May 18 - Highland Games back for 161st year

Good morning !

Welcome to the long weekend! We’ve got a rundown on a classic Victoria long weekend activity, The Highland Games, which is in its 161st year.

But first we look at a man who has left his mark on Victoria—both through his artwork and his kindness.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌦️ 14 / 7

Tomorrow: ☀️ 15 / 8

Monday: ☀️ 17 / 10

7-day forecast

NEWS

Caleb Beyers: Artist with big reach dies at 42

You may not have known him but you likely were exposed to his work.

His creativity in branding and design can be seen in numerous Victoria businesses from Big Wheel Burger and Tall Tree Health to Discovery Coffee and Hoyne Brewing. 

Caleb Beyers, a husband, father, and artist touched the lives of many people who are still coming to terms with his sudden death on April 28 by heart attack. He was 42.

“My heart aches for his kids,” said close friend Alex Conconi. “I don't know what is worse: The fact that he won't get to see them grow older, or that they won't have him as a dad. He was such an amazing guy.”

Beyers leaves behind his wife Hanahlie and their two sons, Elia, 2, and Asher, 4.

“He was the most welcoming, big-hug, you know, very curious, very accepting, very, very nurturing person,” said Conconi, who for the family has set up a GoFundMe page that as of yesterday had amassed more than $210K.

Read Mark Brennae’s full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Saanich parks: Beckwith water park is open all long weekend, but Churchill Dr. to the top of PKOLS is closed. [Info]

No smoke expected today after some light haze yesterday. [Forecast map]

Parking fines may soon go up in Victoria. [CHEK] 

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Victoria Highland Games return for the long weekend

The Victoria Highland Games are back for their 161st edition and there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in Scottish culture at Topaz Park this weekend.

It’s the longest continuously running Celtic games festival in North America—the games were still held during the first and second world wars and even during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to its outdoor setting. It was relocated from its usual Topaz Park home during 2020 and 2021, but it’s back at Topaz this year with plenty of bagpipes, dancing, and whisky to be enjoyed.

The games began in 1863, organized by newly arrived settlers working for the Hudson’s Bay Co.

“At the time, there was a large contingent of Scottish settlers at Fort Victoria,” said Jim Maxwell, Victoria Highland Games Association president. “Scottish settlers were all over the world and they brought their traditions with them.”

Those traditions included games that had been played in Scotland for hundreds of years, he said.

Read more about this year’s games, performances, and whisky tastings here.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🍺 Craft beer hits the Leg: MLAs sampled beers from 12 breweries at the BC Legislative Assembly.

💲 Your opinions are vital! Take Victoria's 2024 Vital Signs citizen survey today for a chance to win one of three $100 Country Grocer gift cards!*

🤝 Now hiring: Operations Managerat Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Saanich police looking for two men allegedly approaching young girls
In March a young girl was approached by the men at Lambrick Park asking for her phone number. In April, another girl was offered a ride by the men while they were parked in a white vehicle. One man is described as between 20 and 30 years old and the other between 40 and 50. Both are described as South Asian. [Saanich News]

RV fire on the Coho
Two sailings were cancelled Thursday after the vehicle caught fire on the 3pm sailing from Victoria to Port Angeles. All sailings were a go on Friday. [Times Colonist]

New seal in town
An elephant seal arrived last week at Cadboro-Gyro Beach to complete its moult—and no, it’s not Emerson, who was relocated to a remote area on the westside of the Island after holding up traffic at the yacht club. He’s a similar size and weight to Emerson, making him likely a juvenile. [Chek]

🗓️ Things to do

🏒 Watch Canucks-Oilers at Save-On-Foods rink: The TV broadcast will air at the local hockey arena today. Tickets $10, with proceeds to the Moose Hide Campaign. 5pm.

🎉 Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival: North America’s longest continually running highland games returns to Topaz Park. Today, 8am-8:30pm. Tomorrow, 8am-7pm. 

🌷 Peninsula Garden Club Plant Sale: Shop annuals, perennials, and tomatoes at Mary Winspear Centre today, 9am-12pm.

💃 For Dancers Only: Get ready to dance for Garden City Soul Club’s soul and funk dance party at Victoria Event Centre tonight, 10pm-4am.  

🎹 David Vest: The award-winning musician and his band will perform blues tunes at Hermann’s Jazz Club tonight. Doors 5:30pm. Show 7pm.

🩰 Swan Lake: Ballet Victoria will perform the classic Tchaikovsky ballet at the Royal Theatre today, 2pm.

🎵 What the World Needs Now … Music, Love & Laughter. A fun and inspiring celebration of community with live music, comedy, and magic. Next Sat. May 25, 7pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Friday news: Bus lanes likely to be expanded; not much known a year after on-the-job death; And more. [May 17]

Pandora tents cleared in surprise sweep. [Capital Daily]

Marilena on Douglas honoured among top restaurants. [Tasting Victoria]

Pop-Up Weddings! Get Married for Free. [Sidney by the Sea]

See Great Pacific Garbage Patch plastics trawled in this Ocean Cleanup video.

John’s Place celebrating 40 years with monthly promotions until its October birthday.

Free menstrual products available now at Central Saanich public facilities. 

Blue-green algae bloom advisory remains in effect for Elk/Beaver Lake. 

Traffic advisory: Trench work will take place on Rocky Point Rd. between Lombard and Windover from May 21-27.

That’s it!

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