After numerous stories about the Miners Walk project I can now most happily report that “it’s actually happening.” Make a trip to City Hall to recognize that progress in the form of concrete circles and pathways of the design are already visible. Drainage issues, wiring and other ground works are already in place, as well the curved roadway facing the building is under construction. Once those items and landscaping is completed the actual exhibit of posts, signs, banners and sculpture will go up in their designated areas. The Miners Walk Society is pretty happy to see this achievement and is looking forward to an unveiling slated for the Saturday of Thanksgiving.

The Sunday Socials have been a great success says Judith Johannsson, one of the organizers. She said information is being compiled in a manual that will be of assistance for next year’s plans and also to help extend the number of events for the following year. People have been helpful however for next year more volunteers are needed to step up to the plate and help organize events that will draw people downtown. Having more visitors downtown is also good for business on the highway because if people stop to peruse what is offered in the City Centre they will also stop to shop at the business lining the highway.

And speaking of highway businesses I’m happy to see Dairy Queen back but must tell you about a new business called Happy Cow that recently opened in the Business Centre. Dan and Wendy, the young, very friendly and sociable owners are handcrafting ice cream and related treats that are the best I have ever tasted.

The triple chocolate gelato on a hand- made and rolled waffle cone is heaven to the taste buds. Dan gave samples of some of the other flavours and they are just as good. As well Wendy’s soft chocolate buns are just phenomenal. They also produce specialty cakes and cupcakes and other dessert treats to entice those of us with a sweet tooth. Everything is made right on the premises. The products are even better than “mom” even made at home, you really must take a trip down to check this new business out.

Fernie is becoming known for unique and excellent places to eat, Yamagoya and the Curry Bowl have become known almost world- wide, people come from all over to sample their offerings. The Organic Café and Produce, Kelvin’s Kitchen, Max Restaurant and our Franchise fast food restaurants lining the highway provide incentive for visitors to stop. Having lived in Fernie during a time when there was literally nowhere to go after five o’clock for a coffee or a soft drink and shops were located only downtown with Monday and Wednesday closings some years, it’s fabulous to see all these business open evenings as well as having such a diversity of choices when residents and visitors want to go out. Recently past residents visiting Fernie stated that the town had changed. Yes, Fernie has changed, but so has the whole world, no one and nothing stands still, but most of the changes to Fernie are good ones although I can certainly appreciate the person who left Fernie three decades ago or more and comes back home to find just how much change has happened. But that’s progress that no matter how much we want to keep Fernie the small, unsophisticated town it was years ago, just like a child that grows and changes its appearance with each passing year so does our town, but regardless of the changes, people are what makes a community and we are definitely a great community to live in. So welcome to Happy Cow and Dairy Queen and all new business and people who are discovering that Fernie is indeed a great place to be.