Gallery
• The Columbia Basin Culture Tour is ready to hit the road. Explore artists’ studios, museums, art galleries and heritage sites during this free, self-guided event. Artists throughout the area have opened their galleries. Grab a map at tourist information centres and participating venues. Go to www.cbculturetour.com or call the CKCA toll free at 1-877-505-7355 for more info. The tour is generously supported by Columbia Basin Trust funding and runs Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• From July 22-Aug. 19, the VISAC Gallery presents “Bring It on Home” an exhibition exploring the colour “blue” in all its many faceted glory. The culture of blue is diverse: it can convey importance and confidence, conservatism and stability, love and trust. The exhibition runs 1-4 p.m. Monday to Saturday at the VISAC Gallery.
Music
• Kootenay Savings Music in the Park will be swinging at Gyro Park tonight with Company Jump: an Andrews Sisters tribute as the feature act. Showtime at 7 p.m. Next week the Carnival Band play their distinct style of samba, calypso and funk.
• The Doukhobor Discovery Centre welcomes Namgar, singing a mix of Buryat-Mongolian traditional music with modern rock/jazz elements added. The centre is raising funds for a new irrigation tank. Tickets are $12.50, show starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, call 365-5327 for more info.
Health
• The Compassionate Friends is a self-help support group for parents and families who have lost a child, at any age from any cause and meet in Fruitvale, the last Monday of the month at 1p.m. 1414 Green Rd., in Trail, the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Trail United Church and in Nelson, the second Wednesday 7 p.m. at Mountain View Village. Please call Joan for summer meeting plans and any further information 693-2281.
• The Kidney Foundation of B.C. is hosting its annual Kidney Walk to raise funds and increase the number of donors to help stem this debilitating disease. Walk, volunteer or sponsor a walker. Register at 9 a.m. at Gyro Park Aug. 28, walk starts at 10 a.m.
Other
• The second annual Kids Triathlon heads to the starting line Saturday. Organized by Trail Parks and Recreation, the event is open to kids from age four to 12. Different categories compete in a fun swim, bike and run around the Aquatic Centre followed by a celebration luncheon. Parents welcome and needed to pitch in. Registration deadline is Friday, phone 368-6484 or 364-0888.
• The West Kootenay Kennel Club will be hosting their 35th annual All Breed Championship Dog Show, obedience trials and rally obedience trials from August 19-21. The new location is the Castlegar Community Church soccer field at the old Kinnaird Middle School - 1250 26th Street, Castlegar.
Upcoming
•The Friends of the Rossland Range continue their community hikes to Old Glory peak.
Learn about the history of the Old Glory Forest Service Lookout, the highest weather station in Canada and enjoy a beautiful hike to the highest peak in the Rossland Range.
Arrive prepared for a strenuous hike of 5-8 hours. Bring a lot of water, a lunch and be bear aware. Hiking clothes advised (layers, jacket, no jeans). Meet at 9 a.m., the Old Glory Trailhead, seven km from Rossland on Hwy 3B, Aug. 27. Call Suzanne and Rejean Paquin 362-6809 for info.
• The Antiques Appraisal Fair is heading to Christina Lake. Antiques Road Show regular Hugh Balmer will be at the Christina Lake Community Centre from 9 a.m.-noon, 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. on Aug. 24 to appraise antiques and collectables. The cost is $20 per item or two for $35. Admission to public is $5; call 447-7368, 447-6517, or 447-6405 to have items appraised. Deadline is Wednesday. No jewelry or large furniture items.