The annual celebration of Ladysmith Days is back at Transfer Beach for one day only on August 1.
Normally spread over three days, this year’s event was pared down due to the pandemic. It’ll still feature many Ladysmith mainstays like the Kinsmen Parade, zucchini racers, the nail driving competition, live music, vendors, food trucks and more.
Brian Bancroft of the Ladysmith Celebrations Society said that the society is thrilled to bring Ladysmith Days back this year.
“These are the sort of things that drive the community spirit and give a stronger sense of place to a town,” he said.
The theme for this year’s Ladysmith Days is Mardi Gras. Attendees are encouraged to get their beaded necklaces and masks for the event. That is also the theme of this year’s Kinsmen Parade. Al Moore, who is organizing the parade on behalf of the Kinsmen, said that due to the short notice of this year’s event, they will be allowing late registrants for the parade.
The parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 1.
Anyone interested in joining a parade float can visit www.ladysmithkinsmen.ca/events/ladysmith-days-parade-entry-form/.
Unfortunately, there will not be any fireworks this year. A Cowichan Valley Regional District bylaw only allows for the discharge of fireworks twice a year unless special permission is granted. Ladysmith Mayor and CVRD Board Chair Aaron Stone made the case for the Ladysmith Days Fireworks Spectacular to go ahead, but other CVRD Directors determined that the fireworks represented a fire risk.
There’s also a limited run of Ladysmith Days buttons for sale at Pharmasve and the Great Canadian Dollar Store. Each button is $5 and comes with a free Dairy Queen ice cream or a free personal pizza from Panago.
Anyone who wants to get involved with Ladysmith Days is encouraged to get in touch with the Celebration Society at www.ladysmithdays.com.