What started out as a friendly neighbourhood barbecue in 1967 has ended up being one of the most popular events on Southern Vancouver Island. It has everything from sheep shearing to pie baking contests to hay rides. ItB次元官网网址檚 geared for families and it showcases the rural community of Metchosin.

Metchosin Day, on September 13, will attract thousands to the village.

Mary Gidney, one of the organizers, said about 5,000 people show up, a number which is roughly the size of the population of Metchosin.

B次元官网网址淭hey show up because itB次元官网网址檚 free and it is a family event,B次元官网网址� she said.

Parking is also free and there is space for hundreds of cars right next to the village green.

The day promises fun for all ages. From 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. the village will be inundated with kids, adults, musicians, horses, sheep, pets and everything in between. The day begins with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m.

B次元官网网址淜ids bring every pet imaginable, thereB次元官网网址檚 a bike extravaganza, free entertainment. ThereB次元官网网址檚 an amazing cross section of talent. The students from Pearson College come in national costumes. We try to stick to Metchosin talent,B次元官网网址� said Gidney.

Gidney mentioned a change to the annual lamb roast. It was cancelled earlier due to the extreme fire hazard. She did say there will be a beer garden, which is always kind of fun.

A vintage car show, motorcycle skills demonstrations, events planned by the Metchosin Equestrian Society take place in the riding ring on Happy Valley Road and include gymnastics on horseback.

Photo contests, pie baking and vegetable contests, a space bus and Project Germani, a historical reenactment of the first century BC to the first century AD. Learn about food, crafts, armour and clothing. ItB次元官网网址檚 a jam-packed day with events taking place throughout the village.

B次元官网网址淲e donB次元官网网址檛 have rides,B次元官网网址� said Gidney. B次元官网网址淏ut we do have 25 cent hayrides and for 50 cents you can sit on a big backhoe.B次元官网网址�

If that isnB次元官网网址檛 enough there is a junior firefighting challenge, vendors galore and even a kick off dance on Friday, Sept. 11 from 7 p.m. to midnight. The Metchosin Community Association is putting on an 80B次元官网网址檚 themed dance at the community hall. Tickets are $15 and should be purchased in advance at the Metchosin Community House.

Gidney said a child told her it was better than Christmas.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 all about Metchosin,B次元官网网址� she said.

For more information go to: metchosinday.ca.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com