Oh my holy heck is it ever hot around here. We spent most of Saturday hiding from the sun and attempted to cool off up on Mt. Washington on Sunday - both of which ended up to be blazing hot.

Here’s what’s happening:

- Make your plans now to hit the Comox Valley Fall Fair out at the CV Exhibition Grounds kicking off at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. There will be all kinds of fair-type things including a cool kids area where tiny people can test their skills out at a “working farm,” pet some creatures at the petting zoo, play games, ride animals and bounce like crazy. The cost is $6 with kids under 10 getting in for FREE!

- Registration for the Fall session of classes at the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance is on right now. Check the website link above for details on programs for dancers ages 3 and up.

- Movies Under The Stars, hosted by by CV Regional District, is on again THIS WEDNESDAY. The movie begins at dusk out at the CV Exhibition Grounds on Headquarters Road and admission is $2. You can check out the titles of the featured film HERE.

- Have you checked out the new HerbNWear eco-friendly clothes store in downtown Courtenay? They just opened and carry all kinds of great eco-fashion. HerbNWear is at 123 5th St. bnext to Ahead of the Tymes. Check it out.

- Get your tickets now for KidsFest. This cool annual even is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6 in Lewis Park. Advanced tickets are $3 and can be purchased at Cumberland Village Bakery, Whales Tale, the Lewis Centre, Quality Foods and the Sid Williams Theatre box office.

- This is the last week for Activate The Arts programs in the courtyard at the CV Art Gallery in downtown Courtenay.
Here’s the schedule. Each days programs run from Noon to 3 p.m. and are FREE:
Mon Aug 18: Erik Eriksson, keyboard and vocals
Tues Aug 19: Luke Guthrie, blues musician; Arlene McLeod, painting
Wed Aug 20: Elise Griffiths and Ruth Dickson, painting
Thu Aug 21: Arlene McLeod, painting
Fri Aug 22: Indigo Jazz Trio, Grace Wolff, painting
Sat Aug 23 LAST DAY: Lorraine Baker, painting and drawing; Arlene McLeod, painting, Dolores Pflanz, painting

- Kindermusik instructor Carol Anne Parkinson is now taking registration for her Fall series of classes. To register, call Carol Anne at 250.338.7223 or e-mail her at kindermusikwithcarolanne@shaw.ca
Here is the schedule:

Newborn to 18 months ~ Kindermusik Village ~ Feathers & Do-Si-Do
Feathers - The musical poems of Woody Guthrie, bird songs, and the naturally occurring sounds in nature help babies develop an early appreciation—and accelerated aptitude—for language, movement, and music. Do-Si-Do - Pick up your baby and dance. Do the Charleston, the Tango, and the Cha-Cha and learn why dancing with your baby helps her develop vital learning skills—from head to toe. Your At Home Materials include 2 CD’s with over 50 specially-selected recordings from class, Little Bird Shaker instrument, a Yellow Do-Si-Do Clacker, two printed picture books of the class themes in bold shapes and nursery rhymes, and Art Banners for the nursery wall that strengthen vision and promote early literacy.

Tuesdays 10:00am-10:45am (parents attend entire class) September 9 - December 12 (no class November 11) or Wednesdays 10:00am-10:45am (parents attend entire class) September 10 - December 13 (no class November 12) 12 weeks $225 ($240 after August 15) including both sets of At Home Materials (Feathers and Do-Si-Do)

18 Months to Three ~ Kindermusik Our Time ~ Milk and Cookies
Milk & Cookies - Using a favourite snack as a class theme (no actual food in class), we’ll give you songs and stories to bring more music into daily routines with your toddler—if it’s going to the store, baking cookies, or spending time together in the kitchen. Each activity was carefully created to help your toddler build confidence, self-control, and social skills. Your At Home CDs include 56 songs, sounds, and stories from class, plus a wooden stir xylophone instrument. Everything fits inside a vinyl, Velcro insulated lunch bag you’ll use long after this class is over.

Tuesdays 9:00am-9:45am (parents attend entire class) September 9 - December 12 (no class November 11) or Wednesdays 9:00am-9:45am (parents attend entire class) September 10 - December 13 (no class November 12) 12 weeks $220 ($235 after August 15) including At Home Materials

Newborn to Seven ~ Kindermusik Family Time ~ Here, There and Everywhere
Here, There, and Everywhere - In this family-sized version of Kindermusik, the music and activities centre around five different family outings: a visit with a friend, an outing at the park, a trip to the city, an afternoon at the aquarium, and a day on the farm. Your At Home Materials include a hand and finger puppets of Wags—a featured character in the two literature books. Plus, two home CDs of music from class, a home activity guide, and two jambourine instruments. Each item has been carefully created to bring out the music—and the learning—in your family. Specially designed to fit the varying ages and learning abilities of your children, this set will help you bring the learning and the music-making home, as well as become a lasting, well-loved favourite of the toy box and book shelf. Detailed class information and learning objectives below.

Tuesdays 11:00am-11:45am (parents attend entire class) September 16 - November 25 (no class November 11) or Wednesdays 11:00am-11:45am (parents attend entire class) September 17 - November 26 (no class November 12

10 weeks, One Child Family $200 ($215 after August 15)
Two Child Family $275 ($290 after August 15)
Three Child Family $350 ($365 After August 15)