We are in full festival swing here on the Sunshine Coast - and what a swing it has been so far.
From the sweet sounds of the Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival in June to the exciting events of Sea Cavalcade, from the roaring action of the Festival of the Rolling Arts to the soothing sounds of some of Canada's literary finest at last weekend's Festival of the Written Arts, the Sunshine Coast is blessed with some amazing summer-time events - all put on by hard-working volunteers so residents and visitors alike can have a wonderful summer full of fun, family activities.
But it seems some in our community are not appreciative of the efforts and not enthusiastic about festival fun, and they are targeting one in particular - the Salmon Festival, set for Sept. 11 in Gibsons Landing.
The festival, now entering its fifth year, is an opportunity to celebrate art and salmon in an enjoyable and educational way through the salmon art display, educational exhibits, live music and entertainment and an artisans' market. Spearheaded by the Gibsons Landing Business Association (GLBA), this is an event that benefits artists, residents, tourists and businesses in the Landing.
A group urging people to boycott the event over supposed salmon politics is ludicrous. The event is not about politics and not about the current issues surrounding the farmed versus wild salmon debate. If those who are against the festival want to get out their political message, then there are other avenues to do so. Why target an event that has been enjoyed by so many for five years - especially over something that isn't even what the festival is about or stands for?
We urge these few individuals who are negatively targeting the GLBA to stop. Stop with your misinformation campaign and stop promoting your anti-festival message. If you don't want to be part of the event, then so be it. Don't ruin it for the many people who do.
Citizens lend a helping hand
We're praising the good citizens and some visitors to the Coast this week after a dramatic police arrest unfolded last Saturday in the waters of Secret Cove. After a wild police chase on the road, officers dove in, literally, to get their man, who drove recklessly down Highway 101 and was suspected of being impaired. Citizens on shore and in the water with boats aided police. It's a fine example of people going out of their way to help police catch someone who put people's lives at risk with reckless actions. Everyone involved should be proud of what they did.
