Dedication

“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”

Jesse Owens

There came a moment – on a Thursday evening at the start of September, just as Elder John Elliott commenced his dedication of the new performance stage in Pioneer Park at Brentwood Bay by the intonation of an appropriate First Nations’ song  – when the skies were suddenly filled with an answering and clarion call. A dozen or more skeins of Canada Geese added their own celebration to the occasion by performing a dramatic and noisy fly-past.

As mentioned previously in these postings this wonderful new stage has already been in use throughout the summer for the regular Wednesday evening Music in the Park sessions. The official opening and dedication was held over until the end of the season so that the stage could be completed; the final touch being the addition of a wonderful aluminium freeze at the back of the stage by talented local Coast Salish artist, Chris Paul.

The event was marked by a performance from the ever popular Dustin Bentall and his partner Kendel Carson – with a special guest appearance from none other than the wonderful Barney Bentall himself. Now – I do have to admit to being just a little bit in love with Ms Carson. Not only is she cute as a button but she oozes instinctive musicality. She deploys her wonderfully soaring voice to good effect all the whilst contriving to make her fiddle sound like full string section all on her own.

What a splendid evening to round off a great season – and what better way to thank all of those involved in the Brentwood Bay Commmunity Association – as well as those who donated money, materials, time and labour – for bringing this spectacular project to such a successful conclusion.