Campbell River’s wood-carving event, Transformations on the Shore, is celebrating a major milestone this year, with festivities underway at Frank James Park in Willow Point.
The free, family-friendly event, organized by the Campbell River Shoreline Arts Society, is marking 30 years since its debut.
According to the society, the event has attracted thousands of tourists and local residents over the years.
CR Shoreline Arts vice-president Don Daniels said 15 carvers from British Columbia and Alberta registered for this year’s event, along with Campbell River’s Max Chickite, who started the event in 1997.
“We’ve changed the format just a little bit this year,” said Daniels. “There’s not a professional or an amateur category. Everybody gets paid a thousand dollars to come in, and then of course they sell carvings on the side.”
Daniels said it takes considerable work to organize the program.
“It’s thanks to strong support from the volunteers and the sponsors,” he said. “All of the restaurant people provide lunches for us. The hotels, free accommodations for the carvers.”
He said two quick-carving events are planned, one Friday from noon to 1 p.m. and another Saturday from noon to 1 p.m.
An auction will take place Sunday at about 2 p.m., alongside a people’s choice vote for the best carvings.
“Without the community support of Campbell River, we couldn’t do it, but we are doing it,” said Daniels.
