Blind Bay Community Hall has been a focus for community events and activities for the past 100 years. The original hall, built in 1907, was constructed of donated logs hauled to the building site by teams of oxen and assembled by volunteers at work bees. In 1951, the old hall was demolished and the vacant Blind Bay school building was sold for one dollar to the community to become the hall. The area continued to grow and by 1978, the old school house became inadequate.
The present hall, located at 2510 Blind Bay Road, was built with volunteer labour, donated materials and grants. It has been a hub for community activities since its official opening on Oct. 4, 1980. Over the years, the hall has been well maintained with several upgrades - the most recent renovation included modernizing the kitchen and upgrading the electrical and plumbing.
The hall is home to a variety of groups such as the Blind Bay Painters, bridge and card clubs and Ta’Lana Twirlers square dancers. It is used for meetings, seminars, conferences, art shows and other functions and is also the venue for a number of courses offered by Okanagan College.
The hall is rented out for parties, weddings, anniversaries and family reunions, especially in the summer months. The hall is conveniently located near a marina and public beach and golfing and shopping facilities are nearby. Dry camping is allowed on the hall grounds for a small fee. The regional district addition of a washroom and shower adjacent to the hall is a plus for hall renters using the beach as well as visitors to the area.
Throughout the year, the hall hosts a number of events starting with the April 10 annual catered chicken dinner fundraiser with proceeds going for hall maintenance and operating expenses.
The May 28 Victorian Tea features a presentation by Haney Heritage Park curator Deborah Chapman. Many of those attending get into the theme by dressing in period costumes.
June 30 to July 2 the Blind Bay Painters hold their annual art exhibition and sale.
On July 16, the hall is holding a fundraiser wine and cheese social with musical entertainment and a silent auction of paintings.
On Aug. 13, the hall board holds its annual flea market and bake sale fundraiser. For details on hall activities, call Margaret at 250-832-8392.