The holiday season is almost upon us again, and I can’t help thinking about New Year’s Day and the crazy mob that comes to Deep Cove to parade in swimsuits and bizarre costumes and stampede like lunatics into the ocean surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
And then, having partaken in this quintessentially Canadian rite, the revellers warm themselves in front of a bonfire tended by North Shore Rescue and dance, in snow boots and wool hats, to the rhythms of Gary Comeau’s New Orleans zydeco band.
Makes me proud to be Canadian AND from the North Shore!
We have a lot to be grateful for as our community becomes more diverse and reflects the Canada of the 21st century. Traditions brought in by our newer immigrant groups are being added to our proud heritage of Indigenous peoples.
Community events now embrace First Nations’ blessings and expressions of gratitude. Norouz or Persian New Year, has massive support in the community, and Christian celebrations share calendar space and rejoicing with other faiths.
On the North Shore we both honour our traditional events, and welcome the new ones.
Do you know that for the past decade there have been three thriving Remembrance Day celebrations (Victoria Park, Lynn Valley and Cates Park/Whey-ah-Wichen), all of which are organized by local volunteers?
Our Remembrance Day parade up Lonsdale is one of the largest in Canada, sponsored by our social service clubs and others.
Years ago I remember celebrating the opening day of North Vancouver Girls Softball Association at McCartney Creek Park, as the bagpiper led a hundred brightly clad softballers through a knee-deep, fresh snowfall under a bright blue sky! Makes you proud to be Canadian!
So thanks to Bob Putnam and Erian Baxter and their colleagues at Deep Cove Kayak (the Lions Club before them) who put their time and effort into organizing the annual Penguin Plunge and celebrating the new year in our wacky Canadian way.
A Jan. 1 appearance at the Cove will surely be a highlight in your calendar! On a more serious note, please do park your vehicle in Myrtle Park, at Cove Cliff Elementary or even Seycove school.
The walk helps you warm up, work off the turkey-fed drowsiness, and keep the Cove full of people rather than cars.
Best wishes from our council to all of you for the holiday season. And bring your swimsuit to the Cove on New Year’s Day!
