of all ages.
At 11 a.m. you won’t want to miss the fourth annual Greater Errington Zucchini Race on the ball field next to the farmers market.
The soap box derby for zucchinis with wheels is sure to be entertaining as zucchinis race down the ramp to glory or grief.
All you need is a zucchini and some wheels. Contestants don’t even have to grow their own squash but it must be a zucchini. No propulsion methods other than gravity are allowed and no additional weights can be added, other than the driver.
Prizes will be awarded for the farthest distance traveled and the most creative design.
A special Errington Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature music, fresh produce, local crafts and great food.
Gerry Barnum and his Phil Harmonics Jug Band Orchestra will be providing the music for the market before moving into the hall at 1 p.m. for the afternoon events.
The Ms. Errington contest has been replaced this year by a special tribute in the hall to one of its long standing volunteers.
At 1:30 p.m. it’s the goods and services auction with something for everyone from homemade wine, to firewood or manure for your garden. The auction is a mix of silent auction items as well there will be a live auctioneer to keep the excitement going.
A big change this year is the start of the Hi Neighbour Parade.
Boasting they are the world’s shortest, the parade will now start at 12:30 p.m.
It makes its way from the old elementary school site on Grafton, around the corner and down Errington Road to the hall.
Hall board member Bob Herbison said they are changing the time from noon to 12:30 to allow people more time to enjoy the farmers market.
One thing that isn’t changing is the eclectic mix of participants that always take part in the procession.
“It’s anything goes,” agreed Herbison. “Often there are people driving tractors and people with pickups and straw bails and kids in the back, kids riding tricycles and people on stilts, you name it.”
During the many goings on in the hall children can head down to the preschool for 16mm movies.
The day winds up at 9 p.m. with the Hi Neighbour dance.
This year it is an all ages dance featuring world fusion band Tambura Rasa.
Tickets for the dance are $20 and must be purchased in advance at Cranky Dog in Parksville, The Errington General Store and Heaven on Earth in Qualicum Beach.