Plenty to see at the 21th Artisans’ Festival at the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

 By Keith and Heather Nicol

We have attended the Artisan’s Festival at the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens in the past and were very impressed by the range of artisans which presented their wares in this relaxed woodland setting. We attended on Sunday, Sept 3 and there were close to 70 exhibitors featuring jewellery, pottery, paintings, wood work and everything in between so there is alot to choose from. The event is pet friendly and there is an ATM and food trucks on site.  The 24 acre Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens offers a tranquil setting to enjoy nature and this weekend there is an added bonus of the artisans’ festival.

                                Pottery is just one of the many handicrafts that you can see at the Artisan's Festival

 From the map we picked up at the entry gate we could see that there are many trails that wind through the forest and so we will have to return for another visit to fully explore the gardens. We did take one side trail to the labyrinth which is a special spot worth investigating.  We also appreciated the musicians who were playing music along the way. On Sunday we enjoyed the Celtic songs of David Somers at Artists Glade and on the main stage Luke Blue Guthrie and Anela Kahiamoe performed before an appreciative audience in Sunset Garden.  

 

                                                Heather checking out the decorated hats at The Hat Emporium

We are looking forward on coming back to see the gardens when the rhododendrons are in full bloom since they have one of the largest collections of rhodos on the Island.  The gardens are located about 15 minutes north of Courtenay off the North Island Highway. This year the festival runs from Saturday, September 2 to Monday, September 4 so you have one more day to catch this Labour Day Long weekend event.  For more information see:  http://woodlandgardens.ca/  

                     David Somers entertained with Celtic themed music at the Artists Glade on Sunday