CARLI BERRY
news@pqbnews.com
Life is all about the shoreline if you live in Qualicum Beach and this summer locals and Islanders will be celebrating their waterfront once again with Qualicum Beach Day.
The day will start with a Shriners pancake breakfast near the visitor centre at
9 a.m. before moving into a variety of fun and educational activities at noon.
Tom Whitfield, media coordinator for the event, said that Beach Day "started with a small group thinking Qualicum Beach has young families, kids and grandparents who could all benefit from the event."
The coordinators wanted to create an event for all different ages of people, Whitfield said.
Whitfield said Beach Day is a fun event that gives everyone a chance to participate.
This year the events include a hands-on touch tank, sandcastle building, Qualicum Beach Fire and Rescue, beach art with clowns, a vintage fashion show, the Rainbow Stew Cloggers, stage performances from local musicians and much more.
Biologist Dave Clough will once again be netting sea critters for the children to examine Whitfield said.
Whitfield said each year he expects between 2,000 to 3,000 people to show up, some local, while others come from all over the Island.
"It's all about the low tide," Whitfield said.
Beach Day has to be planned according to the tides, Whitfield said, and this year's convenient low tide landed on July 5.
"It was either that or in August," Whitfield said.
The town of Qualicum Beach, community businesses and volunteers contribute towards the event.
Whitfield said the event costs approximately $4,500 each year. Shuttles will be available from the downtown parkade to the waterfront. The event activities run from noon to 5 p.m.