FernFest is adapting by hosting a mural festival and pop-up shows for 2021
›› Mila Czemerys
Over the past few years, FernFest has become well known as a Fernwood’s big neighbourhood celebration. It feels strange now to look back and remember how we all used to celebrate together… FernFest evenings with everyone shoulder-to-shoulder listening to musicians perform from the gazebo in Fernwood Square, gathering to eat pancakes together under the big tent in Fernwood Square on Saturday morning, so many kids crawling through the cardboard castle, or riding bikes side-by-side through the streets in our Kidical Mass Bike Parade.
It is sad to not be able to have our community come together in the same way but, of course, this is what we need to do. The safety of our community is of the utmost importance.
We hope this is only a pause of the FernFest we remember and love!
Looking forward into 2021—to continue FernFest’s spirit of creativity and community celebration—Fernwood NRG will be hosting a new type of FernFest. We’ll be showcasing art, music, and other treats that everyone in the neighbourhood will be able to enjoy while staying safe.
New this year, we’ll be hosting a neighbourhood-wide mural festival featuring local artists. Do you have a wall in Fernwood—or nearby—at your business or home that you would like to have a mural painted on? Ideal locations would have good visibility for the public and easy access for an artist to be able to paint. Or, are you a local artist interested in applying to paint a mural? Get in touch at mila@fernwoodnrg.ca.
We will also be hosting a variety of musical performances in secret locations around Fernwood. Locations may include parks, porches, public spaces—who knows! Stay tuned for more information later this year. Do you have a great location that would be perfect for a musical performance? Are you a Victoria-based band or musician who would like to perform? Get in touch at mila@fernwoodnrg.ca.
We have a few more things up our sleeves. Stay tuned from more info by following us on Instagram at @fernwoodnrg or signing-up for our mailing list at fernwoodnrg.ca.
A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed in so many ways to FernFest over the years. A special thanks to the Belfry Theatre for collaborating with us on FernFest and sharing your space.
Photo caption: The FernFest of years past seems like a far away dream. FernFest 2021 won’t be hosting a party like the one in this picture but we will be spreading some magic in the neighbourhood this June. Photo: FernFest 2019 by Webmeister Bud
