2015 valley beat

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VALLEY BEAT 2015 /2016

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Your guide to events in the Columbia Valley

TRULY CANADIAN

North Star Hardware & Building Supplies Ltd. Independently owned 410 Borden Street • Athalmer

250-342-6226

pa Your

rtner in succes

s!

Your choice for power tools in the Valley!

We have the largest brand selection, specializing in

496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC

(250) 341-3777

• Plumbing & electrical • Interior/exterior doors & windows • Floors & trusses • Custom cut fir timbers & beams • and so much more!

Sm es c all tow i r p n service...city

www.TimHortons.com

At the source of the Mighty Columbia River We invite you to take a journey to a place where sense of community, friendship and pride live together in perfect harmony.

Canal Flats is nestled in the heart of the Kootenays halfway between Cranbrook to the south and Invermere to the north. It is a place where one can experience Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep and deer roaming the streets.

Canal Flats offers a variety of amenities, such as a public beach, arena and parks.

250.349.5462 • www.canalflats.com valley

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Brian Porter

Maya Eventov

Original paintings, sculpture & fine jewellery by over 60 artists from across canada.

Personal delivery to Calgary.

World wide shipping.

Angela Morgan Open Daily Downtown, Invermere, BC 250-342-7566

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artymgallery.com

Real estate sales

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PRoPeRty ManageMent 359 Sifton Street, Athalmer m Co

#806, 7307 Prospector Avenue, Radium mls® K214019 $ 189,900.

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$190,000.

mls® K207112

1005—7th Avenue Invermere

250-342-4040

1005-7th Avenue, Invermere •

250-342-4040

www.1stChoiceRealty.ca

www.1stChoiceRealty.ca | www.firstchoicerentals.com

Eric Eric Redeker Redeker Owner-Broker Owner-Broker 250-342-5914 250-342-5914

Dave Cathy McGrath DaveMcGrath McGrath Barry Brown-John Representative Associate Broker 250-341-1967 250-341-1967

Representative Associate Broker 250-342-1642 250-342-5245

20 years has seen

Loop The Lake

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become Invermere’s premiere family Walk/Run and has raised over 1/4 million dollars for the community and international work of Rotary.

Local Registration at Crazy Soles

Visit www.LoopTheLake.bc.ca Registration and Information Brought to you by Club of Invermere

Summer at Nipika

r o c k y m o u n ta i n e c o - l o d g e

Simply Spectacular...

Spectacularly Simple.

Luxury Log Cabins • Wetlands Paddling Birding Tours • Guided Alpine Day Hikes • Kootenay River Canoeing

For more information: Local: 1-250-342-6516 Toll Free: 1-877-647-4525 www.nipika.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Beer Fest brings craft beers to Fairmont............. 6

Spring & Summer Events Calendar....

7-10 Bull Riding is back 'n' better than ever................... 11 The long-lasting Loop the Lake................................. 12 Steamboat Festival inspires local talent ............ 12 PULL-OUT CALENDAR........................... 13-16 Invermere MusicFest grows for its 3rd year....... 17 Fall & Winter Events Calendar..... 18-19 Get your Mudd on at Panorama........................... 20 Artists drawns to Radium retreat............................... 21 Celebrating Winter in Motion....................... 22-23

..................................................................................................

Winter & Spring Events Calendar.........

24-25 A Day in the Life of a Tourist in the Valley .... 26 ..........................................................................................

ADVERTISING INDEX Artym Gallery....................................................... 3,

Marlene Chabot photo The Valley Beat is published annually by The Invermere Valley Echo Newspaper, Black Press.

Publisher Editor Graphic design Sales Associates Writers

Photographers

Cover art

Dean Midyette Nicole Trigg Theresa Kains Angela Krebs James Rose, Nicole Trigg, Breanne Massey, Dorothy Isted Marlene Chabot, Nicole Trigg, Hayley Mullen, Sarah O’Flanagan, Dan Walton, Andy Dyballa, Kristin McCauley, Kristian Rasmussen Theresa Kains

Box 70, #8, 1008 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone 250-341-6299 Fax 1-855-377-0312 customerservice@invermerevalleyecho.com www.invermerevalleyecho.com

This material, written or artistic, may not be reprinted or electronically reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff of The Valley Beat. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the owner's responsibility, if any, for errors or omissions of any kind, is limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

13, 14 Bavin Glassworks................................................................ 12 Bighorn Meadows Resort.......................................... 28 College of the Rockies................................................. 22 Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce............. 7 District of Invermere........................................................... 15 Dutch Creek Resort.............................................................. 6 First Choice Realty................................................................4 High Country Vacation Rentals....................... 13, 14 Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery.................................. 21 Konig Meat & Sausage Company........................ 26 Loop the Lake: Rotary Club of Invermere............4 Nipika Mountain Resort.......................................... 4, 14 Old Salzburg..............................................................16, 23 Pete's Marina...................................................................... 20 Petro Canada.......................................................................... 21 RONA.............................................................................................. 2 Scrapper's Cove................................................................... 16 Setetkwa Golf Course & RV Park............................. 17 Tim Hortons................................................................................ 2 Tony's Greek Grill & Juice Bar ..................................... 6 Valley Alley...................................................................16, 22 Village of Canal Flats........................................................... 2 Windermere Valley Golf Course.................................... 11 Winter in Motion.................................................................... 13

Beer Fest brings

crafty brews to Fairmont

We pride ourselves in using the finest quality products with natural ingredients to create traditional and entirely homemade dishes

Eat-in or Take-out Open for lunch and dinner from May to October 5009 Hot Springs Road 250-345-6661 Fairmont Hot Springs, BC tonysgreekgrill@gmail.com

YEAR-ROUND RV & PARK MODEL LOTS FOR SALE

In a quiet forest setting with spectacular scenery this gated community offers paved roads with very large serviced lots all backing onto a green space. Hot springs and golf course within 5 minutes. Close to unlimited backcounty for hiking, biking and off road vehicles. Situated between 2 lakes with boat launches and beaches.

Titled Ownership 5 km south of Fairmont Hot Springs, BC www.dutchcreekresort.com 250-345-6558

Are you bored of beer? Does sampling a variety of Western Canadian craft brews sound appealing? How about at the foot of the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Hill, while listening to live music from the high energy modern Celtic band Cod Gone Wild and basking in warm June sun?

If you find yourself nodding in agreement, the annual East Kootenay Beer Festival is right up your alley! Returning for its fourth consecutive year, the festival that originally started as a spring beer answer to Fairmont’s wildly successful fall wine festival once again will be an exciting event showcasing an assortment of fabulous brewskies.

On June 20th, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is hosting the popular festival from 4 to 8 p.m. with the organizing staff excited to be featuring roughly twenty different beers (and a few ciders). Approximately 600 people are expected to attend and tickets are already on sale. Festivalgoers can look forward to sampling, among others, beers such as Wild Rose, Victoria’s Moon Under Water, Bomber Brewing, Okanagan Spring and Fernie Brewing Co. Following the fest, there is an after-party planned at the Fairmont ski chalet featuring live music from locals’ favourite Valley Forged until 11 p.m.

Individual tickets are priced at $49 plus tax, which includes a shuttle service to and from Invermere as well as various points within Fairmont, after-party access, and a sixounce sampling mug. There are also two festival packages available: the $336 lodge package for two which includes two

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By James Rose nights’ accommodation at the lodge, two festival tickets and after party access; and the $160 camping package, which includes a campsite for two, two festival tickets and after-party access.

Exciting activities are also planned for the Friday night before on June 19th. At the Fairmont airport, there will be the annual Long Drive Competition followed by a gathering at the Mountainside Clubhouse for a barbecue and live music by Valley Forged.

Charlotte Moos, special events co-ordinator for Fairmont resort, said the festival is a “good kick off to summer in conjunction with it being Father’s Day weekend.”

She added that the festival attracts a diverse demographic of people including “bachelorette parties, stags, older people and young, and is a fun party bringing out locals and promoting different types of beer.”

Food will also be made available during the festival by the resort’s Food and Beverage team with a food truck serving bratwursts, poutine and fries for an additional cost.

There are limited tickets available and Ms. Moos suggests getting them sooner rather than later as the fest is usually a sell-out event.

Call 1-800-663-4979 for tickets or visit www.fairmonthotsprings. com.

Festivalgoers must be 19 and older to attend.

Nicole Trigg photo

May May - August Wine Tasting in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort lobby.

Learn about B.C. wines from the in-house sommelier every Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. $10 per person.

May - August Live Music Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. and Karaoke Thursdays 8 p.m. to late at the Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery in Radium. Call 250-347-6400.

May 16th - 22nd Cameron Bird, Bayot Heer and Vance Theoret “Oil Gold & Stone” Exhibition at the Artym Gallery. Opening and art demonstrations May 16th, 17th.

Visit artymgallery.com.

May 16th - September 16th Summer Creative Series featuring David Zimmerman at Effusion Art Gallery. Visit effusionartgallery.com.

May 21st Friends of Kootenay National Park presentation: Building on Success - Wildlife Crossings in Kootenay National Park. Prestige Inn in Radium at 7 p.m.

May 22nd La Cafamore music trio presents the works of Romantic Era women composers. Christ Church Trinity in Invermere, 7:30 p.m. Tickets at Tiffany’s Thredz and the door.

May 22nd - 24th Wetlandkeepers in Windermere.

A free, hands-on 2.5-day workshop and learn how to steward the wetlands. Visit wetlandkeeperswindermere. eventbrite.ca.

May 23rd Crazy Soles Nipika Trail Run at Nipika Mountain Resort. Single track run with distances for the whole family. Visit nipika.com/ events. Register beforehand at new.zone4.ca. Prizes and barbecue included.

May 23rd Plant Sale and Open House at Groundswell Community Greenhouse. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Email info@ groundswellnetwork.ca or call 250-342-3337.

May 29th - 30th Permaculture Design Practicum at Groundswell Community Greenhouse. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Email info@ groundswellnetwork.ca or call 250-342-3337.

May 23rd Purcell Mountain Painters Art Sale. Local artists at work from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At 503 7th Avenue in Invermere, next to Grant’s Foods.

May 30th Windermere Health Care Auxiliary Charity Golf Tournament at Windermere Valley Golf Course. $80/person includes golf, power cart, dinner and prizes. To register call 250345-0171.

May 23rd Community Garage Sale at Akisqnuk First Nation Arbour at Lakeshore Campground. 9 a.m. to noon. Call 250-342-6301 or email reception@akisqnuk.org.

May 23rd Killer Rollbots Roller Derby game at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, 7:30 p.m. Beer garden, concession, and halftime entertainment! All ages welcome. $10 for adults, $5 for kids.

May 23rd - 24th Radium Hot Springs Rally.

Organized by the Calgary Sports Car Club. A qualifying event in the Western Canada Rally Championship. Visit radiumhotsprings.com.

May 31st Best Friends Bash. A 3-course dinner and live/silent auction at The Black Forest Restaurant.

Fundraiser for Canadian Cancer Society. Call Sheila Tutty at 250342-5266.

JUNE June - September Windermere Valley Museum in Invermere opens for visitors seven days a week. Visit windermerevalleymuseum.ca.

June 3rd Fairmont Lions Family Fun Day at Coys Par 3 Golf Course. Call Coys at 250- 345-6504.

e m o c wel Visit the Information Centre for information on what’s going on in the Columbia Valley, or check out our online events calendar!

651 Hwy 93/95 Halfway between Radium & Fairmont www.TheColumbiaValley.ca • 250-342-2844 valley

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Spring

May 16th Radium Summer Kickoff. Live music and vendor market at the Radium Hot Springs Visitor Information Centre, noon to 6 p.m. Visit radiumhotsprings.com.

May 16th - October 12th Rocky Mountain Landscapes — 14th annual Radium Hot Springs Glass Art Show and Sale in hot pools lobby in Kootenay National Park. Visit pc.gc.ca/kootenay.

June 3rd - 6th Canal Days in the Village of Canal Flats. Annual multiday celebration that includes themed parade, live music, community dances and more.

Visit TheColumbiaValley.ca.

Summer

June 5th Open mic at Pynelogs. 7 to 10 p.m. All ages, licensed bar. Visit columbiavalleyarts.com.

local high school students.

Artist opening event on June 12th, 5 to 9 p.m. at Pynelogs.

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com.

June 13th Locarno at Bud’s Bar and Lounge in Invermere. A groove heavy mix of Mexican folk, Cuban son and Latin soul.

Show starts at 8 p.m. Visit columbiavalleyarts.com.

June 6th Kootenay Krusher Mountain Bike Race. A 25 and 50-kilometre mountain bike race at Nipika Mountain Resort with kids distances and team relay options. Visit nipika.com/ events, register at zone4.ca.

June 15th Ram into Summer Golf Tournament at The Radium golf course. Registration at 9 a.m. Shotgun start at 10 a.m.

Dinner, prizes and more. Visit radiumhotsprings.com.

June 6th Angela Morgan Exhibition Grand Opening at the Artym. Angela in attendance. Show runs until June 12th. Visit artymgallery.com.

June 19th Fairmont Hot Springs Resort’s Long Drive Competition at Fairmont Hot Springs Airport.

Call Riverside Golf Course at 250-345-6346.

June 6th Killer Rollbots Roller Derby game at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, 7:30 p.m.

Beer garden, concession and half-time entertainment! All ages welcome. $10 for adults, $5 for kids.

June 9th - 21st REACH: David Thompson Secondary School Art Show at Pynelogs Cultural Centre & Art Gallery. Annual art show featuring out-there art from

June 19th - 20th Andrew Kiss Exhibition at the Artym. Andrew will be signing prints featured on the 2015 Map Book cover. Visit artymgallery.com.

June 19th – September 11th Invermere Artwalk. Visit Invermere’s galleries and studios. Every Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. Pick up a map at any art gallery.

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June 20th National Aboriginal Day Festival at Lakeshore Resort & Campground in Windermere.

Presented by Akisqnuk and Shuswap First Nations. Begins with pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. Call 250-342-6301.

June 20th 5th Annual Branch Out Bike Tour. 100-kilometre ride starting at Panorama. Visit panoramaresort.com/events.

produce, live music and more.

June 22nd - 24th Kelly Hrudey and Friends Charity Golf Tournament at Copper Point Golf Club. Visit kellyhrudeyclassic.com.

June 26th - 27th Summer Creative Series featuring Connie Geerts & Karyn Chopik at Effusion Art Gallery + Glass Studio. Visit effusionartgallery.com.

June 20th Radium Days and the Brits Best Classic Car Show in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

Parade, games, kids zone and, of course, cars! Visit radiumhotsprings.com.

June 26th - July 3rd Sandy Graves and David Langevin Exhibition at the Artym. David in attendance for June 26th opening. Visit artymgallery.com.

June 20th Horsethief Pub celebrates 20 years! Live music, drink specials and more after Radium Days are done. Call 250-347-6400.

June 30th One minute after midnight as Canada Day begins, don’t miss the Annual Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley Fireworks.

12:01 a.m. on July 1st. Best places to watch are beside Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, Lakeview Road on east side of lake, James Chabot Beach.

June 20th 4th Annual East Kootenay Beer Festival at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Area. More than 70 brews to sample, live music by Celtic band Cod Gone Wild and free souvenir tasting glass. Visit fairmonthotsprings.com or call 250-345-6070.

June 20th - September 12th Invermere Farmers’ Market.

Colourful downtown market Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with delectable treats, organic

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JULY July Artym Gallery presents: July 3rd: Fiona Couillard Exhibition.

July 17th - 24th: Min Ma Exhibition. July 24th: Margo Fearn and Denise Lemaster

Exhibition. July 31st: Branko Marjanovic Exhibition. Friday opening receptions from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit artymgallery.com.

July - August Movies in the Mountains. Free feature film shown outdoors every Monday evening at Pothole Park in downtown Invermere. Starts at dusk (around 9:30 p.m.).

July - August Downtown Get Down. Outdoor live music and more every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. in Pothole Park in downtown Invermere.

July - August Daily Art Workshops at Black

July 1st Annual Canada Day Parade in Downtown Invermere. Parade begins at 11 a.m.

July 1st Mountain Mosaic Festival of the Arts. A free Canada Day festival at Kinsmen Beach and Pynelogs greenspace following the parade. Live music, art tents, boat building and more 12:30 to 3 p.m. Visit columbiavalleyarts.com.

July 1st Canada Day Celebration at

July 1st Radium’s Canada Day Celebration at the Visitor Information Centre, 4 to 9 p.m. Live music, market, cake and Justin the Beaver! Visit radiumhotsprings.com.

July 3rd Stampede Pancake Breakfast at Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery in Radium Hot Springs from 9 to 11 a.m.. Annual fundraiser for the Radium volunteer fire department. Visit radiumhotsprings.com.

July 3rd Fiona Couillard Exhibition at the Artym. Opening and art demo on July 3rd. Visit artymgallery.com.

July 3rd - 5th 1st Annual Toby Creek Whitewater Kayak Race starting at Panorama Mountain Resort. Clinics, training, racing and cash prizes. Visit panoramaresort.com/events.

July 3rd - 5th Hell’s Belles: Woman’s Mountain Bike Camp. Women’s only skills camp taught

by Lorraine Blancher and friends at Panorama. Visit panoramaresort.com/events.

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July 3rd - August 28th Music & Market on Main at the Radium Hot Springs Visitor Information Centre. Every Friday. Market from 4 to 9 p.m.

Live music from 7 to 9 p.m.

Visit radiumhotsprings.com.

July 4th 1st Annual Hike for Hospice.

Enjoy the beautiful Columbia Valley and support the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley.

Visit hospicesocietycv.com or call 250-688-1143.

July 6th - 12th Take a Kid to the Course Week.

All local courses. Kids 16 & under (age may vary by course) golf free with paying adult. Visit columbiavalleygolftrail.com.

July 7th Lake Windermere District Lions’ Charity Golf Day at Copper Point Golf Course. Green fees are donated.Call Copper Point at 250-341-3392 to book a tee time.

July 7th - August 27th Adventure Radium every Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday.

Radium Hot Springs’ youth summer program. Register at Village Office or online at radiumhotsprings.ca.

July 11th Mr. & Mrs. Open Tournament.

Couples golf tournament, call the Spur Valley Golf Resort pro shop at 250-347-6500.

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July 11th Soiree en Blanc. Visit TheColumbiaValley.ca.

July 11th - 12th Heart of the Rockies Triathlon in Invermere. Young Hearts kids’ event on Saturday. Adult event on Sunday with sprint/Olympic/ individual/team options. Visit heartoftherockiestri.ca.

July 11th - 12th Horseback Archery Tournament at Luxor Corrals at Spur Valley.

Call Doug at 250-347-9048 for information.

July 12th - 17th Nipika Paddle & Hike Adventure Week. Guided instructional 5-day program offered in

partnership with Black Feather Adventures. Paddle the Kootenay River, hike to the continental divide, go birding in the magnificent Columbia River wetlands, then soak in the hot tub or sauna and enjoy great meals and social activities back at Nipika Mountain Resort. Visit nipika.com or call 1-877-647-4525.

July 13th - July 17th RAWK the Rockies at Panorama Resort. Rock trio Speed Control’s RAWK Camp is dedicated to furthering music education. Perfect for kids 8 to 85 yrs old! Sponsored by Yamaha Canada Music. Visit panoramaresort.com/events.

Summer

Star Studios for ages 5 to 99.

Calendar at blackstarstudios.ca or call 250-342-6663.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort all day, free to attend. Live music, barbecue, face painting, cake and more! Fireworks at 10:30 p.m.

July 13th - 17th FREE Wild Kidz Day Camp near Radium. Ages 9 to 12.

Includes wildlife exploring, hiking and more. Only 25 spots available. Contact wetlands@bcwf.bc.ca or 1-888-881-2293 ext. 232 for details and to register.

Summer

July 13th - 17th, 27th - 31st Summer Art Camps presented

by Black Star Studios held at Pynelogs (outdoors, weather permitting) for ages 7+.

Visit blackstarstudios.ca.

July 16th - 19th BC Cup/Canada Cup Downhill Mountain Bike Race. Canada’s best compete at Panorama. Visit panoramaresort.com/events.

July 17th 17th Annual Bull Riding in the Rockies. Next to the Invermere Curling Rink.

World professional bullriders followed by a family dance.

Visit TheColumbiaValley.ca.

July 18th IN THE MOMENT featuring Kimberley Kiel at Effusion.

Artist in attendance. Visit effusionartgallery.com.

July 18th Valley Appreciation Day in downtown Invermere. Free pancake breakfast, live music, Gagne Logging Show, children’s activities, farmers’ market and more. Visit TheColumbiaValley.ca.

July 25th Lake Windermere Westside Legacy Trail Fundraiser. A barn dance at the K2 Ranch hosted by the Columbia Valley Greenways Alliance. Visit greenways.ca.

July 25th - 26th 4th Annual Steamboat Mountain Music Festival.

All-genre outdoor music festival in Edgewater with spectacular views. Visit steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca.

July 26th Swansea Scramble.

10-kilometre run or hike to the top of Mt. Swansea and down again. Call Crazy Soles at 250-342-2074.

July 26th 2nd Annual Summer Fair at the Agri Park. South of Invermere Crossroads off Highway 93/95. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors, farm animals, pony rides and more. Visit wdfi.ca or call 250-346-3227.

July 27th - August 14th Columbia Valley Hockey School. Featuring special guest instructors Mason Raymond and Adam Cracknel.

Visit columbiavalleyhockeyschool.com.

July 28th Tim Horton’s Junior Golf Tournament. Copper Point Golf Club - The Ridge Course.

All kids ages 5 to 16 are eligible for the tournament.

Parent volunteers will be needed. Main goal is having fun! Call 250-341-3392.

July 31st - August 1st Radium’s Long Weekend Music & Market on Main at the Visitor Information Centre.

Market from 4 to 9 p.m.

Music from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit radiumhotsprings.com.

AUGUST August Artym Gallery presents: August 7th - 8th: 20 New

valley

Painters, 20 New Paintings.

August 14th - 15th: Client Photos Become Artist Creations. August 21st - 22nd: Armand F. Vallee Exhibition. August 28th 29th: People’s Choice & Alex Fong exhibition. Friday opening receptions from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit artymgallery.com.

August 2nd Columbia Valley Tour of the Arts. A walking art tour of downtown Invermere with a wonderful variety of work displayed along 7th Avenue.

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com.

August 8th 20th Annual Loop the Lake.

A running race event for the whole community and Rotary Club fundraiser. Visit loopthelake.bc.ca.

August 8th 39th Annual Lakeside Event.

Hang glider and paraglider pilots take off from Mt. Swansea and land in water targets at James Chabot Beach. August 9th rain day.

Visit lakesideevent.com.

August 8th Summer Creative Series featuring Veronica Funk at Effusion Art Gallery + Glass Studio in Invermere. Visit effusionartgallery.com.

August 8th - 9th 7th annual Columbia Basin Culture Tour. Self-directed tour of artist studios and galleries throughout Columbia Basin. Free of charge. Visit cbculturetour.com.

August 9th Lake Windermere Open Water Swim. An out-and-back swim starting at 8 a.m. Visit heartoftherockiestri.ca.

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August 9th Summer Splash. Free lake fun all day at James Chabot Beach. Visit lakeambassadors.ca or call 250-341-6898.

August 10th -14th, 17th - 28th Summer Art Camps presented

by Black Star Studios held at Pynelogs (outdoors, weather permitting) for ages 7+. Visit blackstarstudios.ca.

August 15th Radium Public Library’s Teddy Bear Picnic at Legends Field.

Visit radiumhotsprings.com.

August 15th Summer Creative Series featuring Verne Busby at Effusion. Visit effusionartgallery.com.

August 22nd Summer Creative Series featuring David James Veres at Effusion. Visit effusionartgallery.com.

August 22nd - 23rd Invermere MusicFest Waterfront Music Festival at Kinsmen Greenspace featuring Canadian bands, two stages, beer garden, workshops and more. Visit invermeremusicfest.com.

August 22nd - 23rd 4th annual Free Fairmont Hot Springs Airport Fly In. On-site camping, shuttle to Fairmont resort, discount on golf. Contact 250-345-2121 or sjestley@fhsr.com.

August 23rd - 28th The Week of Rockies Rivers.

Nipika Mountain Resort presents 5 days of paddling the best whitewater in the East Kootenay. Visit nipika. com or call 1-877-647-4525.

Bull Riding is back ‘n’ better than ever Now in its 17th year, the rip snortin’… dirt stompin’… mechanical bull bustin’… great smokin’ Bull Riding in the Rockies is back!

Once again, the Columbia Valley Rockies are hosting the tremendously popular event as a fundraiser to help finance the Columbia Valley’s favourite KJIHL Junior B hockey team.

Al Miller, Rockies president and head of business operations, is expecting a sizeable amount of money to be raised this year (2015) and couldn’t be more pleased with the success the event has had for what’s now close to two decades.

As per usual, there will be a dinner, dance and the main bull riding show featuring riders from not only Canada, but the United States, Paraguay, Australia and more. As well, the always entertaining and equally daring ¡Póker Mexicano! sideshow will be returning to test the nerves of the willing contestants. And back by popular demand, the live musical entertainment will be provided

by Calgary country music rockers, Kixxsin.

New this year, however, is the addition of a mechanical bull to the Invermere Curling Centre. The mechanical bull will give event-goers the opportunity to show that they, too, have the skills to

By James Rose

ride on top of the closest thing to a big ol’ Brahma.

The late Bill McIntosh (who also co-founded the Rockies) first came up with the idea for the event seventeen years ago. Since nothing like a bull riding fundraiser had been tried before, the success of the event was not at all guaranteed.

Mr. Miller recalls one of his fondest memories of the event when, in that first year, the last ticket was sold on Thursday before the Friday show.

With money upfront to put on the event, risk of a lost investment was certainly possible.

“When I ran over to the arena where the event was

going to take place and told the volunteers the good news, a huge cheer followed,” Mr. Miller recalled.

He said that from then on, the event has been a “great success both financially and for the community and has gradually grown to the point where now it is double the size of the inaugural event.”

And what would Mr. McIntosh think about the event today and how it has grown? Mr. Miller was quick to say, “He’d be all smiles.”

Bull Riding in the Rockies will kick off on July 17th at 5:30 p.m. next to the curling centre in downtown Invermere. Tickets can be purchased at the Invermere Home Hardware, the Brisco General Store and Mountainside Market in Radium.

Visit www.TheColumbiaValley.ca for more information.

Hayley Mullen photos

1988

27

Player Friendly, Walkable & Affordable since 1988.

2015

WV

INDERMERE ALLEY

Driving Range • Pro Shop • Cart/Club Rentals • “Shot Shapers” Golf Academy

Golf Course

18 holes $27 - $35 Twilight Golf (after 4 p.m.)

Kids Golf Free (some restrictions apply)

Annie’s Grill Tee Times 250-342-3004 • www.windermerevalleygolfcourse.com valley

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The long-lasting

Steamboat Festival inspires

Loop the Lake

local talent

By Nicole Trigg

JULY/AUGUST

Sarah O’Flanagan photo

A community-wide event now in its 20th year, the annual Loop the Lake isn’t just the biggest running race in the Columbia Valley, it’s one of the valley’s biggest events overall and a premier event of the summer season.

This year’s anniversary run celebrating two decades of community dedication is taking place on Saturday, August 8th.

As a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Invermere, the money raised through registration fees is collected for charity, and either donated to a global Rotary Club cause or channelled back into a local project that directly benefits valley residents and visitors.

What started out small now earns $25,000 to $30,000 a year. Thanks to having nurtured this event for two decades, the Rotary Club of Invermere has raised somewhere in the neighbourhood of $300,00 for community and international service and aid.

In addition to that, Loop the Lake draws hundreds of people into the valley each and every year, benefitting local businesses.

In 2014, over 700 people signed up for the Loop the Lake, running either the 10-kilometre, half marathon or Octogenarian courses. It’s estimated that 60 to 75 per cent of participants are visitors, the rest being local. And some locals have entered every year since the run began.

A relaxed, fun, family-oriented occasion to get some exercise amid beautiful scenery on a warm summer morning is an opportunity not to be missed. Water stations are located at regular intervals through the entire course. To find out more and register for the 20th Annual Loop the Lake, visit www.loopthelake.bc.ca. Registration includes a Loop the Lake T-shirt and hearty post-race pancake breakfast.

valley

By Breanne Massey

The fourth annual Steamboat Mountain Music Festival is returning to Edgewater on a high note this summer.

This year the grassroots event, taking place at the Edgewater Elementary School grounds on July 25th, is comprised of 60 per cent local talent and 40 per cent imports.

“Our main headliner this year is a Latino band called Los Morenos,” said Larry Newman, Steamboat Festival program director. “They’ve actually played at the festival before and we’re very pleased to have them back again.”

With over 3,500 performances in their pocket, the Calgary-based band Dan Walton photo

draws musical inspiration from the Gypsy Kings, Juan DeMarcos and Carlos Santana. Previously, Los Morenos has performed at the Edmonton Folk Festival and Junofest 2008.

Another Calgary band, the Beagle Boys, will also be featured in this year’s line-up. So will southern flare rockers Black Snake Moan and folk artist John Wort Hannam.

“Every year, we try to make it bigger and better,” said Mr. Newman, noting the festival’s recently updated website. Now there’s an option to use PayPal to purchase tickets for the festival directly from the website.

“We started this thing three years ago with virtually no knowledge of what we were doing at all, and we learned as it grew.

We just discovered that we needed to change and grow with the times; it’s been pretty cool.”

Encouraging local entertainers to pursue their passion at the Steamboat Festival has opened doors for many up-and-coming musicians.

“The first band that’s playing at the festival this year is called The Pickups,” said Mr. Newman. “They were a tweener act (in between main sets) last year, and that’s how we grow our people from the community.”

Edgewater teen Abby Wells is another example of a small town success story. The 15-year-old singer has transitioned to performing as a featured musician after participating as a tweener in the community-driven effort for the past two summers.

“We’re a multi-genre festival,” said Mr. Newman. “We try to offer something for everybody and we try to make sure that our program is lively enough so that everybody can enjoy every act.”

Lastly, there will be four music workshops offered on Sunday, July 26th. For details about the workshops, the line-up or to buy tickets, visit visit www.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca.

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Andy Dyballa photos

Invermere MusicFest grows for its 3rd year

They also opted to add an evening ticket option for worker bees who can’t attend the festival during the day.

The festivities will cater to all ages with international food, artisans and vendors along with a hand-picked selection of entertainers.

On August 22nd, Stereo Three — which consists of Invermerian trio Steve Orr, Michael Orr and Bill Rainbow — will perform at 1 p.m. on the Lake Stage.

Their act will be followed up with folk and blues duet Pharis and Jason Romero, who are slated to perform at 1:45 p.m. at the Mountain Stage.

Morgan Childs and Friends will play at 2:45 p.m. on the Lake Stage.

The Vancouver-based band Young Liars will take over the Mountain Stage at 3:45 p.m. to showcase a sound unique to their combination of synth and dance grooves.

At 4:30 p.m. on the Lake Stage, a Saskatoon-based indie-rock quartet called Close Talker will be sending out positive vibes with a show that’s been honed and perfected since 2012 when the band’s unique Prairie Culture took flight.

Sincere lyrics and melodic guitars will be featured by Devon Coyote at 5:45 p.m. on the Mountain Stage. Their vibrant sound comes from Devon Bjarnason, D’Arcy Booth and Rod Anderson to create a high energy experience for every crowd. Devon Coyote has sold over 2,000 copies of their EP entitled Brown Down and are expecting to release a new album this spring.

Afterward, Jason Zerbin and Peter Mol will be performing a combination of symphonic alt-pop that reflects their Alberta roots and now West Coast homes.

The band, ZERBIN, will be performing at 6:45 p.m. on the Lake Stage.

Folk band Bochephus King will take over the Mountain Stage at 8 p.m. bevalley

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fore headliner Jay Malinowski and the Dead Coast hit their 9:15 p.m. debut at the Lake Stage.

“Our goal is try to have about 500 to 600 people this year,” said Mr. Cameron.

“And there will be an open beer garden so you can sit anywhere with it and not be sectioned off with your drink.”

The next day on August 23rd, several of music workshops led by some of the festival’s performers will be held.

For more information about the workshops, the Invermere MusicFest and to purchase tickets, call 250-342-4423 or visit www.invermeremusicfestival.com.

Put more fun in your golf!

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Located halfway between Radium & Invermere off Hwy 93/95 For group bookings or events, call 250 347 6945 or 250 347 9401 or email ox.e1@hotmail.com.

AUGUST

There is a way to quench the thirst of every music lover this summer.

The third annual Invermere MusicFest will feature nine musicians on two stages between 12:30 and 11 p.m. at Kinsmen Beach on August 22nd and 23rd.

“It’s been running for two years now and it’s really fun,” said Ben Cameron, artistic director and co-chair of the Invermere MusicFest, who is excited to present Jay Malinowski and the Dead Coast as the headlining band. “Malinowski is actually the lead singer from Bedouin Soundclash and, also, in his band there’s a (valley) local, Martin Reisle.”

Mr. Reisle of Edgewater, who previously gained acclaim in the Vancouver folk cabaret band Maria in the Shower, is not the only high profile festival performer returning to his roots. Jazz drummer Morgan Childs is also coming home to play the main stage.

Mr. Childs is currently living in Toronto, but was raised in Invermere. He spent a decade in Vancouver before making the move to eastern Canada to continue building a career as a musician.

“He’s coming here from Toronto and he’s a top tier jazz musician right now,” said Mr. Cameron. “We’re pretty stoked to have him come into town.”

The idea to have a festival that promotes local music and music imported from other parts of Canada was born of Jami Scheffer, Invermere MusicFest Chair, who planned the festival for the first time three years ago.

Ms. Scheffer later approached Mr. Cameron to see if he could help the event grow.

“Improvements to the festival this year include more food and artisan vendors,” she said. “There are two very separate stages this year to move festivalgoers around the grounds.”

By Breanne Massey

Purcell Mountain Painters & Headwaters Art Society Art Show.

September TBA A Touch of Wellness Retreat.

September TBA 5th Annual Columbia Salmon Festival.

October - April Cinefest at Pynelogs.

October 2nd - 4th 2nd Annual Radium Colours.

October 3rd Oktoberfest in downtown Invermere.

October 3rd 3rd Annual Butterfly Barn Dance.

October 10th –12th Thanksgiving at Fairmont Resort.

October 10th - 12th Bavin Glassworks Thanksgiving Show.

October 10th - 16th Plein Air Exhibition at the Artym Gallery.

October 16th - 17th Annual Link to Rink Spiel.

November 13th - 15th Junior Spiel.

November 14th The Big Show of Little Paintings at Artym.

November 20th ICAN’s 4th Annual Raise the Woof!

November 21st Invermere Light Up and Santa Claus Parade.

November 27th 2nd Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival.

November 29th Annual Grey Cup Party at Horsethief Pub. December 5th, 12th, 19th Visit Santa’s Cabin at Fairmont Resort.

December 6th 12th Annual Feed the Town.

December 6th Turkey Spiel.

December 11th Winter Season opens at Panorama.

Winter in Motion Festival.

January 16th Locals’ Day at Fairmont Ski Hill.

January 17th - 23rd Cross Country Ski Week in the Rockies.

January 22nd Snowflake Festival in Invermere.

January 22nd - 24th Bonspiel on the Lake at Kinsmen Beach.

January 30th 16th Annual Fishing Derby.

January 30th - 31st Nipika/ Toby Creek Nordic Loppet.

January 30th - 31st CV Pond Hockey Championships.

February 2nd Family Fish Day.

March 25th -27th 3rd annual Invermere Coffee Fest.

March 25th - 28th Easter Celebration at Fairmont Resort.

March TBA Kootenay Freestyle Classic at Panorama.

March TBA 10th Annual Mountain of Hope Gala.

April 1st 2nd Annual Daffodil Dash.

April 2nd Group Artist Exhibition at Artym.

April 5th - 24th Art From the Heart at Pynelogs.

April 10th Winter ski season closes at Panorama.

April 26th - May 8th Wings Over the Rockies ART SHOW.

April 26th - May 8th Lil’ Peeps Art Show.

April TBA Easyrider Snowboard Cup at Panorama.

May 2nd - 8th Wings Over the Rockies FESTIVAL.

Your favorite scapbook store has coverted to a web shop.

t e c ay ! nns tod Cwoith u

Local Delivery

Annual Retreat, Supplies, Crops and Classes October 23-25, 2015 www.scrapperscoveinvermere.net 250-342-7238

The little scrapbook store

February 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 33rd Annual Starlight Challenge.

February 5th - 7th Junior Cash Spiel.

February 6th 15th Annual Snow Golf Tournament.

250.347.6553

www.OldSalzburgRestaurant.com | info@oldsalzburgrestaurant.com Radium Hot Springs, B.C.

Fresh Food...

December 11th 2nd Annual Butterfly Tree of Lights.

(2695)

.ca • Ice Cream Parlour • Flavoured Soft Ice Cream • Snacks & Treats

October 23rd - 25th Scrapper’s Cove Annual Retreat.

www.

• Glow Bowling • Pool Tables • Licensed Lounge

250-342-BOWL

E-mail: familyfun@valleyalley.ca

Visit us on Highway 93/95 between Invermere & Windermere

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ll

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the vacation rental people www.highcountryproperties.com

radium invermere fairmont

panorama kimberley windermere

1-800-665-1801 1006 - 7th avenue invermere, bc

VALLEY BEAT

downtown Invermere ~ 250-342-7566 info@artymgallery.com

September 20th 16th Annual Windermere Fall Fair.

September 18th - 19th Classic Car Show & Shine in Radium.

September 12th - 13th Mudd, Sweat & Tears Rockies.

September 12th Movie in the Park in Radium.

September 4th - 5th Artym Artist Invitational.

November 6th - 7th 14th Annual East Kootenay Wine Festival.

October TBA Annual Ski Swap in Invermere.

October 31st - November 1st Rocky Mountain Rally.

October 31st Halloween Spiel.

October 31st Halloween Party at Horsethief Creek Pub.

October 24th Monster Mash Dash.

December 31st NYE Fireworks in Radium and Fairmont.

December 31st Radium’s 25th Birthday Celebration.

December 25th Radium Feastival.

December 25th Free Soak or Swim at Fairmont Resort.

December 24th Fairmont Torchlight Parade/Fireworks.

December 11th.

Friday Night Shopping in Fairmont.

December 13th Radium’s Children’s Christmas Party.

February 12th - 14th Men’s Spiel. For more details visit curlinginvermere.ca

February 7th Horsethief Pub’s annual Superbowl Party.

View online at artymgallery.com

September 20th CV Rockies Hockey Golf Tournament.

November 6th - 8th Ladies Spiel.

December TBA 22nd Annual Big Christmas Craft Sale.

2015 /2016

September 20th - 25th Nipika Paddle & Hike Adventure Week.

November 7th - 8th 2nd Annual Headbanger Festival.

March 25th - 26th Spring link to Rink Spiel.

March 17th St. Patrick’s Day Party at Horsethief Pub.

March 5th Charity Ski Day at Fairmont Ski Area.

February 29th Leap Day Live Music at Horsethief Pub.

February 20th Annual Wild Game Dinner and Dance.

February 13th Group Artist Exhibition at Artym.

February 13th Annual Puppy Love Fundraiser.

September 26th Featuring Sarinah Haba at Effusion.

January - February

December TBA CPR Holiday Train. 3rd week in December.

September 26th - 27th 8th Annual Headbanger Trail Challenge.

November 11th Remembrance Day services at the Cenotaphs in Invermere, Canal Flats and Edgewater.

September 29th - October 11th

www.highcountryproperties.com

the vacation rental people Call: 1-250-342-6516 Toll Free: 1-877-647-4525 www.nipika.com

For more information:

2015 /2016

1-800-665-1801 1006 - 7th avenue invermere, bc

Simply Spectacular...

Spectacularly Simple.

June 6th Killer Rollbots Roller Derby at the Eddie.

June 9th - 21st REACH: DTSS Art Show at Pynelogs.

June 13th Locarno at Bud’s Bar and Lounge.

June 15th Ram into Summer Golf Tournament.

June 19th Long Drive Competition at Fairmont Airport.

June 19th - 20th Andrew Kiss at the Artym Gallery.

June 19th – September 11th Invermere Artwalk.

June 20th Aboriginal Day Festival at Lakeshore Resort.

June 20th 5th Annual Branch Out Bike Tour.

Year-Round Wine Tasting at Fairmont Resort.

Year-Round Music Mondays/Karaoke Thurs. at Horsethief.

May 16th Radium Summer Kickoff.

May 16th - 22nd C. Bird/B. Heer/V. Theoret at the Artym.

May 16th - September 16th Featuring David Zimmerman at Effusion.

May 16th - October 12th Annual Glass Art Show in Radium pools lobby.

May 22nd La Cafamore at Christ Church Trinity.

May 22nd - 24th Wetlandkeepers in Windermere.

May 23rd Crazy Soles Nipika Trail Run.

July 7th - August 27th Adventure Radium every T/W/Th.

July 7th Lions’ Charity Golf Day at Copper Point.

July 6th - 12th Take a Kid to the Course Week.

July 4th 1st Annual Hike for Hospice.

July 3rd - August 28th Music & Market on Main every Friday.

July 3rd - 5th Hell’s Belles at Panorama Mountain Resort.

July 3rd - 5th 1st Annual Toby Creek Kayak Race.

July 3rd Stampede Pancake Breakfast in Radium.

July 1st Parade, Mountain Mosaic Fest in Invermere; Celebrations in Radium and Fairmont.

August 2nd Columbia Valley Tour of the Arts.

August August at the Artym. Visit artymgallery.com.

July 31st - August 1st Long Weekend Music & Market on Main.

July 28th Tim Horton’s Junior Golf Tournament.

July 27th - August 14th Columbia Valley Hockey School.

July 26th 2nd Annual Summer Fair at the Agri Park.

July 26th Swansea Scramble.

July 25th - 26th 4th Annual Steamboat Mtn Music Festival.

July 25th Westside Legacy Trail Fundraiser.

VALLEY BEAT

the

View online at artymgallery.com

downtown Invermere ~ 250-342-7566 info@artymgallery.com

windermere

kimberley

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panorama

invermere

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June 26th - 27th Featuring C. Geerts/K. Chopik at Effusion.

June 26th - July 3rd S. Graves/D. Langevin at the Artym.

June 30th (12:01 am July 1st) Annual Kinsmen Club Fireworks.

July July at the Artym. Visit artymgallery.com.

July - August (Monday nights) Movies in the Mountains in Invermere.

July - August (Thursday nights) Downtown Get Down in Invermere.

July - August Black Star Studios daily Art Workshops.

May 29th - 30th Groundswell Permaculture Design Practicum.

May 30th Charity Golf Tournament at Windermere Valley.

May 31st Best Friends Bash at the Black Forest.

June 3rd Fairmont Lions Family Fun Day at Coys.

June 3rd - 6th Canal Days in the Village of Canal Flats.

June 6th Kootenay Krusher Mountain Bike Race.

June 6th Angela Morgan Grand Opening at the Artym.

Saturday July 11

Soiree en Blanc

Every Thursday evening in July and August Downtown Invermere

Every Monday evening in July & August Downtown Invermere

June 22nd - 24th Kelly Hrudey and Friends Charity Golf.

May 23rd - 24th Radium Hot Springs Rally.

Movies in the Mountains

June 20th - September 12th Invermere Farmers’ Market.

May 23rd Killer Rollbots Roller Derby at the Eddie.

Music in the Mountain

June 20th 4th Annual East Kootenay Beer Festival.

May 23rd Community Sale at Lakeshore Campground.

July 18th Featuring Kimberley Kiel at Effusion.

July 18th Valley Appreciation Day in Invermere.

July 17th 17th Annual Bull Riding in the Rockies.

July 16th - 19th BC Cup/Canada Cup Downhill MTB Race.

July 13th - 17th, 27th - 31st Black Star Studios Summer Art Camps

July 13th - 17th FREE Wild Kidz Day Camp near Radium.

July 13th - July 17th RAWK the Rockies at Panorama Resort.

July 12th - 17th Nipika Paddle & Hike Adventure Week.

July 11th - 12th Horseback Archery Tourney at Luxor Corrals.

July 11th - 12th Heart of the Rockies Triathlon in Invermere.

July 11th Soiree en Blanc.

Oktoberfest

Saturday October 3

For more info go to www.MonsterMashDash.ca

Early bird entries by October 10th 10k ........................$30 (after Oct 10th · $35) 5k .........................$25 (after Oct 10th · $30) 12yrs and under ...... $10 (no race day souvenir)

www.shapeupinvermere.com

VFC

valleyfitnesscentre

Proceeds in benefit of

• Water and trick or treat stations on course • Start time 10:30 am from Downtown Sponsored by Invermere

Saturday October 24

• Free “Little Monster Mash Dash” race around start area • Costume contest • Race day souvenir • Free day pass to Valley Fitness

Monster Mash Dash

Invermere Upcoming Eve f o t c i r nts Dist

June 20th Horsethief Pub celebrates 20 years!

May 23rd Purcell Mountain Painters Art Sale.

Snowflake Festival

Friday January 22, 2016

Coffee Fest

March 25 – 27, 2016

For more information visit www.invermerepanorama.com

August 23rd - 28th The Week of Rockies Rivers at Nipika.

August 22nd - 23rd 4th annual Fairmont Hot Springs Airport Fly In.

August 22nd - 23rd Invermere MusicFest

August 15th, 22nd Featuring Verne Busby at Effusion on 15th; David James Veres on 22nd.

August 15th Radium Library’s Teddy Bear Picnic.

August 10th -14th, 17th - 28th Black Star Studios Summer Art Camps.

August 9th Summer Splash at James Chabot Beach.

August 9th Lake Windermere Open Water Swim.

August 8th - 9th 7th annual Columbia Basin Culture Tour.

August 8th Featuring Veronica Funk at Effusion.

August 8th 39th Annual Lakeside Event.

August 8th 20th Annual Loop the Lake.

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July 11th Mr. & Mrs. Open Tournament at Spur Valley.

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June 20th Radium Days/Brits Best Classic Car Show.

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May 23rd Groundswell’s Plant Sale/ Open House.

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MST photos

Get your Mudd on

September

at Panorama

By James Rose

You have actually followed through on your New Year’s resolution for getting in shape.

You feel awesome about yourself, and rightly so — you deserve some added pride. However, if you want to truly prove to the world how fit you have become and how up to a challenge you actually are, Panorama Mountain Resort has just the event for you this coming September 12th.

The event? Mudd, Sweat & Tears Rockies (MST). If you’ve been hearing about Spartan races and Tough Mudders, MST is similar. Described as a super charged eight-kilometre obstacle course mud run, the course design features tons of mud, a series of obstacles, and fantastic single track trails with challenging ascents.

This will be the first time Panorama hosts a MST. According to MST founder, John Reed, Panorama was a logical choice for a race location since it’s already the host venue for a variety of downhill skiing and mountain bike events.

“The resort’s family friendly alpine village feel and stunning vistas are com-

pleted by the perfect mix of trails and terrain,” he said.

According to Patrick Gillespie, race and mountain events manager for Panorama Mountain Resort, the course will start in the lower village and wind its way up to the Discovery Chair area.

“We are expecting anywhere between 500 and 2,500 people to participate in the race,” he added, “and since very few locations have the diversity of activities, natural terrain that we have and our track record of hosting major outdoor events, we believe the event is a natural fit.”

Obstacle course racing is one of the latest fitness trends to move everyone from adrenaline junkies to health buffs. MST focuses on designing obstacles and races customized to the venue. From ski resorts and famous landmarks to urban city centres, each course is chosen and designed with Canada’s ultimate outdoor adventure terrain in mind.

For 2015, the MST is introducing a “Get in the Mudd” program, which gives beginners a challenging but less extreme option at the most difficult

obstacles on the course. This new program makes the MST racing format more accessible to participants starting out in a competitive environment.

“It’s important for Panorama to shake things up a bit when it comes to event planning,” Mr. Gillespie was keen to point out. “There is so much potential for summer at Panorama with it being such a beautiful spot and having a great village.”

Safe to say, if you are looking for a great challenge and an even greater amount of fun, Panorama’s Mudd Sweat & Tears may be your perfect prescription.

For more information on event details, registration, volunteer opportunities and pricing, visit the MST page at www.panoramaresort.com/events. For information on the MST series itself, visit www.muddsweatandtears.com.

• Boat and Seadoo Rentals • Gas and Oil Sales • Valet and Boat Storage • Ice Cream MARINA: 250-342-9626 • Marine Repairs • Boat Detailing • Worry-Free Winterization • Winter Storage SERVICE: 250-342-9625

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Artists drawn to Radium retreat Aside from bighorn sheep and the hot pools, what does Radium have to offer? Well, there’s the view.

Through public consultation, the Village of Radium Hot Springs discovered there was a desire for an event that showcased the beautiful yellow aspens that add so much brilliance to the Columbia Valley’s crisp autumn landscape. An artist’s retreat was proposed, with the idea that it would start as a weekend, eventually growing into a longer and bigger annual event that would draw artists from all over to come and enjoy the more temperate weather and breathtaking landscapes of the valley in October.

In the fall of 2014, the first of what is now billed as Radium Colours took place. Ryan Bavin gave workshops on photography and Lynn Grillmair on painting.

This year, Radium Colours begins on Friday, October 2nd and concludes on Sunday, October 4th.

Like last year, there will be photography and painting workshops again. For 2016, Mr. Tolchard hopes to increase the event significantly by including more workshop options like pottery and night photography.

“But for now the scope will be painting and photography focused around landscapes as this covers the colours aspect of the fall event,” he said.

The weekend will begin with a meet and greet between instructors and participants on Friday evening, giving people a chance to connect and discover mutual passions in their art. Workshops

By Dorothy Isted will take place all day on the Saturday, with participants engaged in experiential learning, all the while enjoying the magnificent fall colours while breathing in the crisp air and glorying in the brilliant blue skies and sunshine still much evident in the valley at this time.

Participant Kris McCauley of Radium loved her experience the first year and plans to register again this year.

“Getting photographers together you talk, share ideas. (It was) a wonderful day of practising and getting to do what you love,” she said of her workshop day. “We had an adventure and it was a beautiful day and we went longer than we were supposed to and it was great.”

On the Saturday night, people will be free to choose from one of the many fine restaurants that Radium has to offer, then take a soak in the hot pools and finish up at either the CasaVino Wine and Tapas Bar, the Horsethief Pub or the Prestige Inn for a nightcap and further schmoozing with new art friends. A guest speaker is tentatively planned for the wrap-up brunch on Sunday.

Participants are encouraged to stay a few extra days to enjoy the great hiking and golfing that is still to be enjoyed in the valley at this time of year as the weather often stays warm until mid to late October. More information can be obtained at www. radiumhotsprings.com or call 250-347-9331.

Next to the Mountainside Market in Radium Hot Springs

Open Daily year-round for lunch, dinner, and late night drinks LIVE MUSIC

onday at 7 p.m.

KARAOKE

Every Thursday at 8 p.m.

Every Friday & Saturday all summer

Kitchen open late!

2 patios with lots of outdoor seating

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• Self-Service Gasoline • Diesel • Propane • Large Convenience Store • ATM • Fishing Supplies • Three-Bay Wand Wash • Vacuums • Kicking Horse Coffee • Slushies • Phone Cards Hours of Operation: Sunday 6:30 am - 11:00 pm Monday to Thursday 6:00 am - 11:00 pm Friday 6:00 am - 12 midnight Saturday 6:30 am - 12 midnight

Kristin McCauley photo valley

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Celebrating

January

Winter In Motion Running more than twice the length of the next longest maintained ice surface in the world, the Lake Windermere Whiteway took Guinness World Records’ top honours in 2014 for the world’s longest outdoor ice skating trail.

Its transitory nature is part of the charm — it’s only available in the cold winter months when the ice freezes thick enough to hold a vehicle, making it the perfect centrepiece for the Columbia Valley’s Winter in Motion Festival.

The festival was created to bring together all the winter events that happen in the valley in a way that helps locals and visitors learn about and access what is available.

“We are excited to showcase the valley to all visitors (who will) be delightfully surprised by the diversity of winter activities here,” said Columbia Valley Tourism Marketing Committee Chair Andrea Tubbs.

The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club maintains the Whiteway by plowing

Nicole Trigg photo

a six-metre wide stretch on the lake that exceeds 30 kilometres in length (cross country tracks are set alongside the skating track). On the heels of its world record win, the first Winter in Motion Festival was planned.

The communities of Invermere, Windermere, Radium, Panorama and Fairmont Hot Springs joined forces in January and February of 2015 to present a fun-filled festival developed to enhance what nature has to offer.

Annual events that now fall under the festival’s Over 100 part-time, umbrella include evening Onlin the Snowflake Fese regis and online classes. tival, Taste of the t r atio now Valley, Bonspiel on avail n able!

Go to cotr.bc.ca/coned the Lake, Fairmont for full course listing.

Fire and Ice, Radium Winterfest, the Call our Invermere Campus today Nipika / Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club 250-342-3210 Loppet Weekend,

Full Service Gas at Self-Serve Price

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• Ice Cream Parlour • Flavoured Soft Ice Cream • Snacks & Treats

250-342-BOWL E-mail: familyfun@valleyalley.ca

(2695)

By Dorothy Isted

• Propane/Diesel • Convenience Store • Fireworks

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Visit us on Highway 93/95 between Invermere & Windermere

valley

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the Columbia Valley Pond Hockey Championship, and the Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley’s Fishing Derby and Snow Golf Tournament.

But what kicked off the 1st annual Winter in Motion Festival at the start of 2015 was the inaugural Whiteway Festival. The event, held to officially celebrate the Guinness World Record while showcasing the Whiteway and all its uses, attracted about 350 people who turned out to try snowshoeing, speed skating, cross country skiing and fat biking, and enjoy fire pits and the maintained ice rinks just off Kinsmen Beach.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club director Duncan Whittick. Regarding the planning, “it all came together in six weeks,” he said. “We had support from Columbia Basin Trust, the District of Invermere and many of the local businesses and clubs.”

Topping off the event was a live performance

Fully Licensed

Restaurant & Lounge Nicole Trigg photo

by local band Dandelions who performed their song Take Me There, which is the soundtrack to a promotional video for the Whiteway, Search YouTube for “World’s Longest Ice Skating Trail — The Whiteway — Take Me There.”

Each winter, the Whiteway can be accessed at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere or at Windermere Beach on the east side of the lake. The official entry points feature maps explaining the Whiteway circuit, offer information about the local Nordic skiing club, and house donation boxes. The Nordic club asks that users (both skaters and skiers) either pay an individual day-use fee of $5 or purchase a membership to the club at $50 per year ($120 for a family) as the proceeds help with

maintenance costs. People can even use a QR code using PayPal to pay with their cell phones.

See the club’s website for other membership benefits as well as a list of other cross country ski trails in the area at www.tobycreeknordic.ca.

With more moderate temperatures and weather than east of the Rocky Mountains, the Columbia Valley offers a winter lifestyle that works for everyone, and the Winter in Motion Festival signature events are an excellent way to get out and enjoy the snow-and-ice filled season with friends and family in one of the most beautiful regions of British Columbia.

Whether you want to watch ice sculpture carving demos, enjoy good food and wine, listen to live entertainment, take part in an ice fishing derby or try your hand at fat biking on a frozen lake, there is a exciting variety of things to do. Information about the Winter In Motion Festival can be found online at www.

WinterInMotion.ca.

Specializing in Austrian & Continental Cuisine • Schnitzel • Steak • Seafood • Bratwurst • Homemade Pasta Try our homemade desserts!

Children’s Menu Fresh Food and Fresh Ingredients!

Y DAILRSE U 3-CO NER DIN IAL C SPE Private Functions/Seminars: We can help you with entertainment, buffet or fine dining menus.

Visit our outdoor patio.

Fabulous Lunch Menu 11:30-4 p.m. daily (Summer only)

Dinner - Open 5 p.m.

Hwy. 93 Radium Hot Springs, B.C. www.OldSalzburgRestaurant.com info@oldsalzburgrestaurant.com

For Reservations Call

Kristian Rasmussen photo

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250.347.6553

JANUARY

Winter

January - February Winter in Motion Festival.

A celebration of winter and all there is to do, see and experience in the Columbia Valley. Kicks off with the Whiteway Winter Festival.

Visit TheColumbiaValley.ca.

January - May Wine Tasting in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Lobby.

Learn about B.C. wines from the in-house sommelier every Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. $10 per person.

September - December Live Music Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. and Karaoke Thursdays 8 p.m. to late at the Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery in Radium.

Call 250-347-6400.

January 16th Locals’ Day at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Hill. Ski all day for only a toonie! Visit fairmonthotsprings.com.

January 17th - 23rd Cross Country Ski Week in the Rockies. This instructional week is the perfect skiing holiday for the novice to advanced cross country skier.

Learn to ski from Olympic coaches and world class instructors. Great trails, expert coaching, fun and adventure. Visit nipika.com or call 1-877-647-4525.

January 22nd Snowflake Festival at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere.

Taste of the Valley food sampling, fireworks, kick off to Bonspiel on the Lake and more. Visit TheColumbiaValley.ca.

January 22nd - 24th Bonspiel on the Lake at

Kinsmen Beach. Largest outdoor curling bonspiel in Canada. For more details visit curlinginvermere.ca.

January 30th 16th Annual Fishing Derby on Lake Windermere.

Presented by Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley. Contact Station Pub at 250-342-5557 for details.

January 30th - 31st Nipika/ Toby Creek Nordic Loppet Weekend hosted by Nipika Mountain Resort & Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club.

This two-race weekend offers a challenging 30-kilometre classic race on Saturday then a 20-kilometre skate event on Sunday. Also offered are recreational distances and distances for all ages of kids.

Prizes, draws and barbecue included on both days.

Visit nipika.com or call 1-877-647-4525.

January 30th - 31st Columbia Valley Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Windermere at Kinsmen Beach. A Columbia Valley Rockies fundraiser. Visit TheColumbiaValley.ca.

FEBRUARY

fairmonthotsprings.com.

February 5th - 7th Junior Cash Spiel. For more details visit curlinginvermere.ca.

February 6th 15th Annual Snow Golf Tournament on Lake Windermere. Presented by Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley. Contact Station Pub at 250-342-5557 for more info.

February 7th Horsethief Pub’s annual Superbowl Party in Radium.

Call 250-347-6400.

February 12th - 14th Men’s Spiel. For more details visit curlinginvermere.ca February 13th Annual Puppy Love fundraiser presented by Fire Vixen Tattoos at Invermere Community Hall. All proceeds from tattoos go to Global Animal Lovers to help with animal rescue efforts. Call 250-342-8844 for details.

February 13th - 19th Artym Gallery presents a group artist exhibition.

Opening February 13th, 10 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m. Visit artymgallery.com.

February 2nd Family Fish Day. A fun day for the entire family. The Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club supplies everything, hut, rods, etc. and holds a barbecue on the ice for all to enjoy. Visit lwdrodgun.com.

February 20th Annual Wild Game Dinner and Dance. At the Invermere Community Hall, presented by the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club. A tantalising culinary delight of wild fare.

Visit lwdrodgun.com.

February 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th The 33rd Annual Starlight Challenge every Friday night at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Area. Adult (19+) ski race series. Visit

February 29th Leap Day edition of Live Music Monday at the Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery in Radium. Call 250347-6400.

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MARCH March 5th The 2nd Annual Charity Ski Day at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Family Ski Area. Enjoy family fun for a good cause!

Visit fairmonthotsprings.com.

March 17th St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery in Radium. Green beer and Irish food specials. Call 250347-6400.

March 25th -27th 3rd annual Invermere Coffee Fest. Celebrating local coffee culture. Visit invermerecoffeefest.com for more details and to register.

March 25th - 28th Easter Celebration at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort all weekend!

Enjoy a family Easter egg hunt, egg colouring, basket decorating, brunch and more!

Visit fairmonthotsprings.com.

March TBA Kootenay Freestyle Classic by the Panorama Mountain Freeride Club at Panorama Mountain Resort.

A BC Freestyle-sanctioned event, includes moguls and slopestyle. Email programdirector@pmfc.ca or visit panoramaresort.com/ events.

March TBA 10th Annual Mountain of Hope Gala at Chopper’s Landing at Panorama Mountain Resort.

Silent auction, cocktails, dinner. The Mountain of Hope Society assists people in our community who have valley

APRIL April - September Pynelogs Cafe featuring the Scotty Burger opens for the season at Pynelogs, Invermere.

Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit columbiavalleyarts.com.

April - October Pynelogs Art Gallery, Cultural Centre and Gift Shop open for the season. Daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit columbiavalleyarts.com.

April 1st 2nd Annual Daffodil Dash.

A Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser. A 1-, 5- or 10-kilometre walk or run beginning at Mount Nelson Athletic Park in Invermere. Call 250-342-9059 for more info.

April 2nd - 8th Artym Gallery presents a group artist exhibition. Opening February 13th, 10 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m. Visit artymgallery.com.

April 5th - 24th Art From the Heart at Pynelogs Featuring over 600 pieces of art from our talented and diverse group of elementary school aged kids from the Columbia Valley. Visit columbiavalleyarts.com or call 250-342-4423.

April 10th Winter ski season closing day at Panorama Mountain Resort.

Visit panoramaresort.com or phone 250-342-6941.

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April 26th - May 8th Wings Over the Rockies ART SHOW at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. A creative and themed art show that coincides with Wings Over the Rockies Festival. Up to twenty different artists showcased. Visit columbiavalleyarts.com.

April 26th - May 8th Lil’ Peeps Art Show. Featuring the artwork from the children of the Columbia Valley childcare groups. This show coincides with the Wings Over the Rockies Festival & Art Show.

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com.

April TBA Easter Celebrations at Panorama Mountain Resort.

Celebrate Easter with Easter egg hunts, carnivals, and hardboiled egg decorating. Visit panoramaresort.com/events or phone 250-342-6941.

April TBA Annual Easyrider Snowboard Cup at Panorama Mountain Resort. Banked slalom plus other snowboarding fun. Visit www.theeasyrider.com and panoramaresort.com/events.

MAY/JUNE May 2nd - 8th Wings Over the Rockies FESTIVAL. Almost 100 quality, creative and educational events. Activities include guided nature walks, river floats, hikes in the grasslands, art exhibits, presentations & much more. Visit wingsovertherockies.org for a list of events, dates and times.

June - September The Windermere Valley Museum in Invermere opens for visitors seven days a week. Visit windermerevalleymuseum.ca.

SPRING

March 25th - 26th Spring link to Rink Spiel.

For more details visit curlinginvermere.ca

suddenly come upon difficult times and do not have other resources to call on. Email mountainofhopesociety@ gmail.com or visit panoramaresort.com/events.

A Day in the

Life of a Tourist

By Dorothy Isted

Saturday, 7:30 a.m. Driving from Kootenay National Park into Radium Hot Springs late yesterday afternoon, an unexpected sense of destiny began to overtake me. I am meant to be here.

Note to self: I need my head examined!

How could I have lived in Alberta all my life, weekended in Banff and never have come to see this incredible place?

Here I sit, on the Dragonfly Boardwalk at James Chabot Provincial Park in Invermere, looking out at Lake Windermere with my journal and Kicking Horse Coffee to go. Early, because I wanted to enjoy the peace of a mountain morning and listen to the songbirds in the Columbia Wetlands — the longest protected intact wetlands in

Locally crafted award winning sausages, Full deli, BBQ ready meals and dine in take out made to order lunches.

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1210 - 7th Ave., Invermere konigmeats.com

North America, right here. Amazing.

Last night after checking into the Picadilly Motel, I walked around Radium village and checked out the Music & Market on Main at the Visitor Information Centre. A great local band was playing, it was warm, people were happy and I felt part of a community. Strange… it’s only my first visit. I picked up so many brochures only to discover there’s way more than I can do before I leave tomorrow, but I’m already planning a next time. With the whole family.

There’s another market this morning in Invermere and one tomorrow in Fairmont but… another time.

Getting hungry so I’ll hit Huckleberry’s for breakfast and do a quick drive up the hill to see what’s in Invermere.

Then it’s Columbia River Kayak and Canoe for a wetlands interpretive tour at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday 1:15 p.m. Well, I really wanted to explore this valley, which would have been harder if I had decided to golf. But, oh my! The courses here are really appealing — and so many of them. I’m now at the Spilli Bean Café, watching people float by on the Columbia River. Apple cheddar soup?

Peanut butter pie? Raved about on Trip Advisor. I was hungry after the river trip and after learning it was a 40-minute drive to Spillimacheen, I stopped at Fuze for a small green smoothie to get me here. Better not have dessert or I won’t have room for supper.

Maybe I’ll drive down to Fairmont for breakfast tomorrow and try out their hot springs before I leave. I’d like to check out Canal Flats too, which is on the way to the natural Lussier Hot Springs further south, but ... next time.

I’m told I can drive back to Radium, or all the way to Fairmont, on the valley’s Westside Road. Another idea for next time. valley

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in the Valley Hmmm… maybe get some rays at one of the beaches on Lake Windermere? Hang gliding, I’ve always wanted to try that. Seems to be a bit of a mountain biking mecca — lots of bikes on cars. Ah, I know — I can go to Panorama Mountain Resort and take the Mile One quad chairlift to 1,200 feet and do a short hike up there. So I’ll be outside, up high, get some sun — all at the same time.

Saturday 10:00 p.m. Wow, this has been the best day ever! I saw a bear!

Thankfully, it was on another mountain and, thankfully, I had my binoculars with me. The views at Panorama were great. Heck – the views EVERYWHERE are great! It was so hard to choose where to eat dinner: could have stayed at Panorama, but Invermere and all the resorts have tempting offers too.

Strands was having live music so I chose that and dinner was great, but decided to come back to Radium for dessert at Helna’s Stube. Sat outside on the patio and there was live music (again!) drifting from across the street at the Visitor Centre. Called Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and booked a massage for the morning after a soak in the pool. Need to get an early start to beat the traffic.

Sunday, 12:30 p.m. Sigh. It’s over. Just had a great morning in Fairmont and the best Seafood Benny in my life at From Scratch in Fairmont. The people here are so friendly. Not just here, but everywhere in the valley. It’s a beautiful day for a scenic drive back home — need to stop at that lookout point before Radium for more photos, and then the one in Kootenay National Park. This time I was an accidental tourist, not knowing what would transpire. But I’ve got a lot to go on now and the next time… well, it will be just like this time: relaxing, adventurous and unexpectedly delightful.

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