An annual carving event in Bowser will have a meaningful twist this year.
A couple of weeks ago Oscar Moria had a serious motorcycle accident in Qualicum Bay. The carver, who lives in that area, was involved in getting the Lighthouse Country carving event started three years ago, which is now called The Art of Carving a Community. Ken Kirkby, who hatched the idea for the event, said Moria would have taken part in the event again this year but he's now home unable to work with one broken and one severely injured arm, and his jaw wired shut.
"He was a key figure in organizing this and getting this thing off the ground with us and he could use little bit of help," said Kirkby.
Four carvers will take part in the event that runs from Thursday, Aug. 7 through to Sunday, Aug. 10 on the grassy area beside the Salish Sea Market. Each will have their chainsaws roaring, torches firing and tools busily carving for the public to witness. This year the carvers will also collaborate on a large carving which will be sold in some fashion at the event, with proceeds benefiting Moria. The rest of the wooden sculptures have been pre-sold to members of the community with an agreement for them to display the carving so the public can see and enjoy them.
Magnolia Court is hosting the event beside the Salish Sea Market and support is coming from several businesses in the Lighthouse Community, including wood donated from Island Timberlands. The event runs from around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.