While most events will celebrate a full return after the pandemic, others are sitting out for another year.
Metchosin Day, held annually on the first Sunday after Labour Day is a family event featuring local vendors, performers, games and farm animals.
Since its start in 1967, the event’s attendance has grown substantially, catching the attention of not only the local community but attracting hundreds more from all over the South Island.
“We get community groups together to help celebrate what we think is special about Metchosin,” says Metchosin resident, Jane Hammond.
But with its growing popularity and more and more wanting to take part the small community can no longer host the crowd, more specifically when it comes to parking.
According to an organizer’s post on social media, the field adjacent to the fairgrounds that held approximately one thousand vehicles has been sold, leaving them with little to no room.
“We have not been able to acquire any other parking that would be sufficient for handling crowds,” says Metchosin Mayor, John Ranns.
So Metchosin residents will have to wait another year, as the organizing committee looks to “re-imagine” the event for next year.
“I wouldn’t say cancelled because cancelled sounds very permanent, I think it’s going to be re-formatted, revised and certainly hope it comes back in another form next year,” says Metchosin resident Bob Burgis.
It’s an unfortunate decision that has disappointed community members, but there is hope this cancellation will make next year’s that much more special.
Hannah Lepine
