On Sunday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Slocan Valley Rail Trail will be the place to experience “Random Acts of Creativity.”
For that day, the Slocan Valley Community Arts Council and the Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society have formed a unique partnership to celebrate Canada 150. The day will involve recognizing our valley’s place in history, reaching from deep into our past up to the living history we create every day.
Two special live musical performances, displays of artists work, interactive creative art exploration, art installations and wilderness walks are just some of the wide range of activities which will be taking place around five ‘hubs’ along the 50 km long Rail Trail that connects us all. Walk, dance, or ride your way along the route to take in the adventure of Slocan Valley living at its artistic finest. Of course, there’ll be plenty of Canada150 birthday cake along the way.
The northernmost hub of the event will be at the Owl Park, just outside of the Village of Slocan. From 10:30 to noon, the Slocan Valley Early Childhood Society and CBAL will be hosting a Storywalk and activities for children. Of course, there will be cake, and don’t be surprised if you see some local art work on display.
Further south, the next hub will be at the Perrys Siding Trailhead and the Threads Guild Building where you’ll find the Vallican Whole Choir at 11 a.m., performing a selection of classic Canadiana songs such as Land of the Silver Birch and sing-along favourites. An art installation will be erected and there will be displays of pottery, paintings and books by area artists to enjoy.
Continuing south, the Winlaw Station Trailhead will be a busy place. Located across from Winlaw School, the Slocan Valley Community Band will be playing their final performance of the season at 1 p.m. The Slocan Historical Society will be there, dressed in period costume, with an information table sharing some valley history. A Sand Sculpture will be on display along with the work of several artists.
Just north of Winlaw, opposite Winlaw Nature Park, students from Winlaw School will have created a large Wildflower mural. Make sure to check it out! And just south of Winlaw, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be an information display of the Stream Restoration Project being developed by the Slocan Valley Streamkeepers at the Crooked Horn Farm.
The Slocan Park area hub, located across from the Co-op, will feature pottery displays, Plein Air Painting and the work of local artists.
The southernmost gathering spot for Random Acts of Creativity is at the Crescent Valley Trailhead, by the Crescent Valley Bridge. Kids will be making Forest Walk Bracelets and a Community Interactive Nature Art Project will be on-going.
It’ll be a busy day, with much to experience! A limited number of event maps will be at several locations throughout the Valley to help you on your way, or you can visit www.slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca or the Rail Trail Facebook page to find a copy of the map to help plan your adventure.
The event has been made possible with support from the Columbia Basin Trust, Heritage Credit Union and the Slocan Valley Community Arts Council as well as the tireless work of a large group of volunteers.