June Featured Events
I’ve really enjoyed my winter of film- from attending Think Tank screenings and the amazing Fernie Mountain Film Festival (Nature Propelled blew me away) and helping to organize the Indie Films circuit and the Reel Canadian Film Festival (if you still haven’t seen Cole, all I can say is- why not?) and finally last month, bringing Creston film Lovers in a Dangerous Time to Fernie. Now I’m looking for something new to try for the summer. I’ve walked or cycled past the Disc Golf Course in James White Park many times and thought I should try it out, so that seems like a good place to start.
Sandwiched between the tennis courts and the dyke; the fairways of the Lizard Range Disc Golf Course wind around mature trees offering glimpses of the Elk River, Lizard Range and Mount Fernie. Located in the James White Park in the Mountain View subdivision (fhe Airport) the course is just a few minutes from downtown and the quiet, shady spot is perfect for escaping the mid-day heat in summer.
Trying out a new sport can be expensive or complicated- from purchasing or borrowing new equipment, joining a class or a club, taking lessons, scheduling sessions, training… you’re exhausted before you even begin! Disc golf on the other hand, not so much... I dropped by Gi’ver Shirtworks to pick up a regulation disc and well, that’s about it. All set! All I do now is grab my friends, ride over there, and start playing. No tee times to worry about, fees to pay or stuff to organize and you can pick your own pace. This sounds like my kind of game. You could write the rules on the back of your hand, but if you want the full list, check out the notice board on the course or visit www.ferniediscgolf.com.
If you haven’t already tried disc golf, chances are you know someone who has or maybe you know someone who is hooked; like Serge Gosselin, co-founder of the Fernie Lizard Range Disc Golf Course and self confessed disc golf addict.
“I started playing in Alberta around 15 years ago,” Serge explained. “ During visits to Fernie I would play at the 9-hole RickyGlen course on Anderson Road back in ’98, ’99, but then that course closed down. I was really disappointed about that and thought Fernie could really use another course. Walking through the James White Park one day with some friends, we worked out that the space between the dyke and the ball fields and tennis courts was the perfect spot for a new disc golf course. I took a proposal to Fernie Leisure Services; they loved the idea and were very supportive. By 2004 the new course was installed and we had our first official PDGA tournament that year with 15 people.”
The PDGA-sanctioned 7th Annual Fernie Disc Golf Tournament is on June 26 and registration is open to all, from juniors to masters and pros. “Participation has been steadily increasing every year since 2004,” Serge says. “This year we expect around 100 competitors. Being an official sanctioned event means that the points awarded in the pro categories will count towards the tour, so we’re hoping for a few big names from the sport which is great for our competition. Community support has been amazing and as well as catering, organizational support and great player prizes, has provided us with around $1000 cash to add to the pro purse which really helps to draw them in; and because they all love Fernie so much, they often stick around for a few days which is great for our town!”
To register or for more information, visit www.ferniediscgolf.com. Registration starts at $35 for juniors (online) and includes lunch, event disc and t-shirt.
Other June Events
Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life
On June 5, The Canadian Cancer Society’s flagship fundraising event is a day of celebration, friendship and support. Whether you walk as part of a team, volunteer, entertain, purchase luminaries in support or memory of a loved one or just drop by to donate and enjoy the festivities, make sure you are part of this amazing community event. The opening ceremonies including the survivor’s lap and closing ceremonies including the luminary ceremony are not to be missed and the day is always packed with entertainment for all the family. 11am-11pm at the Fernie Secondary School Track. For more information or to register or volunteer, visit www.cancer.ca or call Arlene Dykhuizen at 250-423-3350.
Fernie Snowmobile Association Summer Social
The FSA welcome all snowmobilers and their families to the annual Summer Social on June 5 at Wayne’s Place, 4310 Cokato Road, Fernie. Camping, BBQ and games. For more information contact Wayne at 250-423-3464.
Golf Tournaments
Not to be outdone by their disc-wielding counterparts, the FGCC has something for everyone in June. Events kick off on Sunday June 6 with the East Kootenay Junior Open. Registration is $10 for members or $30 for non members and tee-times begin at 11am. On Friday June 11, you’re invited to a couples golf night. Registration is $25 for members or $35 for non members and the clubhouse will help you find a partner if you don’t have one. Shotgun start at 6pm. Sunday June 13 and Monday June 14 is the 43rd annual East Kootenay Senior Men’s Open. Tee times begin on Sunday at 1:30pm and registration is $70 for members or $100 for non members. For more information on any of these events, visit www.golffernie.com or call the clubhouse at 250-423-7773.
Wine
The Fernie wine club invites you to their tasting event on opening night of Island Lake Lodge’s summer operations on Friday June 18 at 7pm. Tickets are limited; $25 available from the Island Lake Lodge office on 2nd Ave. For more info, email Jan and Helmut at jhkron@shaw.ca.
Fernie Alpine Resort
Summer operations begin Saturday, June 26 at 9am followed by the popular Community Appreciation Day on June 27.
Comedy
Dez Reed is at the Park Place Lodge Pub on June 30. Limited advance tickets available for $5. Contact the Pub at 250-423-6871 for information. www.dezreed.com
Canada Day
Celebrate Canada Day this July 1 at the Fernie Secondary School Track, where you can enjoy the Mountain Market at 1pm, a cake cutting ceremony at 1.30pm, and more fun throughout the day with games, music, food and drinks. Contact Sharon Switzer at 250-423-4466 ext 228 for more information.
