115 Years of Cobble Hill Community

8 September 2024Jim Ganley

In many ways, I’m entirely envious of Brentwood students. Their beautiful waterfront campus contains a supportive community that offers 101 enriched opportunities in academics, athletics, and the arts. We are much blessed.

However, for most Brentwood students (day students excepted) I am saddened for their summers – because they tend not to spend them in the Cowichan Valley.

Vancouver Island is a beautiful place to live any time of year, but it particularly sparkles in the summer. Long, warm days are interspersed with beautiful sunsets and cool evenings that lead to a bounty of recreational opportunities – and the culinary produce of a fertile valley.

And then there’s the Cobble Hill Fair!

Held annually for the last 115 years on the last Saturday of August, the Cobble Hill Fair celebrates the community, creativity, and agricultural heritage of our region.

It also sparks some friendly competition in fields as diverse as scarecrow building, honey production, bike decorating, pottery, poetry, poultry, eggs, needlework, and photography.

And members of the Brentwood Community don’t hold back from throwing their creative work into the competitive circle.

In fact, three of our youngest citizens, children of our Alex Houseparent, are pictured above with some of their ribbons. 

And competition is not just for the young, it is also for the young at heart. 

Mr Hacker Teper, enthusiastic scientist and photographer, can also be seen with the fruits of his labour. He earned honours in both photography and bread making – a renaissance man!

So if you’re interested in community, creativity, and Canadiana, make sure you get to the 116th Cobble Hill Fair on Saturday, August 27, 2025.

Jim Ganley, Contented Cowichan Valley Hobby Farmer