The Filberg Festival in Comox is back and better than ever

 By Keith and Heather Nicol

      Like many festivals, the Filberg Festival has been affected by the global pandemic for the past 2 years but in 2022 it is back and from our observations on the first day it is better than ever. The Filberg Festival is a huge fundraiser for the Filberg Lodge and Park which has a spectacular location in Comox. This year they have over 100 artisans showing their wares plus over 45 musicians performing at 2 stages. What a great combination! The idea is you check out some of the remarkable work by potters, photographers, painters, jewelry, glass, textile and wood workers and then take in some music. When you get hungry you can buy some speciality food from some artisans or head for the food trucks. So the routine is shop, listen, eat and enjoy !

        There are lots of vendors showing their wares on the shady grounds of Filberg Park

The biggest challenge this year is staying cool with record setting temperatures roasting Vancouver Island for the past several days. So we will pass along some tips based on our first day attending. Get there early. Not only will parking be easier to find but it will be cooler. Secondly, bring plenty of water so you don’t get dehydrated. Thirdly, dress with light shorts and shirts and bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.  We also brought small foam pads so we could sit on the grass or a low rock wall in the shade if the seats were all taken.  

               Robin (right) showing some of his unique seaweed art - he is based in Victoria

 On Friday, July 29 we opted to listen to music at the shady waterfront Garden Stage which some musicians said must be the best stage to sing at in B.C. ! There was a little breeze off the water and with the shade - it made the 29 C (feels like 35 C) weather quite manageable. We caught Ella Korth from Vancouver and we loved her varied music.  We particularly liked her Irish ballad played on the banjo. Since we were so comfortable we stayed to listen to Brodie Dawson who ended up having to borrow Ella’s guitar at the last minute. Brodie lives in the Comox Valley and her group put on a varied set that could highlight each performer. Christy Vanden was next up at the Garden Stage and rounded out our very enjoyable time on Friday at the Festival.

                  Ella Korth opened the Garden Stage on Friday to a standing room only crowd

But there is lots more music to be played at the Filberg Festival . You still have Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31 to come and check it out. Gates open at 11 am and runs until 8:00 pm on Saturday and 6:00 pm on Sunday. Also it is a great place to get that unique or special gift. With so many varied exhibitors there is something for just about everyone. And Remember the Filberg Festival is a valuable fundraiser for the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox, B.C. For more information on the complete festival schedule see: filbergfestival.com  See you there tomorrow. 

                                   Brodie Dawson and her band were a hit at the Garden Stage