By David F. Rooney
This week could be an important departure point for Revelstoke’s tourism strategy as Cornucopia — the city’s first planned shoulder season festival — gets off to a rousing start on Tuesday, October 1.
Cornucopia, which runs until October 6, is the first purpose-built festival drawn together by Events Coordinator Amy Flexman.
“I worked with the Glacier Challenge this summer and learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t,” she said in an interview on Friday. Glacier Challenge is a two-decade-old softball tournament that is one of Revelstoke’s signature summer events. The other would be the Arts Council’s summer Street Fest concerts at Grizzly Plaza.
Spirit Fest, which is held in February, is clearly the community’s signature winter event and the now-defunct music festival was an attempt to stage a spring event. However, it didn’t thrive in its intended month — June — because that month is so rainy and cool that attendance was problematic.
“Cornucopia is our first attempt to stage an autumn festival,” the irrepressible Amy Flexman said. “We have just about something for everybody and hope this will evolve into a signature event.”
Looking at the line-up of events it certainly deserves to become that kind of stellar festival. And, the weather seems to be cooperating. While Tuesday is supposed to feature light rain and 8° temperatures the rest of the week will be a mix of sun and cloud with temperatures hovering around 10°. Saturday may be a little cooler at 8° and see some light rain but Sunday will see temperatures rise to 13°. That should be fine, may be even great, for most or even all of Cornucopia’s events. Here’s a peek at what lies ahead:
There are week-long events —
Taste of Revelstoke — local fall restaurant menus
Fall Colours — Golf Course specials
Revelstoke Art Walk
Revelstoke U-Brew 20% off all wine & cider kits
And there are daily special events:
October 1: Food For Thought
October 2: Fall Fashion, Flavours, & Flair
October 3: https://www.facebook.com/cornucopiafallfestival
October 4: Harvest Palooza
October 5: The Best Of The Fest
October 6: Outdoor Adventure Day
One of the events that Amy really wants to succeed is the Fashion Show up at RMR. Looking at what’s involved in this one event and you can sense its potential to become an annual event — if it succeeds in drawing a good crowd.
“This is waaay more than just a fashion show,” Amy said.
And, wow, is it ever!
Shuttle buses will be running to-and-from the mountain starting at 4 pm on Wednesday, October 2. They’ll whisk guests to Rockford’s for a 5 pm mingler with vino and plenty of appies. Then guests will ride the gondola for a swift and scenic ride to mid-station where they’ll be greeted with champagne and a fashion show organized by Eagle Pass Heliskiing. Models will show some of the latest wearable fashions from The Cabin, Style Trend, Free Spirit Sports. Wearables, Skookums and Eagle Pass while Garnish and Beyond Gifts will dhow off jewellery and other personal decorations. Dinner will be provided and the tunes are coming from Broken Down Suitcase. Shuttles will ferry everyone back downtown after the event ends at 10 pm. Total cost? $60 per person. That’s excellent value and all proceeds will go towards breast cancer research. If you need a good time to help you over hump day this is going to be it. Tickets are available at RMR and the Chamber of Commerce.
Naturally, that is not the only thing happening this week. Here’s a rundown of a few of the things on each day this week:
October 1 starts with a Twoonie Swim at the Aquatic Centre from 6:30 until 7:30 am. Follow that with some driving range deals at the golf course and, if you’re under 30 there’s the Food for Thought and Food Initiative events at the Roxy Theatre. If you’re more into music catch Singer-Songwriter Joanne Stacey’s Showcase at Benoit’s Wine Bar starting at 9 pm.
October 2 is a great day if you’re a senior and love playing golf. If you’re over 65 you get to play 18 holes with a cart for $30. If you’ve only got whack that little white ball around nine holes you can do that and get a cart for just $20.
October 3 there’s great music with te Kamloops Symphony Orchestra playing at the performing Arts Centre, Elliot Brood Band playing at the Traverse Lounge, Devon Coyote at the Last Drop and Ladies Night & Wine Sampler at The Cabin.
October 4 there’s a tour at the Mt. Begbie Brewing Company at 3 pm. That should end in time for the North Columbia Envirnmental Society;s 4th Annual Harvest Palooza Night at the United Church starting ay 4 pm.
October 5 is the Best of the Fest at Grizzly Plaza with Bes of BC Beer Tastings, $2 Local Flavours Food Tastings, Face Painting, Zucchini Car Races and more!
October 6 there’s a Pancake Breakfast from 9 am until noon at the Golf Course, guided nature hikes and mushroom hunts starting from the Community Centre parking lot at 10 am, guided mountain bike rides and self-guided motorbike rides up to Mica, followed by a jazz concert by the amazing Laila Biali at the Performing Arts Centre starting at 7:30 pm.
