Chilliwack offering two new ways to get fired up about the outdoors.
Mt. Waddington's Outdoors has teamed up with local high schools to bring outstanding adventure films and enthusiastic speakers to Chilliwack audiences.
They kicked off the film series with a screening of Reel Rock 10 on Oct. 15. More than 100 pairs of palms were sweating in G.W. Graham Theatre as the extreme rock climbers defied all odds, and gravity itself.
The series continues on Thursday evening with Ashes to Agassiz and Builder. Mt. Waddington's teamed up with new bike shop Vedder Mountain Bike Co. to present these riveting mountain biking films.
Most films in the series will be projected at G.W. Graham Theatre, aside from Nov. 26 Meru at Cottonwood 4 Cinema.
"This series is especially exciting," said Damon Fultz, Graham Theatre Coordinator. Not only do they reveal amazing athletes doing amazing things, "they reflect a healthy lifestyle, and I think we need to support that."
Many of the films feature local terrain. The upcoming Fade to Winter on Nov. 12 showcases skiers on their quest to find perfect snow around the planet, featuring bits of footage from the Chilliwack River Valley, Waddington revealed. Professional extreme skier James Heim will join movie-goers for a meet and greet.
"These films have travelled the world," Waddington explained. "It's really neat to see our terrain highlighted on the screen."
Working in the outdoor industry, adventure films are always on Mt. Waddington's staff radar. But they thought, "there's got to be other people who are interested in this calibre of production," Waddington stressed. These aren't Hollywood flicks, they're for and by thrill seekers.
Tickets for the films are $12 in advance at Mt. Waddington's Outdoors (5643 Vedder Road), or $15 at the theatre. Fade to Winter starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments are available.
In keeping with the theme, net proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Chilliwack Trail Society to help cover the costs of trail building efforts in 2016.
The film series is underscored by a speaker series, taking place on alternate Thursdays, including outdoor adventurers and enthusiasts from all walks of life.
The next speaker event Soul of Wilderness brings in B.C. adventurers and authors John Baldwin and Linda Bily. Baldwin and Bily will recollect the myriad of challenges and delights they experienced on their trek through the remote, wild beauty of B.C and Alaska's Coast Mountains.
Soul of Wilderness begins at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 at Sardis Secondary Theatre.
Visit mtwaddingtons.com for more information about these events and the up-to-date series schedule.