In the end, money – or the lack of it – most likely became the deciding factor.  There is no doubt, sometime in the future a larger, multi-purpose hall will be needed to serve our growing population.  And by that time, we will most likely have use for both, the old and the new hall.

The HHS Memorial Hall was built by volunteers with material largely donated, on land also donated. Except for the roof replacement about 10 years ago and the upgrading of the public washrooms to mandatory standards, not much has been done since. And yet, the hall has served us well throughout the years!

In fact, the Memorial Hall has always been the hub of our community. Can you, for instance, imagine the Festival of the Arts without the hall? Or an election being held without it? What about all the weddings and other family functions? The Sandsculpture Festivals?

And it was no small feat for the non-profit Arts and History Society for it was only accomplished thanks to fundraising efforts, a great deal on roofing from Pioneer Building Supplies and a generously low estimate by Vanderpool Roofing.

“It has been a long time coming,” says society president, Art Boucher.

And once the roof is secure to walk on the painting of the building – the showcase entrance to the community at the corner of Old Hope-Princeton Way and Wallace Avenue – will also be completed.

The map was a joint effort by the two artists, and the project was the first time they had collaborated on an artistic piece.

When the department moved this year to the third floor, department head Mark Taylor approached Suzanne Greening, the executive director of The Reach gallery, about installing art in the common areas.

Greening checked out the well-lit area and expansive walls, and thought it would be a brilliant place to hang art. It’s now a satellite gallery for The Reach.

“I believe the city should be promoting art, and it’s very appropriate for Parks, Rec and Culture,” said Greening.

The exhibits, which began with the Abbotsford Photo Arts Club and then painter Darrell Spenst, have been “very successful,” she said. When there was a gap between the second and third exhibits, residents of the third floor were keening to see artwork back in the halls, she said.

The will be led by executive director Michael Cade who brings extensive experience in theatre production and management to his role. Both Cade and his new staff are anticipating the scheduled Sept. 19 opening week of celebrations to launch the centre, building up to the “Red Carpet Affair” opening gala on Sept. 25.

Chris Reid and Jamea Lister excel in running the theatre’s technical systems, KellyAnne TeBrinke brings co-ordination skills and marketing know-how to the team, Anna Stecca will ensure patrons are served promptly at the new centre box office, Chrissie Hood organizes the books and keeps the office efficient, Theresia Reid serves organizations and individuals interested in booking space at the centre, and Kelly Walton co-ordinates cleaning, including janitorial supplies and staff. Additionally, the marketing manager and technical director have been appreciative of the work from three students from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).

Last year a lightning storm threatened the safety of the performers and audience, and all of Saturday’s performances were cancelled. It cost the festival $35,000 because of the loss of gate receipts.

The show’s producer Francis Xavier Edwards and the festival board are also grappling with funding cuts, as the provincial government rolls back the amount it will give for arts and culture. This year the provincial grant dropped from $18,500 to $11,200. Next year they will lose $30,000 in provincial gaming revenue, and the year after another $35,000.

Edwards said the board could have rolled back its show, but instead went the other way – expanding the festival by adding a Thursday night gala concert at the Clark Theatre. That night served as a festival preview for the audience, with nine different acts performing two songs.

That’s only a fraction of the fun to be had at Art on the Farm, Aug. 14 in the Columbia Valley.

Nearly a thousand people streamed onto the farm last year, says organizer Minda Chittendon.

“I want people to make a day of it. We hope they come to see the sights, and bring their bikes.

“It’s a perfect day to park the car and cycle the 10-kilometre loop around the valley.”

All the arts and culture gathered in one small spot feeds our minds and souls, and kicks off the summer in grand style.

It also is a major boost to the local economy, undoubtedly. But its funding is dwindling away, thanks to changes in gaming funds by the provincial ministry announced in March.

Phyllis Stenson, director of the Festival Society, recently told The Chilliwack Progress that the cuts are “appalling” and “hard to swallow.”

That’s putting it mildly.

The glass doors of the new Chilliwack Cultural Centre were thrown open to the media this week for a tour of the $22-million facility on Corbould Street.

“This is a truly spectacular building,” said Michael Cade, executive director of the new centre. “It’s been designed to maximize the opportunity for the community to meet the arts.”

From the large theatre with 584 “saleable” seats and a fly tower almost eight stories high, or the more intimate “black box” studio theatre with 150+ seats, and other amenities like the art gallery or craft rooms, the artistic possibilities are endless.

This year’s music will include international performers like guitar guru David Lindley, roots/swing-king Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, Spanish flamenco-rockers El Purchero del Horteleno, Scottish trad band The Peatbog Faeries, Indian slide-guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya, Maori/Celtic music group Pacific Curls and more.

The fledging Friendship Centre, headed by Bonnie Millward and a board of directors, hopes to provide services to aboriginal and the Metis communities through support, referrals and cultural revival.

Despite a few setbacks at Saturday’s event and low attendance, the strong show of support from the artists and community reflected in the number of displays in Memorial Park, builds a strong base for future events, noted Millward.

Community displays included Citizens on Patrol, Hope Fire Department, Literacy programming, and Christ Church Anglican.