After months of preparation, the Mount Douglas secondary school 80th anniversary celebrations begin in earnest this weekend.
• A remembrance tribute and ceremony today (Nov. 11) marks the start of nine days of events aimed at supporting the Mount Doug alumni board’s student bursaries and scholarships as well as connecting former students and staff.
The Remembrance Day ceremony starts at 8 a.m. at the Mount Doug campus, 3970, Gordon Head Rd.
Then, at 7 p.m., the 80th anniversary opening ceremonies includes “A Glorious Noise” band reunion concert.
• On Nov. 12, a homecoming evening and class reunions open to all alumni and their guests take over classrooms throughout the school, while the gym hosts a dance featuring music from the last 80 years. That ’70s Band will perform that evening.
• Athletic events are the highlight on Nov. 13-14 at both the Mount Doug campus and Cedar Hill middle school, 3910 Cedar Hill Rd.
On Sunday, there’s a 10 a.m. hike through Mount Douglas Park. On Monday, there’s drop-in basketball, floor hockey, indoor soccer and volleyball. All events are free and open to the public. Tickets will be required for a sports social and coach honouring slated for 3 p.m., Nov. 19.
• The focus shifts to the arts Nov. 15 with “Art Tasting,” a taste of art, music, wine, cheese and chocolate, on tap from 7 p.m.
• Nov. 16 sees the festivities move to the Cinecenta Theatre at the University of Victoria, where alumni filmmaker Atom Egoyan’s Calendar screens at 7:15 and 9 p.m.
• Fashion through the decades will be on display Nov. 17 during the Mount Doug 80th Fashion Show back at the Gordon Head campus.
• “What I Did for Love,” a performing arts showcase evening, comes to Alix Goolden Hall at 7 p.m. Nov. 18.
• The anniversary events culminate with a Mount Doug Idol singing competition featuring celebrity alumni judges David Foster and Nelly Furtado at 7 p.m., Nov. 19 at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium.
nnorth@saanichnws.com