July first was an absolutely amazing day for families. City of Fernie director of Leisure services Allan Knibbs assisted by Sharon Switzer organized a fantastic day of activities for children. Petting zoo with lambs, bunnies and chickens had children excited especially on seeing one of the chickens laying an egg. Pony rides, bouncy castles, sand box, eco garden, free cake, watermelon and balloons were some of the things on hand for kids. Parents weren’t forgotten either, music, mountain market, concessions stands, beer garden and dunk tank were a good way to pass time while basking in the afternoon sun of Canada Day.
Saturday was active downtown with visitors here for the Furious 3 bike race. I strolled the sidewalks enjoying the sight of people milling around in town, a sight that would be great to see everyday. Playing a tourist I perused several businesses checking out the new Candy store in the General Store, buying a new pair of shoes and bag at Ghostrider Trading Company, enjoyed a scrumptious pecan dark chocolate treat at the Chocolate Factory, took a rare leisurely look into Livery Home to check out hand crafted tables beautifully made by local Bisaro Woodworking and nearly walked away with some of the unusual accent pieces that help to make a home distinctive from others, except that I haven’t an inch of space left in my small house for any more such pieces.
I walked into Stephanie’s Glass shop to admire her elegant and unique hand engraved glassware products, and accept a donation to the Miners Walk then stopped at Big Bang Bagels for some really delicious bagel chips. Went to the Museum to share them with my husband but he was busy with visitors so decided to go to Overwaitea for some fresh produce and bread. I then headed for home happily loaded down with bagfuls of items.
Sunday was the first Sunday Social put on by the Chamber and downtown businesses. Once again the town was busy with visitors but despite some hail and rain it was still worthwhile perusing the shops that were open. The candy store was full to capacity with youngsters checking out all the colourful candy, Freya had young women plus me and Nell McGarrigle whom I took in there to check out what a great collection of jewellery the shop offers. We were greeted by owner Chantel Souliere, roller skating around the shop looking pretty hot in shorts and fishnet tights. Chantel and Lindsay Adams have started a women’s roller blading group that skates regularly, this group of young women began as a small number but are now at over thirty members, they held a baking fundraiser and all looked pretty hot in tights, headgear and roller skates. It’s rumoured that they will be performing at future Sunday Socials so be sure to come and see. The Sunday and Wednesday afternoon socials are a way to bring life to downtown this summer. It would be great if residents supported this endeavour. I realize most people like to go to the lake or out of town for shopping, but honestly there are a lot of good items to purchase if you check around at what’s available. This is our town, to keep it sustainable we need to support our businesses, we need to contribute to the vibrancy and we can’t do that if we don’t participate.
Okay, lecture over, see you downtown this Sunday or at the Mountain Market Sundays and Wednesday evenings. And please do consider donating to the Miners Walk by purchasing a brick with the name of yourself or a loved one on it.
