Tofino in October

October in Tofino

With Fall in full effect, it's time to check out the events & programs that help our community escape the approaching monsoons.

Tofino Public Market

The Tofino Public Market will be wrapping up their summer outdoor season on the 8th. This will be the last time this year they will set up in the village green. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to support our local artisans and crafters. Keep your eyes on the bulletin boards for special event market throughout the wetter months held in the community hall.

The 10th annual Tofino Film Festival will be hitting the big screen this month. The festival will be taking on some fresh directions with art showings, panel discussions and guest appearances. This great non-profit event will be running at the Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre. Local artistic genius Andrew Struthers will be debuting the latest in his Hinterland series called "The Bear and the Ant." Other highlights will be; "I Met the Walrus", by Jerry Levitan, an animated short about his childhood meeting with John Lennon. "Chasing the Lotus", and 40 year surf documentary by underground surf cinematographers Greg Weaver and Spyder Wills.

For an adventurous trip out of town the 5th Annual Bamfield Mushroom Festival offers a unique experience. Designed to be both educational and scrumptious the fest has many diverse events planned such as guided foraging in the forest, a mushroom derby, cooking contests and classes and a "Toadstool Stomp" to round out the weekend. A package for ferry transportation & events is available through Seaway Express. It includes return transportation from Ucluelet through the Broken Group and the festival. To book call (250) 726-5353.

Tidal Temptings Fundraising dinner

For the fourth year running, the Raincoast Education Society and Middle Beach Lodge are teaming up to present a gourmet West Coast dinner celebrating local foods, with all proceeds donated to the res. Starting with the Seaweed Soiree in 2004, when the chefs at Middle Beach Lodge created a full five course meal, each course featuring a different local seaweed, the res and mbl have moved on to mushrooms (the 2005 Fungus Fiesta), berries (the 2006 Feast of the Forest), and this year's theme, "Tidal Temptings," features local shellfish and fish of the West Coast of Vancouver Island. And, as usual, the res finds an entertaining host to keep everyone entertained and informed between courses... this year's event is hosted by local poet and writer Greg Blanchette. This event has developed a faithful following--buy your tickets early and enjoy a fantastic gourmet dinner knowing that you are supporting cultural and natural history education in the Clayoquot Biosphere Reserve.

Halloween in Tofino

Undoubtedly one of Tofino's favourite day of the year is Halloween. Whether you're young, or just proudly immature, there are fun and games for all. As always Parks and Rec and the Rec Commission will be raising the dead for the "Haunted Alley Bonfire." This annual tradition is held from 5 to 7pm at the corner of Fourth and Gibson. There will be hot chocolate and hot dogs for the little ones and their chaperones. For the big kids the legion will be having the annual Halloween Boogie. This year is an amazing double lineup with the jazz funk fusion of the 7 piece Moses Mayes and the rock steady dub of Dr Israel from New York. I think that it's safe to say that there is no town that does Halloween like Tofino does.