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The Silly Boat Regatta is one of my favourite summer community events, and I was happy to return to document the shenanigans and spirit of the participants again last weekend.

The races are always fun to watch and it’s surprising how fast some of the homemade boats can go, but if I’m honest my favorite boats rarely make it to the finish line.

I love seeing the boats that make it to the end with the sheer spirit and determination of their crew as they struggle to stay afloat or on the boat. 

This year was no exception, and I’m happy to share my photos from the event and a story about this year’s unlikely fan favorite. 

Thank you for reading, 

Mick Sweetman

In photos: Silly Boat Regatta raises serious support

Community takes the plunge in support of Nanaimo Child Development Centre.

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“So many activities covered. I use them to make up my calendar of events to attend.”

— From our newsletter survey

Got the inside scoop of an event you think should be shared? 

Let us know by sending Mick an email.

🔎 Watch for 🔎

Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27: Snuneymuxw Days will feature war canoe races, a stl'ul'iqulhew’t-hw (Kids Zone), a marketplace for handmade goods, a basketball tournament,  lahal (bone game) fun and the Friday Feast and jam night. See the Snuneymuxw Days website for details. 

🎵 Listen 🎤

Wednesday, July 23, 3 p.m.: 4 Strong Winds will play a pop-up concert in a private garden beside Joseph Creek in Departure Bay as part of the Symphony's Summer Sizzle Festival. Tickets cost $42. 

Thursday, July 24, 9 p.m.: Enjoy experimental music, noise, drone and avant garde music at the monthly Fake Jass night with Gnarls Bronson, CROTCH and Green Mist at The Vault Cafe. Tickets cost $10.

Friday, July 25, noon: The Joshua Gellman Band will perform at Wesley Square as part of the Old City Quarter’s Sounds of Summer concert series. 

Friday, July 25, 9 p.m.: The Sarah Leroux Quartet will perform at The Vault Cafe. Tickets cost $15. 

Saturday, July 26, 6 p.m.: Bill Johnson will play the blues at The Queen’s. Tickets cost $15 in advance or  $20 at the door.

Saturday, July 26, 8 p.m.: Join us for a night of post-punk and synth-soaked indie vibes with Toronto's Girlfriends and Boyfriends and Vancouver’s HÄLT, plus special guests Hypno Jerk and Ida Diana Maidstone at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $20.

Saturday, July 26, 9 p.m.: The Dextones, Wise Youngblood and Quadra Sound will play at The Queen’s. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Saturday, July 26, 9 p.m.: Easels and Truth will play indie rock, soul psych, art rock and progressive pop at The Vault Cafe. Tickets cost $15.

Sunday, July 27, 4 p.m.: Catch Emo/Hyper-pop bands Saoirse Dream and Can Of Bliss on tour from America in an all-ages show at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $20.

⛹️ Meet 🎲

Tuesday, July 22, 6:35 p.m.: The Nanaimo NightOwls play the Corvallis Knights at Serauxmen Stadium. Tickets cost $10-25.

Wednesday, July 23, 6:35 p.m.: The Nanaimo NightOwls play the Corvallis Knights at Serauxmen Stadium. Tickets cost $10-25.

Thursday, July 24, 4 p.m.: The Commercial Street Night Market features artisan vendors, food trucks, musical performances, a vibrant kids’ zone and a new inclusive zone creating a festive family atmosphere.

Thursday, July 24, 6:35 p.m.: The Nanaimo NightOwls play the Corvallis Knights at Serauxmen Stadium. Tickets cost $10-25.

Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27: Snuneymuxw Days will feature war canoe races, a stl'ul'iqulhew’t-hw (Kids Zone), a marketplace for handmade goods, a basketball tournament, lahal (bone game) fun and the Friday Feast and jam night. See the Snuneymuxw Days website for details. 

Friday, July 25, 1 p.m.: Attention Magical Apprentices! Come to the second floor of the Harbourfront library to improve your magic skills at the Namblebrary Academy of Elemental Magic.

Saturday, July 26, noon to 8 p.m.: The Strait Curbside Food Truck Festival is at the Nanaimo North Town Centre.

Sunday, July 27, 1 p.m.: From rubber ducks in a tub to dolphins in the ocean, the Nanaimo Art Gallery has watercolour painting on the mind this bathtub weekend at it's Art Lab Sunday. Free for members, $5 for non-members. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Monday, July 28, 5:30 p.m.: The third event in the Adult Summer Craft Club series hosted by the Nanaimo North Library will focus on making lanterns from recycled glass jars.

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