To some, Errington may be off the beaten path but it is worth the drive out to the country, especially on Saturday, August 17 when the community kicks up their heels for Hi Neighbour Day.
The 44th annual event which celebrates the community and raises funds for the Errington War Memorial Hall offers something for everyone in the family.
Proceeds raised from the event pay for the repair and maintenance of the Errington War Memorial Hall which was built in 1922 as a memorial to those who died in the First World War.
This summer a group of dedicated volunteers built a universal access ramp to the hall and an official ribbon cutting will take place for the project after the Hi Neighbour Day parade which gets underway at noon.
Reputed to be the worlds shortest the parade, the procession makes its way from the old Elementary School site on Grafton Road, around the corner and down Errington Road to the hall.
The full day of activities starts 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 Erringtonians of all ages.
At 11 a.m. you won’t wan to miss the sixth 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.
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 by Kumbana Marimba and Jangano Marimba.
At 1:30 p.m. it’s the goods and services auction with something for everyone. The auction is a mix of silent auction items as well there will be a live auctioneer to keep the excitement going. The live auction will be broken up with variety show featuring a wide range of entertainment including a performance by Sarah Van Borek.
The Vancouver musician and filmmaker will be sharing the music she learned during her studies in Johannesburg, South Africa. She will play the Mbira which consists of a wooden board with attached staggered metal keys.
“It has a really pretty sound. It is related to the Marimba and is the traditional music from Zimbabwe,” she said.
Van Borek will be performing with her friend Angelo Moroni who will be performing with a Venezuelan Cuatro. The instrument is smaller than a guitar and similar in shape and tuning to the ukelele. "It will be an Africa Latin fusion performance that people can sing and clap along to.”
Winding up what's already a full day of activities will be the Hi Neighbour dance featuring the roots quintet Carmanah at 9 p.m. Carmanah is a Victoria band that plays folk, funk, rock, reggae and country, among other genres.
Tickets for the adult only 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. For more on Carmanah visit www.carmanahband.ca.