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The change of seasons

It’s funny the things that are trigger points to a changing of the seasons.
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The Westside Ringette Tween “B” U14 Heat won the B.C. Ringette Provincial Tournament over Spring Break going undefeated in the tournament to win the gold medal. In the back row from left are Leanne Sieben

It’s funny the things that are trigger points to a changing of the seasons. It used to be the change to daylight savings time but with the time change now in early March too much snow is still on the ground at that time.

If you use weather patterns you would always be confused. It is still nice to see some colour from the early flowers and of course the greening of the grass.

For me there are a number of changes that really cement that spring is here.

The first is the big Reds Hockey Tournament that has been held on Easter weekend for as long as I can remember. With 20 men’s and women’s teams this tournament brings in players from all over the province and an amazing job is done by Colin Biagioni and all the others that make this tournament happen.

The second trigger is the pressure to put up the tennis nets on the tennis courts and to open the gates to Giants Head Park and Powell Beach Park.

Finally, it is all the regulars from all the spring sports checking on their field requirements. Whether it is new volunteers such as Rae-Anne Longbotham from Slo-Pitch and Reid Jenkins from soccer or my long-time friend, Carol Van Balkom from girl’s softball who volunteer so much of their time. The bottom line being it is amazing how quickly you go from one season to another.

In the arena the ice is out and it is a busy place with lacrosse, ball hockey and even roller derby. The campground has some new levelled sites and will be ready for opening in early May.

Before I sign off another spring tradition is Summerland’s Earth Day which has turned into earth week with so many activities. Starting Sunday, April 14 there are special events almost every day from films in Centre Stage Theatre, different workshops, a Friday street festival, a variety of Saturday events and concluding on Sunday, April 2 with the seventh annual Earth Day Celebration at Dale Meadows Park spearheaded by Lisa Scott and Lois Dickinson.

So let’s get outside, there’s lots to do and unbelievably it is only seven weeks to Action Festival and the Giants Head Run and Man of Steel Triathlon.

Dale MacDonald has been Summerland’s Director of Parks and Recreation for the last 22 years and in his sporting past has won provincial championships in four different sports.