Sooke community events raise funds for local projects

Various community events took place in Sooke, British Columbia, to support local heritage and infrastructure. The third annual Sooke Grand Parade raised over $16,000 toward a $20,000 goal for the Sooke Gathering Place. This proposed drop-in centre for seniors, youth, and families is being developed by the Sooke Region Communities Health Network. A non-binding plebiscite regarding a potential $5 million loan for the facility is scheduled for the October 17 municipal election.

Additionally, the Sooke Region Museum hosted its second annual Crabfest. The event aimed to raise approximately $7,000 to fund the replacement and updating of nearly 60 heritage shields across the region. The museum recently unveiled a new steel-mounted sign honoring the area’s blacksmithing history.

In Vernon, the Sundog Festival commenced as part of Culture Days in B.C., featuring live music and the Polson Artisan Market.