Central Saanich’s 75th Anniversary Celebration

Plan your visit before you arrive. View the event site map to find parking, activity zones, food vendors, washrooms, accessibility features, and entertainment areas.

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Celebrate 75 years of Central Saanich with an incredible lineup of local talent!

From high-energy headliners like Nick La Riviere & The Best Laid Plans and the crowd-powered Victoria Rock Choir, to hometown favourites like Vanilla Riot, Madi and the Dads, and country artist Luke Lampard with special guest Chase Varnes, this celebration showcases the depth of talent rooted right here on the Saanich Peninsula.

You’ll also see rising stars take the stage, including emerging artists Wet Knees, Wreckage, and Kingston Weesa—bringing fresh energy and local pride to the lineup.

It’s a full day of music, community, and celebration you won’t want to miss.

Emerging Artists

Local Artists

Luke Lampard with special guest Chase Varnes On stage: 2:45 p.m. Luke Lampard is a local country artist from Brentwood Bay. His music has been growing steadily even while working a full-time firefighting job and coaching local softball teams. Luke is coming off performing at Sunfest Country 2025 and is releasing new music this summer! Instagram	Image
Chase Varnes 14-year-old Vancouver Island singer-songwriter Chase Varnes writes every song and self-produces, playing every instrument. His debut single “Ain't Been There Yet” blends country warmth with pop clarity and opens the door to a forthcoming EP.    Instagram	Image
Madi and the Dads On stage: 3:45 p.m. Madi and the Dads bring an energetic mix of covers and original songs. Fronted by Madison Olsen from Tsartlip First Nation in Central Saanich, the band features a talented crew of dadvibe musicians in varying states of beard. Backing up Madison are her father, bassist and local music producer Nick Gilchrist; peninsula raised guitarist Dave Bosma; drummer and Brentwood School of Music owner Mike Preston; and keyboardist extraordinaire Andy Sloniowski. Their warm, dynamic sound highlights Madison’s powerful voice and creates an engaging, feel-good experience for anyone in attendance.	Image
Vanilla Riot On stage: 4:45 p.m. Vanilla Riot is ready to rock Central Saanich’s 75th Anniversary! This high-energy cover band is deeply rooted in the local community. Current residents Clive Scott and Shay Poland are  proud to call Central Saanich home, while singer Jenny Leddy (Young) and bassist John Hawkins  are well known former locals. The hometown connection runs even deeper, as singers Shay and Jenny are both proud graduates of Stelly’s Secondary.   With a setlist packed with classic anthems and modern hits, Vanilla Riot brings the perfect energy for this event. Join your neighbors for an unforgettable performance as they celebrate seventy-five years of Central Saanich pride. Instagram	Image
The Victoria Rock Choir On stage: 5:50 p.m. This is no ordinary choir performance... this is a rock show! Featuring about 130 singers plus guitar, piano, bass, and drums, the choir performs music by bands like Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Tragically Hip, Fleetwood Mac, Foreigner, Colin James, and more. Directed by trombonist, Nick La Riviere, this choir is all energy and good times. Nick attended Stelly’s Secondary in Central Saanich, and the choir features members from all over Greater Victoria. Make sure you check this group out - you’ll find yourself singing along in no time! Facebook Instagram	Image
Nick La Riviere & The Best Laid Plans On stage: 7:00 p.m. Best Laid Plans is a high-energy band with a deep bench of great players and a sound that moves easily between styles. The group features Nick La Riviere (trombone, vocals), Miguel Valdes (trumpet), Barrie Sorensen (sax), Kelly Fawcett (guitar), Attila Fias (keys, vocals), Louis Rudner (bass), and Alex Campbell (drums. Together, they cover a lot of ground—from original tunes to New Orleans-inspired party music to R&B—always with a focus on groove, feel, and having a good time. The band is led by Nick La Riviere, a singer, trombonist, and longtime fixture in the Victoria music scene. He’s toured internationally with artists like The Paperboys, Michael Kaeshammer, 54-40, The BC World Music Collective, and Adonis Puentes, and has shared the stage with musicians including Steven Page and The Temptations. As a freelancer, he’s played just about every kind of gig there is, and brings that experience into the band. Nick attended Stelly’s Secondary in Central Saanich, and was inspired by the music program there. Best Laid Plans draws inspiration from New Orleans greats like Trombone Shorty, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Allen Toussaint. Their original music leans into a mix of pop, funk, and horn-driven arrangements, with plenty of room for improvisation and, of course, trombone. Instagram Facebook	Image

Local makers, artists and food vendors help bring our community to life — and they’ll be a big part of Central Saanich’s 75th Celebration!

Stroll through the market area to discover handcrafted goods, local art, food trucks and community booths, all showcasing the creativity and talent found right here on the Peninsula. Whether you’re browsing, learning, tasting or chatting with the people at the booths, this is a great chance to support local and connect with neighbours.

Artists, vendors & businesses
•    Bijou Bugs and Accessories
•    Butchart Gardens
•    Camas Lane Art and Photography
•    Category 12 Brewing – Beer garden!
•    Central Saanich Home Hardware
•    Cookie Corner
•    Evolutions Wellness Collective – Low-sensory tent for relaxing
•    Gobind Farms
•    Habanero Landscape Solutions
•    Hazel's Ice Cream
•    Lemon Heaven
•    Magnolia Art Studio
•    Mama Makes Victoria
•    McPherson Designs
•    Michell Excavating
•    North Saanich Canadian Tire
•    Patio Gardens
•    Peninsula News Review
•    Silver Rill Corn
•    Sterling West
•    VCA Central Saanich Animal Hospital
•    Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Climate & environment
•    Flavour Trails (Capital Regional Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable) – Zucchini races!
•    Climate Action, District of Central Saanich
•    Compost Education Centre
•    CRD Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – What Goes Where? lawn game
•    CRD Harbours & Watershed Protection
•    Peninsula Streams Society
•    Parks, District of Central Saanich – Guided forest walk at 1:00 p.m.
•    The Sustainable Fox – Waste sorting stations

Emergency, fire & police
•    Central Saanich Police Service
•    CRD Animal Control
•    District of Central Saanich Volunteer Fire Association – Dunk tank!
•    Emergency Program, District of Central Saanich
•    FireSmart, District of Central Saanich
•    Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers
•    Peninsula Emergency Measures Organization (PEMO)

Food trucks
•    Bannock Room
•    Battered Bounty/Off the Hook
•    Bubble Bus Company
•    Candy Time Victoria
•    Central Saanich Little League
•    Cup-A-Roni
•    Churros and Mor
•    Fresh Coast Coffee
•    FreshCoast Health Food Bar
•    Greek n' Go
•    Greek on the Street
•    Kattia's Kitchen
•    Lexi’s Ice Cream & Treats
•    Masala Roots
•    Mr. Noel’s Mini Donuts and Fries
•    Sub-Zero Ice Cream
•    The Ice Cream Truck

Medical & community organizations
•    BC Schizophrenia Society
•    Beacon Community Services
•    Brentwood Bay Community Association
•    Central Saanich Lions
•    Saanichton Village Association
•    Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
•    Shoreline Medical Society
•    St. John's Ambulance – First aid tent

History
•    Heritage Acres / Saanich Historical Artifacts Society
•    Log Cabin Museum
•    Saanich Fair
•    The Sidney Museum – LGBTQ+ history

Special displays

•    Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation – Classic car raffle
•    Central Saanich Lawn Bowling Club
•    Torque Masters Car Club

• Getting here: Please see the notes in the Venue / Howto Get Here section. Marked accessibility parking will be provided at the site.
• Surface conditions and grade: The event location includes a grass field, paved areas, lawn bowling facility and trails. The site is mostly at grade or has routes that are low grade. 
• Washrooms: there will be multiple washrooms, including accessible stalls, as well as portable toilets available. 
• Low sensory space: A designated low sensory tent will be available for those who may need a quieter, calmer environment.
• Noise: This event will have live, amplified music from approximately 12:30 to 8:00 p.m. There will be areas of the event that are quieter than others.
• Food and beverage: There will be more than 20 food and beverage vendors to choose from. Please check with the individual vendors to ensure your selected meal meets your dietary needs.
• Weather: This event is fully outdoors and will run rain or shine.
• Dogs: Service animals are welcome. Pets are not permitted on the Centennial Park playing fields or playgrounds. There will also be farm animals involved in the event. Dogs under control are permitted on Centennial Park trails.
   

• FREE shuttle service
  • A free, accessible shuttle with drop-off and pick-up at the front entrance of the event, so you can skip dealing with event traffic and parking!
  • How it works: Make your way to one of several shuttle stops throughout the community and hop on the bus. The shuttle will do a continuous loop during the event. Come and go as you please! 
    • First run: 11:30 a.m. (leaving from Centennial Park Southbound)
    • Last run: 8:15 p.m. (leaving from Centennial Park Southbound)
  • The shuttle will stop at five stops approximately every 30 minutes. Event attendees can hop on and hop off at:
    1. Centennial Park Southbound (Wallace Drive at Hovey Road)
    2. Stelly’s Secondary Parking
    3. Library Parking (West Saanich Road at Wallace Drive)
    4. Centennial Park Northbound (Wallace Drive at Hovey Road)
    5. Prairie Inn / Bus Exchange (East Saanich Road at Mount Newton Cross Road)

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• Free bike parking
  • A free, secure bike parking service, like at the Saanich Fair, for bicycles, scooters, one-wheels, strollers or whatever micromobility vehicle you use!
    How it works: When you arrive, Capital Bike's friendly staff will take your bike and give you an identification tag. They will then watch over your bike during the event, and when you return, exchange your tag so you can wheel home!
    Stay tuned for routes & bike parking hours.

• Driving & Parking

  Parking near Centennial Park is limited (approximately 400 spaces). Please follow all signage and directions from on-site traffic control staff.
  Parking  options:

  • 1882 Hovey Road lot (across the street from Centennial Park)
  • Stelly’s Secondary School (approximately 1 km) with BC Transit shuttle service every 30 mins
  • Municipal Hall – 1903 Mt. Newton Cross Road (approximately 1 km)

  Important: Do not park in bike lanes.

• Accessible Parking
  Accessible parking is available near the Centennial Park tennis courts and adjacent to the park.

Help us make Central Saanich’s 75th Anniversary celebration a low-waste event! To recycle and compost 80% or more of event waste, 4-bin waste stations will be available throughout the site and a main sorting station will be staffed all day beside the beer garden. Come say hi! 

Please make sure you:

• bring a reusable water bottle
• take a moment to sort your items into the correct stream
• use the "I Don't Know" bin or ask for help if you’re unsure

To improve waste diversion, regular park garbage bins will be limited to washrooms and for select uses. Some food vendors will also be testing reusable food containers. 

By sorting your waste, you can help keep materials out of the landfill and support a cleaner, greener community celebration.