Welcoming the spring with old and new traditions in the Creston Valley blog post by Ilana Cameron There is so much to get excited about when blossoms start to open and our spring festivals are just around the corner. In Creston we are lucky to have so much to celebrate – the beauty of orchards in bloom, cows being celebrated as they are let out onto pasture and the internationally recognized diversity of bird life abound in the valley. There is no better way to get outside, have fun and meet the wonderful people that call Creston home. Here's a sneak peak of what 2019 has in store for us! Creston Valley Blossom Festival When: May 17th-20th Budget: Free - $40 Where: All over town, parade on Canyon Street on Saturday at 11:00 AM Highlights: Free concerts, farmers markets, 5k & 10k races and a Kokanee sponsored beer garden! When I was a little kid I had a great view for Blossom Fest. My parent’s store was on Main Street so as soon as it started we’d run out to see the parade. I still get a thrill when I hear the marching bands, the clip clop of horses hooves, the woo woo of fire engines. I love standing on that street surrounded by so many people. It’s a time when our community comes together and celebrates a large part of what makes our Valley what it is, the fruit industry. Originally Blossom Fest celebrated the blooming of the apple blossoms, this was our main fruit at the time. Now cherries have taken their place though other fruits make an appearance on fruit stand shelves, nectarines, plums, apricots, peaches, and if you are lucky quince. The blue sky and Skimmerhorn Mountain Range provide a stunning backdrop for the colourful floats. This early image is courtesy of the Creston Museum Society. Creston Valley Bird Fest When: May 10th-12th Budget: $20 - $100 (really depends on how many tours you sign up for) Where: Meet-up in town. Tours extend throughout the Creston Valley's lakes, rivers and accessible nature paths. Highlights: Presentation by esteemed ornithologist David Bird (I'm not joking, that's his name), Kayaking / Canoe adventures, photography workshops and hikes in small groups as to not disturb the wildlife. Every year Bird Fest falls near or on Mother’s Day. I’ve decided to make it a tradition to attend a few bird festival events with my mother. Sometimes a talk that comes with a catered lunch, other years we’ve gone on bird walks with experts. There is such a beautiful variety of activities and topics that almost anyone can find something of interest. Many events sell-out quickly — the night owl walk at the Creston Valley Wildlife Centre for instance — so look at the schedule early and book soon to avoid disappointment. There's a reason why we have a Swan on our town flag. Our lakes are filled with them. Careful though, they can be aggressive... Bird Fest Chair and absolutely lovely person Tanna Patterson shared with Juice FM that the festival exists because of her team of Super Women. "I’ve been really fortunate to find the perfect women to work with. I could not do this festival without the help of these wonderful women.” Spring Turnout @ Kootenay Meadows When: Check in with the Kootenay Meadows Facebook page for the latest information! Around April/Spring. Budget: Free! Where: Kootenay Meadows 3071 16th Street, Lister-Creston BC A rare and wonderful treat to see cows being let on grass for the first time since the fall. There are stories that they actually danced the first year but I’ve yet to catch it! Come for the cows, stay for the cheese samples and free hot chocolate. Live band. Food trucks. See an organic diary in action. This is a kid-friendly event with an opportunity to make art too. The meadow ladies have been cooped up in the barn all winter long and you get to see the joy on their faces as they frolic about. Joy! Why I keep coming back: For me one of the joys of living in a place like Creston is that we get to celebrate our seasons together as a community in all sorts of different and wonderful ways that connects me to the rhythms of the year and to my neighbours. If I'm taking a vacation or I'm situated out of Creston for a season or two, I make sure I'm back in the Springtime... the most energetic and magical time in the Valley.

Located in the village of Riondel, on the shores of Kootenay Lake, the Riondel 9-hole Golf Course offers quality golfing in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. No advance tee time bookings are taken. They have rentals and a light concession; no restaurant. 1298 Galena Bay Wharf Road, Riondel 250-225-3584

Modern Alchemy is a stylish & eclectic boutique shop in downtown Creston, where you are sure to find the perfect one-of-a-kind item for yourself or someone else. Modern Alchemy offers a curated collection of eco-friendly sustainable housewares, fair trade clothing items, organic body products, tasteful jewelry, local & BC made items, ceramics, houseplants, in-house made soy-candles and so much more. Owners Alanna and Kevin also run Public Vinyl - Creston's record store - within Modern Alchemy. Be sure to pop in for a visit while you are in the area. 1016 Canyon Street, Creston BC 250-227-9226 www.modernalchemystore.com

Located along Highway 3 in Erickson's orchard district, this seasonally operational fruit stand sells locally grown cherries, peaches, plums, vegetables, apples, as well as their own fresh-pressed apple cider. Stop by between June to October to pick-up your fruit, veggies, bulk grains and fresh juice! 3111 BC-3, Erickson (250) 402-3056 Faraman Farm FB Page

A one stop shop located in Wynndel. Find all your fishing and hunting needs here - licenses, gas, snacks, drinks, groceries and lottery tickets. The store also sells one time permits for Kusanook Harbour & Boat Launch. 5128 BC-3A, Wynndel (250) 866-5314 wynndel-foods-outdoors.business.site

This fun 18-hole mini-putt course is an excellent family affair for all ages. Smell the fresh flowers as you meander strategically through the beautiful garden-like course. An après-swing ice-cream is a great motivator for your entire crew. Creston Mini Golf is open for your enjoyment from June-Sept and easily located off Hwy 3. 1531 Northwest Boulevard, Creston 250-999-6450 www.crestonminigolf.com

Nestled in the heart of Creston, the City Centre Motel is the only motel you will find located off the beaten path of Highway 3 - just a block north of Hwy 3 on 15th Ave. The motel is centrally located close to shopping, restaurants and the Recreation Complex. The newly renovated rooms feature wireless internet, air-conditioning, complimentary coffee, queen beds, fridges, cable TV, and are totally non-smoking. The property is exceptionally clean, affordable, and comfortable. Stay at the City Centre Motel and experience all that Creston has to offer. City Centre Motel 226- 15th Ave. N, Creston 250-428-2257

Located on Highway 3 in Erickson, this seasonally operational fruit and vegetable stand sells their own fresh produce grown in the Creston Valley. Be sure to pop in to pick up your fresh fruits and vegetables when visiting the area. 3851 Hwy 3, Creston 250-428-1490

Known as one of the finest competitive courses in the Kootenays, the Creston Valley Golf Club began in 1954 and is playable for every level. With rolling terrain and fast, undulating greens it allows the use of every club in your bag, and the setting guarantees stunning vistas of the Skimmerhorn mountains and surrounding valley farms. After finishing your round enjoy the clubhouse balcony, a meal or refreshment, re-live the towering tee-shots hit at #7 and #12, and plan your return trip. Open Mid-March to October 31, 8 AM-7 PM. 1800 Mallory Road Creston, B.C 250-428-5515 www.crestongolf.com

Centennial Park is the largest park in the Town of Creston, featuring trees and picnic tables scattered in a woodland setting located in a quiet neighbourhood away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The popular Creston Rotary Splash Park and children's playground make this park an especially popular destination for families with young children. There is also a covered picnic area, which can be reserved for private groups for a small fee, by contacting the Town of Creston. Other recreation amenities include basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, and outdoor gym equipment. The park offers the perfect playful reprieve for traveling families to take a break, picnic, splash, and recharge! 905 Birch Street, Creston BC (250) 428-2214 www.creston.ca/centennialpark

Decorated like a dockside New England restaurant, this small fish and chips Restaurant is well known for it's large portions of scrumptious fish and chips, fried chicken, and poutine. The tree-shaded patio is also a nice spot to sit on a hot day. Well worth a stop for a hungry travelling family! 1108 Northwest Blvd Creston, BC (250) 428-4008 Tim's Fish & Chips Facebook

The East Shore is made up of eight quaint artistic communities Riondel, Kootenay Bay, Crawford Bay, Gray Creek, Boswell, Sirdar, Sanca, and Kuskanook that wind along the shores of Kootenay Lake. Explore Art & Culture of the East Shore The East Shore is home to an abundance of artisans of various mediums throughout the Kootenay Lake communities. In Crawford Bay, watch handcrafted brooms being made at North Woven Broom by Luke Lewis and his staff. The brooms are carefully weaved using antique broom-making equipment producing beautiful and practical corn brooms. Choose from thousands of brooms hanging from the rafter in the old log barn. Watch the sparks fly as blacksmiths forge hot iron into timeless creations for the home at Kootenay Forge. Kootenay Forge was started in 1981 by John Smith and his wife. The forge has now passed onto the capable hands of John’s daughter Gina and her husband Cory. Upstairs you will find FireWorks Copper Enamel Studio where an unusual union of molten glass and metal is featured in jewellery. Walk into a working studio and gallery made of straw at Barefoot Handweaving Studio/Gallery. Watch artisans weave with bare feet on wooden looms. Explore Food & Wine on the East Shore In Kootenay Bay stop by Boccalino Restaurant if you get hungry. Boccalino features wood-fired oven pizza Swiss-Italian fine cuisine and homemade in-house desserts and ice creams made daily from fresh and local ingredients. In the midst of East Shores artisan activity, Black Salt Cafe features a patio and offers eclectic dinner and lunch menus, a finely tuned wine and beer list, a luscious and lavish dessert selection and the best espresso drinks around. Nature & Recreation on the East Shore The East Shore provides beautiful trails for hiking and biking detailed maps can be found online at The East Shore Trail and Bike Association and Trails for Creston Valley Society. Recreation highlights include Kokanee Spring Golf Resort; a magnificent golf course and resort designed by golf course architect Norman Wood. The Resort’s 750 acres includes over a mile of lakefront on Kootenay Lake and winds along the base of the Purcell and Selkirk Mountain Ranges providing an unparalleled golfing experience with stunning views. GolfAdvisor.com ranked Kokanee Springs in the Top 10 Most Scenic Courses in Canada in 2015. In addition to golf, the resort features The Woods' Pumphouse Grill for great meals and bicycle, kayak, and paddleboard rentals at the Adventure Centre. Experience Health & Wellness on the East Shore Want a little quiet time on your visit to the Creston Valley be sure to look into Tara Shanti - Sustainable Retreat Centre and Bed and Breakfast. The retreat centre is situated on 5 acres overlooking Kootenay Lake with stunning views of Kokanee Glacier. The Tara Shanti Retreat Centre offers an array of recreational activities including Hatha yoga classes and multi-day retreats in the spring and fall. Tara Shanti focuses on sourced locally and organic foods whenever possible or purchased through farmers co-ops and fair trade organizations. Looking for a peace and tranquility visit Yashodhara Ashram and Study Centre. The Yasodhara Ashram is a yoga retreat and study centre founded by Swami Sivananda Radha in 1963, Today, more than 50 years after it was established, Yasodhara Ashram is an enduring and vibrant spiritual community. The Ashram offers a wide range of yoga programs year round, private retreats, teacher certifications and introductions to yoga. An onsite gift shop features a range of local and fair trade items, spiritual books, yoga supplies and jewelry. Tour the beautifully tended grounds, organic gardens, beaches and meditation spaces. Day visitors welcome year-round. Must see Attractions Take a drive on Hwy 3A to visit the infamous Glass House aka “The Showplace of Kootenay Lake” Take a tour and enjoy the scenery, flowers, and history of this unique site. The Glass House, located 25 miles north of Creston, was started in 1952 by David H. Brown. David H. Brown worked in the funeral business for 35 years and when he retired he decided that there should be a use for the empty embalming fluid bottles which were discarded. After acquiring 500,000 square shaped bottles, weighing 250 tons in all, the Glass House was finally built. This impressive house contains 1,200 feet of floor space with 2-floor levels. Forgot something on your trip be sure to stop by the historic Gray Creek General Store Kootenay Lake’s oldest general store established in 1913. From history books to propane, fishing licenses to lumber, coffee to outdoor gear the Gray Creek General Store is a must see.