With the lifting of restrictions on outdoor activities, the Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society has emerged from the darkness of winter and realized that spring is coming…so it must be April Tools time! We’ve dusted off our prototype from the cancelled 2020 event and will be ready to present this family-oriented outdoor activity on April 30.
2019’s April Tools featured Castaways stranded on the isle of Madeira Park, left to find their way off using only the materials “washed up” on the beach. Their sole helper was their volleyball friend Wilson. The marooned teams constructed an astonishing variety of boats and most did an amazing job of getting home to the Government wharf.
This year features a new challenge, but the details won’t be revealed until 10 a.m. on the 30th. But be assured that the teams will have one hour to formulate their plans, then three hours to execute them, using only hand tools and battery-powered screw guns. They will rest for an hour as the high schoolers race, then it will be flat out racing for the adults.
There will be free boatbuilding and other activities for the kids, and lots of good food. We can make no promises about the weather, but in 19 years we have managed in pretty much everything!
So don’t forget the date: April 30. The place is Millennium Park (Government Wharf) in Madeira Park. Teams learn their “twist” and see their materials at 10 a.m., begin building at 11 a.m. High school races are at 2 p.m. with the adult races following right after. Free kids’ activities are on all day.
Due to the increased cost of materials, the entry fee for a team of up to four is $200, but if you sign up by April 1, it will only cost you $180. Go to apriltools.ca, fill out an entry form and mail it with your fee to April Tools PO Box 65 Madeira Park, BC V0N 2H0. Cheques should be made out to PHLHS/April Tools. Don’t forget that there are significant prizes to be won: first is $700, second is $400, third $250. Also, it’s a ton of fun and that’s worth more than money!
See you there!
