June 2025 Village Vibe by Fernwood NRG

villagevibe

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

FernFest is expanding!

Join us at FernFest on Friday, June 13 & Saturday, June 14

›› Mila Czemerys

You’re invited to FernFest 2025, Fernwood’s annual free, community-based festival of music, art, and celebration brought to you by Fernwood Neighbourhood House!

It’s all happening on Friday, June 13 from 5–10pm and Saturday, June 14 from 11:30am–10pm in Fernwood Square and beyond. Join the fun as we showcase local musicians and artists you may not have heard of—but are bound to love.

This year, FernFest is expanding with the launch of a brandnew stage: the Big Fernwood Stage, located behind Fernwood Neighbourhood House at 1240 Gladstone Avenue. With this exciting addition, we now feature three vibrant stages of performances and even more space for community celebration.

There is something for everyone at FernFest—live performances by over 40 musicians and performers; booths from 85+ local makers in our artisan market; non-profits; games; bouncy castle; art-making in the Field of Dreams; magic; food vendors and drinks; auction; workshops; wishing tree; and a whole bunch of your favourite neighbours and friends gathered together.

We are honoured to welcome the l ək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers on Friday at 5pm with a territorial welcome and culture share. We acknowledge that FernFest takes place on the homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking peoples: Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and WSÁNEĆ Nations.

FernFest reflects Fernwood NH’s Strategic Plan and vision: a neighbourhood where everyone experiences belonging, connection, joy, and acceptance.

You’ll hear artists like Pastel Blank, Garret T. Willie, Hank Pine, Paris Pick and the Pricks, Vic High RnB Band, Mariachi Sin Frontera, Devours, Zoubi and the Sea, and many more!

Be sure to check out our silent auction at airauctioneer.com/ fernfest-2025-auction. Proceeds directly support Fernwood Neighbourhood House. Please walk, bike, or bus to the event— parking is very limited. A free bike valet will be available in the basketball court at Vic High off of Fernwood Road. Bring your water bottle and refill at our on-site water station. We welcome donations. This event is free—and your donations keep it going.

A huge thank you to the City of Victoria Festival Investment Grant and the Province of British Columbia for supporting FernFest. Thank you to our 2025 sponsors: The Zone @ 91.3, Belfry Theatre, Phillips Brewing and Malting Co., Garside Signs, Diversity Media, Fernwood Green Cannabis, Knotty By Nature, and more!

We are an inclusive event for all classes, cultures, genders, ages, and abilities. Everyone is welcome!

Find the full program guide at: fernwoodnrg.ca/fernfest/ program. Happy FernFest!

Published by Fernwood Neighbourhood House

Editorial Committee

Chantille Viaud Mila Czemerys

Founding Editor Lisa Helps

Contributors

Mila Czemerys Nada Saad

Kady Savard Margaret Hantiuk

Kim Ashbourne Salma Ihsan

Chris Caicedo Carbonell

Rebecca Knezacek

Art Ro Farmer Studio Don Craig Photo Kady Savard Kim Ashbourne

Salma Ihsan

Production Mila Czemerys

1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 1G6

T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509

info@fernwoodnrg.ca | villagevibe.ca

To advertise, contact ads@fernwoodnrg.ca

The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NH.

We gratefully acknowledge that Fernwood, our community where we live, work and play resides on the territory of the Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

declaration of principles & values

›› We are committed to creating a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable neighbourhood;

›› We are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets;

›› We are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially self-reliant;

›› We are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment;

›› We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them;

›› We are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives;

›› We are committed to governing our organization and serving our neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness;

›› We are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth, and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves;

›› We are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our neighbourhood’s heritage and diversity;

›› We are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive;

›› and, most of all, We are committed to having fun!

fernfest: Volunteer with FernFest!

Experience FernFest 2025 as part of the team!

›› Nada Saad

Every year, we’re blown away by the incredible energy and community spirit that comes together to celebrate Fernwood, the arts, and everything in between. As always, FernFest wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers. If you’re looking to be part of something meaningful and full of heart, we’d love to have you on our team. Whether you’re a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, this is your chance to help create unforgettable memories and be part of an awesome community.

FernFest kicks off on Friday evening, June 13, and continues all day Saturday, June 14. This year, we’re bringing even more music to the streets with performances across three unique stages: Little Fernwood Stage, Fernwood Square Stage, and the brand new Big Fernwood Stage— all featuring incredible local artists. But that’s not all! FernFest will also feature an artisan market, food vendors, Field of Dream, and so much more!

We’re currently looking for volunteers to help with a variety of roles including Festival set-up and tear-down, Artisan Market support, Field of Dreams activities, Beverage gardens and ticket sales,

Hospitality, Sound equipment set-up/ take-down, Green Team, Bike valet and even pre- and post-event opportunities for those curious about what goes into transforming Fernwood into FernFest!

As a thank you, volunteers will receive a free FernFest t-shirt, free food and drinks, a beverage garden ticket (to enjoy after your shift), and an invite to our Volunteer Appreciation Party!

Come meet like-minded folks and be part of an unforgettable community celebration, sign up today by filling out our online FernFest Volunteer Application at fernwoodnrg.ca/events-directory/ fernfest/volunteer/

We can’t wait to celebrate with you and make FernFest 2025 the best one yet!

Meet awesome people, join the fun, and give back by volunteering at FernFest. Photo: Don Craig

6:50pm GETTWET

7:55pm PARIS PICK AND THE PRICKS

9:00pm HIGH SOCIETY

Time Performer NEW! BIG FERNWOOD STAGE behind the Fernwood Community Centre at 1240 Gladstone Ave

6:30pm GREG BONBON

7:45pm GRAPEFRUIT IS IMPOSSIBLE

8:50pm GARDEN CITY SOUL CLUB DANCE PARTY

Time Performer LITTLE FERNWOOD STAGE at 1923 Fernwood Rd Curated by Vinyl Envy Record Store, space provided by the Fernwood Community & Arts Association

6:00pm LUNA LAND

7:00pm GHOSTLY HOUNDS

8:00pm ZOUBI & THE SEA

9:00pm THE THUNES

BEVERAGE GARDENS Hang in at our 3 stages, listen to music, dance, & enjoy local Phillips & Merridale brews. (All all-ages venues, 19+ for alcohol, bring 2 pieces of ID) All proceeds support Fernwood Neighbourhood House!

5pm - 10pm Fernwood Square Bar

6pm - 10pm Little Fernwood Bar at 1923 Fernwood Road

6:30pm - 10pm Big Fernwood Bar at 1240 Gladstone in the Skate Park

FOOD Enjoy tasty eats from our food vendors in Fernwood Square & Stevenson Park. Plus check out all our amazing local restaurants in Fernwood Village.

5pm - 10pm Fernwood Square Food Vendors

6:30pm - 10pm Big Fernwood Food Vendors at 1240 Gladstone Ave in Stevenson Park

5pm - 10pm

BIKE VALET in the basketball courts at Vic High off of Fernwood Road

Time

June 11 at 10:00am to June 15 at 5:00pm ONLINE AUCTION

12:00pm10:00pm FERNWOOD SQUARE STAGE Fernwood Square

1:00pm10:00pm

LITTLE FERNWOOD STAGE 1923 Fernwood Road

11:30am10:00pm BIG FERNWOOD STAGE

11:30am10:00pm BIKE VALET

11:30am5:30pm ARTISAN MARKET

In Skate Park behind Fernwood Neighbourhood House (1240 Gladstone)

Vic High Basketball Court off of Fernwood Road

Gladstone Avenue beside Fernwood Square

11:30am5:30pm

11:30am10:00pm

FIELD OF DREAMS Kid’s Zone, Art, Non-Profit Hub Stevenson Park behind Fernwood Neighbourhood House (1240 Gladstone)

FOOD VENDORS

Between 12:00pm & 10:00pm BEVERAGE GARDENS

Between 1:00pm & 5:30pm WORKSHOPS

Stevenson Park behind Fernwood Neighbourhood House (1240 Gladstone)

Fernwood Square

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

11:30AM-10PM

Bid on an amazing selection of items including gift certificates, coffee, art, experiences, and more! Our auction will be held online at airauctioneer.com/fernfest-2025-auction. Bidding starts on Wednesday, June 11 at 10am and runs until Sunday, June 15 at 5pm. Thank you to all our auction donors!

All proceeds support Fernwood Neighbourhood House!

The Fernwood Square Stage is located in Fernwood Square under the gazebo. Join us here to dance all day and night in this beautiful public square surround by Fernwood Village.

The Little Fernwood Stage is located at 1923 Fernwood Road at the Fernwood Community & Arts Association. This stage is brought to us in partnership with Vinyl Envy Record Store & Fernwood Community & Arts Association. Thanks friends!

NEW this year, we have added the Big Fernwood Stage in the Skate Park behind Fernwood Neighourhood House (Fernwood Community Centre). Enjoy a variety of musical performances, dance performances, cultural shares, and at dusk, enjoy some great country and blues!

Please bike, walk, skate, ride the bus to FernFest! We will have free bike parking in the basketball court at Vic High off of Fernwood Road through Capital Bike.

85+ local vendors will be showcasing their unique items, bringing you handmade clothing, jewelry, soaps, art, treats, and lots more! Thanks to @thefernwoodmakersparty for collaborating on curating and coordinating this market! Artisan Market Vendors: Abbie Originals, Aliya Violet Jewelry, allyseefeldt, Amphora Ceramics, Art by Montana, Babushka Botanics, Bee SU, BEETLETEETH, Bellamy Home Studio, big ears, Bijouart, Blue.Roots, Bogini Designs, Bold Gluten Free, Bone & Burl, Brianna Bear Art, Camas Books & Infoshop, Catmared, Cephalopods Ink-orporated, cherub, Coffee to Tow, Cold Comfort, COZY KOJI, CREAM Life + Style, Creature Comfort Collective, DECEMBER STUDIO ART, Dime A Dozen, Dog Tired Art co., Dottie Handmade, Earthen Lore Ceramics, Everlasting Elegance , Fernwood Green, Fruiting Body Herbals, Fruity ceramics, Gobind Farms Inc. , Good Filling Sankaku, Hedgehog Woodshop, Hide N Seek, Hot Pink Pottery, Iris Moore Art & Midnight Rose Rebellion, Isabel Coxon Art, Jake Pruim Stuff, Jell Done , Jill Duggan Pottery, Kid Sister Ice Cream, Kilele Creations, KODO Collection, Kreature Vintage , Leadlight Vagrant, Little Sins Chocolates , Lorelei Textile Design, Morena Clothing, Muchiiko, my friend monster, My Pick, Nyx Rowan, Phaest, Pizza for Breakfast Designs & Colour Me Weird, Print Hole, Pudgy Pigeon Kombucha Brew, Radjuli Leather Designs, Randy the Raven, Rising Moon Botanicals, Scandinazn, September’s Hearth , Smiley Drop, Smoky Mountain Apiary , Solder & Salt, Sparrow Printmaking, Spider Village, Studio

Pottery, Wildflower Dyes, Wonder House Craft +

woodbrick, Woodland Charm Plant+, Wool Hoo, Wychbury Ave Soap & Gifts, Yiru Yiru Baby Shop & Photography

Discover the Field of Dreams for more live music, family fun, and art galore! Find games, face-painting, a bouncy castle, Sunshine Clowns, community art activities, Island Circus Space acro yoga, bubbles, ballon art, and magic with The Great Giffoni here. Plus, get the opportunity to talk to local non-profits about the cool things they do in the community! Field of Dreams Booths: Knotty By Nature, 4 Cats Art Studio, Yarn for me , Tree Fort Toys, nan.c designs, Sparkle Shack Body Art, Face Painting by Shazana, Maritime Museum, Tapestry Music, Science Venture, Grace Lore MLA, Kaleidoscope Theatre, Friends of Bowker Creek, CRD BCI, Reciprocity Trusts, Nesting Doula Collective, Victoria Ska & Reggae Society, Vancouver Island Woodworkers Guild, Victoria Tool Library, Wilderness Committee, Good Food Box, City of Victoria - Climate Action

Grab a bite to eat from a great selection of local food vendors in Stevenson Park. You’ll find steamed bao, Ethiopian, Greek, gluten-free churros, Asian comfort food, burgers, ice cream, mini donuts, pizza, and more!

Food Vendors: Churros and Mor, Cold Comfort Ice Cream, Deadbeetz Burgers, Ethiopian Wish Catering, Greek n’ Go, Hazel’s Ice Cream, Holy Cow Mini Donuts, Kao Gang, Vagabond Pies

Visit Hot Dog Hustlin’ for Filipino Street Food. It’s a journey to Manilla in Fernwood Square! Los Panas Venezuelan will also be there with arepas, patacones, and empanadas for you to enjoy. Plus visit Mesa, Vegas in Fernwood Square and all the other incredible restaurants in Fernwood Village.

Fernwood Square 12:00pm - 10:00pm Hang at our 3 stages, listen to music, dance, & enjoy local Phillips & Merridale brews. All all-ages venues, 19+ for alcohol, bring 2 pieces of ID

1923 Fernwood Rd 12:45pm - 1:00pm 1240 Gladstone Ave Skare Park 12:00pm - 10:00pm

Little Fernwood Stage - 1923 Fernwood Road

12:50pm Fernwood Open Mic

All proceeds support Fernwood Neighbourhood House!

1:50pm African Dance Workshop with Sabur Abdulai 4:45pm OK Dope Improv Workshop

FERNFEST IS b Ro U ghT To Yo U bY

FERN woo D N EI ghbo UR hoo D h o USE (Fo RMER lY FERN woo D NRg)

Time FERNWOOD SQUARE STAGE in Fernwood Square

12:00pm VIC HIGH RNB BAND

1:00pm TRIPPYCALS

2:00pm PINDN

3:00pm BASE COLLECTIVE

4:15pm POPPA DON GERNIE

5:20pm DEAD SUMMER

6:25pm HOT POT

7:30pm DRAMA QUEEN

8:50pm PASTEL BLANK

Time NEW! BIG FERNWOOD STAGE behind Fernwood Neighbourhood House (Fernwood Community Centre) at 1240 Gladstone Ave

11:30am THISTLE

12:10pm THE GREAT GIFFONI MAGIC SHOW

12:45pm FERN FRIENDS (OUR YOUTH JAM SESSION BAND)

1:30pm MEGGO

2:30pm GALGAPOŁA

3:30pm MARIACHI SIN FRONTERA + FIESTA LATINA DANCERS

4:30pm SLIM SANDY & THE HILLBILLY BOPPERS

5:35pm OPEN JAM WITH KADY SAVARD

6:40pm PONY GOLD

7:45pm JOE ABBOTT

9:00pm GARRET T. WILLIE

Time LITTLE FERNWOOD STAGE at 1923 Fernwood Rd

Curated by Vinyl Envy Record Store, space provided by the FCAA

12:50pm FERNWOOD OPEN MIC

1:50pm AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOP W/ SABUR ABDULAI

2:45pm PONCHO YBF

3:45pm FIGRIN SAM

4:45pm OK DOPE IMPROV WORKSHOP

5:50pm THE PHIGS

6:45pm DRAG HOUR WITH CHAZ AVERY & FRIENDS

8:00pm DEVOURS

9:00pm HANK PINE W/ BOSS SAINT B

fernfest: Youth Jam: A space to grow through music

›› Kady Savard

The Youth Jam grew out of my early experiences in the music scene. As a young, uncertain singer, I found confidence through Musical Youth Victoria, a grassroots initiative led by Randy Austin and Geoffrey Bucove. It offered local artists instrumental backing and a place to be heard—without grants or government support. Those early shows marked a turning point for me, and I still share footage from them as a reminder of how far I’ve come.

After Randy’s passing last fall, I felt a deep urge to continue what he helped create. I’d pitched a revival of the concept to various non-profits, but it wasn’t until a conversation with Mila—while discussing my FernFest hosting duties— that things clicked. She immediately said, “Why not do it at the Fernwood

Community Centre?”

That simple suggestion launched the next chapter. We added a performance at FernFest to wrap the program, with community support from people like Nathan Shelby on sound and help from the City of Victoria and the My Great Neighbourhood Grant. Mila also guided me through the grant writing process.

Music improv teaches powerful skills: collaboration, confidence, communication, and belonging. Especially post-COVID, I saw how needed this was for youth who’d missed vital years of connection. The goal was to give them space to grow, explore, and shine.

Watching them thrive has been the most rewarding part—and the hardest, knowing it’s temporary. I’m now seeking long-term funding to keep it going year-round.

I’d love to see programs like this across

the city. If it inspires you, take the idea and run with it. And if you want help starting something similar, I’m here.

buzz: Portraits of Fernwood: The people’s art project

››

Chris Caicedo Carbonell

Every day, we pass familiar faces— people we recognize but seldom know. We rarely ask their stories, yet their presence becomes part of our shared landscape. This quiet recognition inspired Portraits of Fernwood, our local contribution to the Inside Out Project, one of the world’s largest participatory art movements.

Founded by French artist JR and active in over 150 countries, Inside Out invites communities to turn identity into public art through large-scale black-and-white portraits. These installations bring visibility to everyday people and causes often overlooked in public discourse.

Now, for the first time in Victoria, our

neighbourhood joins this global movement.

Portraits of Fernwood features 60 portraits of neighbours, volunteers, and community members—those who shape and support the heartbeat of our community. Through this project, we celebrate values such as belonging, inclusion, creativity, and resilience.

On June 8, 2025, we invite everyone to join us for a public celebration and installation day at 1240 Gladstone Ave. Together, we will paste these portraits onto plywood panels, which will later be mounted with the help of local professionals. This collective act goes beyond art—it’s a moment to connect, honour our shared humanity, and reflect on who we are together.

More than a visual display, Portraits of Fernwood is an act of community empowerment. Public art creates space for peo-

ple to see themselves reflected, to claim visibility, and to affirm that their lives and stories matter. It invites dialogue, challenges assumptions, and sparks collective action. In this sense, art becomes a tool for social

mark your calendar: Fernwood Art Stroll 2025

›› Margaret Hantiuk

We’re thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Fernwood Art Stroll—a free, selfguided studio tour happening Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8, from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

Over 20 local artists and artisans will open their studios to the public, showcasing a vibrant array of work including paintings, drawings, photography, prints, hand-made jewellery, garden art, rustic sculpture, and hand-painted furniture.

This is a unique opportunity to meet artists in their creative spaces, learn about their processes, and explore an eclectic

range of work in a welcoming, communitydriven setting. As an unjuried group, the art on display is diverse—in style, medium, and price—making it a perfect place to find an original piece for your home or a meaningful, one-of-a-kind gift.

Many participating artists also tend stunning gardens, so the stroll offers not just artistic inspiration but a beautiful walk through the Fernwood neighbourhood during one of the most delightful times of the year.

Look for our brochures around Fernwood or visit fernwoodartstroll.ca for more details, artist profiles, and maps.

Come be inspired—and support local creativity!

change—a way to imagine and build more connected, just, and inclusive communities. To the question posed by JR’s book Can Art Change the World? we say: yes. From the inside out.

Catch the Youth Jam Sessions band, Fern Friends, at 12:45 pm on the Big Fernwood Stage, at FernFest on Saturday, June 14.

Photo courtesy of Kady Savard

mark your calendar: Play Streets are back!

Free family fun monthly until September!

›› Kim Ashbourne

Play Streets kicked off this year on Mother’s Day with a potluck and the ever-popular cardboard village-making extravaganza. Kids used appliance boxes to make a pizza shop, art gallery, secret passage ways, and so much more. Their imagination and teamwork were phenomenal. Play Streets closes Camosun Street between Grant and Balmoral and the village ran for almost half the block!

Up Next:

June 15, 2-4:30pm - Father’s Day

Meetup and Bike Day: Everything Bikes (and Scooters too)! We’ll learn bike safety, and how to do simple repairs. There’ll be a bike obstacle course, bike decorating, and a bike parade around the neighbourhood! Also face

painting and a bike-themed scavenger hunt.

July 13, 2-4:30pm - Kids Maker Market & Games Day: Fernwood kids, get making! You are invited to sell your wares at the Kids Maker Market. There’ll also be art/making activities, games of all kinds, water balloons, face painting, and a treasure hunt.

Sept 14, 2-4:30pm - Stone Soup & S’mores: We’ll make a big pot of soup together, and share it. Vic Fire Fighters will bring a fire truck for us to explore. We’ll spend time caring for the pollinator garden and learn how to save seeds. Say our goodbyes to Summer, give our gratitude, and welcome in the Fall

These are free events to build community and play. Come join the fun! Play Streets is inspired by an international movement, that began in the UK and now plays out on neighbourhood streets in Tokyo, Brazil, Australia, and across Europe.

buzz: Meet Eyefinery

A boutique experience rooted in community

Located in the heart of Fernwood, Eyefinery Optical Studio may be one of the tiniest optical boutiques in the world, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personalized service and distinctive style. Owner and optician Rebecca Knezacek brings over 14 years of experience in the optical industry to her role, having worked with a range of clients and refining her craft before opening Eyefinery. Rebecca offers a completely one-on-one eyewear experience, ensuring every guest finds the perfect frame that suits their face, style, and personality.

Eyefinery’s carefully curated collection of 200 frames featuring global independent brands provides clients with eyewear options that reflect their individuality. Rebecca believes in quality over quantity, ensuring that her ever-changing selection keeps the shop fresh and exclusive.

“We’re all so different—why wear the

faces of fernwood: Welcome to Fernwood Neighbourhood House Salma

Salma is Fernwood NH’s new Director of Community Programs

›› Salma Ihsan

My name is Salma Ihsan and I am pleased to be joining the Fernwood Neighbourhood House as the Director of Community Programs.

I first came to the island to attend UVic and quickly fell in love with this land and community. I’ve now lived on WSÁNEĆ and Lekwungen territories for nearly a decade. Each time I take my dog on a walk or spend time in the community garden with my wife, I am reminded of how privileged I am to live in such a beautiful place.

My passion and expertise lies in community building and supporting diverse populations. I’m proud of my work history and community involvement through which I’ve had the opportunity to teach EAL (English as an Additional Language), work alongside communities in Indigenous language revitalization, create and deliver programming for newcomers to Canada,

and advocate for unhoused youth in Victoria.

I look forward to getting to know the members of this vibrant community. If you see me around, please come say hello!

same glasses?” she says. Her goal is to have every person in the neighbourhood embracing their own distinctive eyewear style.

Rebecca’s commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences was recognized recently when she won The Lexus Experience Award at the Futurpreneur Canada Growth Accelerator summit in Toronto. Eyefinery is also proudly nominated in the Health and Wellness Eyewear category of the Victoria News Best of the City Awards.

As a single mom, Rebecca is deeply grateful for the support of the Fernwood community, where she is both a business owner and resident. She’s excited to continue fostering meaningful connections with her neighbours and welcoming new faces to Eyefinery for complimentary consultations, free frame adjustments, and minor repairs.

Eyefinery isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of Rebecca’s passion for both glasses and the people who wear them.