2024: It is Show Time in Chemainus!

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When visiting new towns I always look for what defines the community's personality.  Chemainus's personality has a strong element of "The Arts".  The town is very proud of having over 60 individual art installations in town.  Some go back many years and have been refreshed and maintained.  Clearly, they work to buff and polish their reputation and perception as an art center. 



Boys on a Snipe Hunt



First Nation Sculpture



Water Wheel Park


We devised a bit of an unusual transportation scheme for our visit.  In a way, we "killed two birds with one stone".  We also wanted to visit Telegraph Harbor on Thetis Island.  We were unsure of where we could leave the boat in Chemainus, so we looked at public transportation options from nearby towns.  Buses and ferries were considered.  We checked schedules and found ferries operate more frequently than buses, especially from Thetis Island.  So we berthed the boat there and explored that island for a day then the next, we took the ferry to Chemainus to check out all the public art and attend the musical production of "9 to 5" in their local theater.


Our ride to Chemainus approaching Thetis Island



Passengers board first, cars next


The musical "9 to 5" was a matinee.  Prior to the show they offered a delicious, white table cloth, buffet lunch.  This required reservations.  The entrees and dessert were wonderful.  I had coffee with lunch so I wouldn't nap through the play.  Dolly Parton was not only in the original movie, but she also composed all the music for the play.  The production and sets were very professional and the actors gave fine performances.  The audience simultaneously stood for the closing ovation.  It was very enthusiastic!  From talking to other attendees, we discovered that people drove from all over Vancouver Island.  Many had season tickets.  Clearly Chemainus was delivering on their art and entertainment promise.



Murals are themed from the towns history



Logging is still a large component of daily life



Medical care received it's own mural



Morgan - a classic British sportscar



We recommend the Owl Cafe for breakfast or lunch



See you next time!


Resources





Location: Chemainus, BC, Canada

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