Some on Bowen may march to a different drummer, but now we have one song to sing together! Back to the Island Again, a tune by local musician, Lorne Warr, was recently chosen the winner of the BOWEN SINGS contest. The song will be widely circulated, taught to local school children, and it is hoped, performed en masse by island residents at community gatherings.

This is just one of the legacies of funding provided by the Province of British Columbia in support of the Torch Relay Community Celebration. The Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) is the recipient of an $8000 grant, on behalf of the Spirit of Bowen/Torch Relay Community Celebration committee. In addition to BOWEN SINGS, the committee is mounting a number of events and activities, around the dates of the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, to coincide with the official visit of the Olympic Torch, on February 10.

Funding from the provincial government and support from BIM will assist in plans for a memorable community celebration. Watch for the unveiling of a new mural along the cement wall, lining the lower part of Government Road; mark your calendars for a Youth Art Exhibit at the Gallery @ Artisan Square; come to the 3rd Annual Island Winterfest on February 9 to enjoy a bonfire, chocolate fondue and sing-along. Participate in the Torch Parade on the morning of February 10, and partake in the festivities including music, breakfast courtesy of local eateries, and a surprise or two.

Televisions will be set up at various public venues throughout the international games, broadcasting key events from the Olympics. Spirit organizers promise there will be lots of opportunities and enticements to hang out with friends and neighbours to share in the excitement and experience of the games.

The Chamber of Commerce has also received funding, which will help pay for a second major art installation in the cove, melding First Nations and Celtic designs. The Chamber will host "No Snow Games" during the Olympics - a fun way for the entire family to head outdoors, keep fit and cast away the February blues.

The Spirit of Bowen/Torch Relay Community Celebration Committee is a group consisting of representatives from the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce, the Bowen Island Municipality, the Bowen Island Arts Council, the Bowen Island Community School and other groups. For the past four years, they have been organizing community celebrations during the Spirit of BC Week, held in February.

For more information, contact Jacqueline Massey at 604.947.9233, or via email at admin@biac.ca or Murray Atherton, Chair, at 604.947.0333 or via email at murray.a@shaw.ca.