On Saturday, July 9, the City of Colwood welcomed thousands of people onto the road and beach along Esquimalt Lagoon to enjoy great food, outstanding music and fun outdoor activities against the beautiful backdrop of the Salish Sea.
"It was an excellent event. So glad we live in such a beautiful city that hosts such amazing events."
"Great music and a life changing burger."
The event featured some of the most popular local food trucks serving up delicious eats: Deadbeetz, FreshCoast Health Food, Red Barn Market, Greek on the Street, Jusu Bar Cold Pressed Juice, Donut Delights, Ali Baba Pizza, Wannawafel, Grilled to the Mac, Red Wagon Espresso and DeeBee's Tea Pops.
"Thank you Colwood for putting on a great party! Loved the music, the food and the beach!"
The Eats & Beats main stage was sponsored by the Royal Bay Community, and their team was on hand to share information about new streets, homes, parks and businesses planned for the area. On stage, four talented local bands got people tapping their toes, singing along, even line dancing.
Dug Nugget started the day with their ruckus, folk music that tell tales of hard times, low-lives, and local lore with up-beat rhythms and a sense of humour. Their music was fun, fast and made to entertain, accompanied by guitar, banjo, stand up bass and harmonica.
They were followed by the Paul Black Blues Band, whose deep, soulful, blues rock had heads bobbing and bodies swaying.
And if you've never seen two step and line dancing on the beach, you need to come to Eats & Beats and see The County Line. It was hard to spot someone who wasn't singing along when Megan and Hayden belted out country favourites that you can't help but love - with perfect harmonies, blazing guitars and killer keys.
Rounding out the day was the New Groovement. Just try not to move when this band is playing! The combination of smooth, sweet vocals by Steph Wisla, combined with sharp rhymes by Danimal House - and those horns! It was so much fun! Especially when the horns came down from the stage and did a walkabout on the beach. This was an amazing performance.
"Lots happening at the beach! Check it out! Great family fun!"
Along with the music and food, there were many fun activities for people to enjoy. Lots of people took advantage of the opportunity to try kayaking on the open ocean, courtesy of Ocean River Sports.
West Shore Parks & Recreation set up a story walk that encouraged families to stroll along the beach, reading the story as they went. Master kite fliers put on a show up above. There were beach balls, big jenga games, face painting and balloon animals. And our 'face-in-the-hole' board showed visitors what the 'Colwood Crawl" means to the locals.
The City also took the opportunity to ask people what they love about Colwood, and what they would like to see more of in our community. What began as a blank white board is now full of beautiful words and images that will inspire updates to the City's Official Community Plan - a community shaping project we hope residents will get more involved in over the coming months.
The beach itself provides endless recreation...walking, beachcombing, and creating driftwood art! Several contestants showed off their creativity in the driftwood art contest, bringing mermaids, fish and other creatures and structures to life on the beach, with help from Coast Collective Art Gallery.
All in all, despite a few rain drops midway through the day, Eats & Beats was the place to be for anyone who loves the beach, great music and delicious food. We're grateful to everyone who attended and to all the community partners and sponsors who helped make it a success. We're planning the next Eats & Beats replay already.
