The North Columbia Environmental Society is hosting a “multi-mediaesque” evening they’re billing as “fun, folklore and environmental speak that won’t depress you.”
Organizer Hailey Ross tells the Times Review the show at the Big Eddy Pub is targeting the new skier and snowboarder crowd, and is designed to broaden the environmental society’s audience “to try and target that skier demographic.” It’s about letting them know about the challenges climate change poses to mountain culture, and letting them know there are “things that we can do about it, too.”
And there’s evidence there’s keen interest in the ski community about the issues. Ross said about 200 people showed up last year for a similar event, which included a screening of the environmental ski film Generations. Many weren’t from within the usual NCES demographic, she said.
Keynote speakers this year include biologist, photographer, mountaineer and Wildsight activist Dave Quinn, who will be speaking about mountain culture and climate change.
Those with a keen memory will remember Quinn was scheduled to give the same talk this time last year. Avalanches, however, kept the East Kootenay resident on his side Rogers Pass for that evening. “So this year he’s coming out early,” Ross jokes.
Also to be featured is local dog-sled guide Eric Marsden, of Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures, who’ll be talking about dogsledding and advocating for “a non-motorized tourism option for the winter,” Ross said. Marsden will also be screening a humorous film that explores the benefits of dog-skiing over cat-skiing.
Also on board is Revelstoke-based Reved Quarterly. Nelson-based Kootenay Mountain Culture magazine will be presenting short films.
The Revelstoke Theatre Company will be presenting audience-involved improv that will weave ideas appropriate to the theme into their presentation.
The Revelstoke Museum & Archives will provide exhibit displays and there will be prizes and other surprises from Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
The event also features a live DJ performance by Carbon & Wire featuring Revelstoke musician Bruce Thomas to keep the show going into the night.
The show is at the Big Eddy Pub on Saturday, Feb. 5. $5 at the door. A free shuttle leaves every hour on the hour from the Village Idiot downtown.