From September 17 to 19, Cabox Aspiring Geopark, in collaboration with Grenfell Campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland, Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre, City of Corner Brook and Qalipu First Nation, held the first of what is hoped will be an annual Art & Adventure Festival, combining art workshops with outdoor adventure.
The event began with a 7-hour group hike of the Blow Me Down Mountains above Benoit’s Cove, on a sunny, clear and calm Friday.
IATNL/Cabox Director Paul Wylezol led the 14 fit adventurers on a 7-hour trek to Charlie’s Bottom, a scenic valley on the north side of the mountains
which leads to a pretty cascade with crystal-clear pools ideal for a midsummer dip.
After the Blow Me Down trek an official opening ceremony with free BBQ was held at the Dick Nolan Theater in Margaret Bowater Park, Corner Brook, where the Qalipu Women’s Drumming troupe entertained the crowd.
Saturday’s activities began with a group hike of the new Bear Head Trail to Man In The Mountain Lookoff led by IATNL rep Ulrica Murley Pye
and a group hike of Corner Brook Stream Trail with IATNL/Cabox Director Arne Helgeland.
Shortly after the start of the hikes, a Cultural Landscapes Youth Art Workshop coordinated by artist Jenn Thornhill Verma was held at the First United Church Lawn in Corner Brook, followed by an open air market, Qalipu medicine walk, and jam jam drumming circle.
Saturday night saw the action move to Benoit’s Cove, where a Kitchen Party featuring musician Dave McHugh was held at the Saltbox Restaurant and Information Center.
Sunday’s adventure was a group trek of North Arm Mountain led by IATNL/Cabox Director Paul Wylezol sandwiched between two zodiac rides across the bay provided by Everoutdoor Adventures and Gros Morne Adventures.
Meanwhile, back in Benoit’s Cove artist Jenny Brake guided local kids through a colorful Children’s Art Workshop.
Though it was something of a last minute event with less than desirable weather, the first Cabox Art & Adventure Festival was a lot of fun for both participants and organizers. Stay tuned for summer 2022!
