Sooke Harbour: All Sooke Day

A Committee has been formed to look in to the possibility of once again starting up All Sooke Days.

A Public meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 7:30 pm at the Seniors Drop in Centre in Sooke on 6689 Sooke Road.

Telephone: 250.642.5486

All Sooke Day used to be a summer tradition in Sooke. Thousands of people would troop down to the Sooke River Flats for a day of watching logger sports, eating good food and socializing.
Now a second July has passed without an All Sooke Day taking place. A group of interested people are currently considering reviving the event that once drew praise for the community's volunteers in a 1982 Toronto Star article. One of the first steps for the would-be All Sooke Day revival committee is seeking the will of community. A survey has been produced and has been out in the region for a few weeks.
This survey could be a key to the decision whether to bring back the event. The group wants to know if residents want to see All Sooke Day back on a busy summer calendar. Would-be organizers are also seeking input on what the day should consist of and an indication of who is willing to lend a hand. The event cannot happen without people willing to give of their time to help out and make it a success.

It was sad to see All Sooke Day disappear. It started as a "Celebration of the Progress of Sooke" in 1934 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the discovery of gold in the region and the 1864 origin of metal mining. The format at the time was like a community picnic with events such as egg and spoon races and greased pole climbing. Later a logger sports show became a key part of the annual event.
However, for All Sooke Day to be a community event, it needs the backing of Sooke and the region. Please take time to complete your All Sooke Day survey. Your opinion is important. Surveys are available at various businesses in the region, including the Sooke News Mirror, and at this weekend's Sooke Fall Fair.