SUMMER 2016 › WELCOME
SHRED KELLY’S COLOUR RUN, A COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER FOR THE ARTS | NICK NAULT PHOTO in the community are right behind them, supporting, assisting and cheering them on. In the last eighteen months I have received the benefits of a number of individuals who have done just that: the beautiful Grace who founded FIRE to ensure everyone had the opportunity to partake in winter sports; Heather, who established WOW to provide an un-intimidating place for women to share good times on two wheels; Marlene, who opened the Castle’s doors as a place to inspire movement for all; Rachel and Tanya, who have made the Goddess Rising festival an annual event, as well as numerous other events and ventures that fill both mine and Fernie’s vibrant diary. The limitless imagination and entrepreneurialism has had a profound effect on me to stay true to my dreams and make them happen. Whilst living here I have worked in a number of different roles and participated in an even greater number of activities. One of the greatest gifts Fernie has given me is experiencing first-hand the complete integration of people of different ages. Whether it’s on the trails, at the gym, in the community garden, in life-drawing classes, in the park, by the river or at yoga, there is always the most wonderful rainbow of
ages present. Here, age is not viewed as a limitation (at either end of that rainbow) and there is a great respect between generations. Both of these values are not always common in the developed world and it has been a life lesson witnessing and being a part of it. One priceless experience and lesson that I will take from this magical place and cherish forever is the importance of presence. It’s all well and good reading and preaching about the need to stay present, but this is a practice and habit that is naturally normal amongst this community. There is an underlying rhythm dictated by the seasons, but each day and week can bring so much variety and surprise to everyone here. If the sun is out and the trails are dry, work is tidied up quickly that morning or can wait till the evening. Every opportunity is embraced and every day is received as a gift not to be wasted. Fernie, you are truly a special place. Your landscape and community are both inspiring and comforting as you continue to welcome new visitors and residents each season with un-faltered energy and kindness. Thank you, Claire Lewis
INTERESTING SUMMER FACTS Location: Southeast corner of British Columbia, Canada, fully encircled by the Canadian Rockies. Just 45 minutes from both the Alberta and US borders. Population: 4,448 permanent residents with an additional 2,000 outside city limits and a substantial seasonal population. Temperature: Average high in degrees Celsius is 20.6 in June, 25.1 in July, 25.1 in August and 19.3 in September. Trail Network: There is over 300km of trails in and around Fernie, along with an additional 36 trails plus at Fernie Alpine Resort. The Lake District: Just 30 minutes west of Fernie, approximately ten lakes to visit on a hot day including the well-known Koocanusa. Fernie’s Name: William Fernie founded this town on one of his prospecting trips in 1897. Ghostrider Legend: Known for its legends, summer is a great time to check out the Ghostrider on Mt. Hosmer, revealing a distinctive horse and rider rumoured to be the ghost of an angry Indian Chief and his daughter pursuing William Fernie. Festivals: Fernie hosts three festivals each summer, the Roll and Sole Trail Festival, the Wapiti Music Festival and Bibbity Bobbity Boo, Fernie’s children’s festival.
FERNIEFIX.COM | 9