When people start talking about Summer Fest, you know summer has officially arrived in Chemainus.
The annual event by the Rotary Club will roll into town on Sunday, June 22 with a day of all-ages fun, live music and classic cars. It’s all part of Rotary’s annual tradition of giving back to the community.
Running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the downtown celebration includes the popular Show and Shine car show along Willow Street (between Victoria Street and Cypress Street) featuring vehicles of all vintages and styles. Now in its third year, the car show was added in 2022 to help reimagine the event following the end of the longstanding Chemainus parade during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the format has evolved, the goal remains the same: to bring people together, celebrate the town and kick off summer.
Throughout the year, the Rotary Club of Chemainus raises funds and mobilizes volunteers to support a range of local and international initiatives. Regular bottle drives help fund student bursaries, school breakfast programs and contributions to community groups. The club also undertakes infrastructure projects, such as the recent installation of a sidewalk at Kin Beach to improve washroom access for people with mobility challenges. Internationally, Rotary maintains a long-standing partnership with communities in Guatemala to help improve access to education, health care and clean water.
The day-long festival brings that community support full circle. It’s a thank-you party for everyone who helps make the Chemainus’s Rotary Club’s achievements possible and a chance to celebrate together at the start of summer.
Other highlights include live music by Tropic Mayhem at Water Wheel Square, bouncy castles and a children’s activity tent hosted by the Chemainus Crofton Community Schools Association. A literacy tent will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., offering a free book to any child aged 0 to 16. Free BBQ lunches will be available for children under 13, accompanied by an adult, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
