Support the Cumberland Forest Society and rub shoulders with the Royal LePage Snow to Surf racers at the combined fundraiser and package pick-up, Saturday, April 22 at the Cumberland Recreational Institute, from 5 to 8 p.m.

There will be tunes from DJ Lady K, drinks from Cumberland Brewing Company, team reunions and strategy sessions, extreme games and table challenges, with prizes. All proceeds benefit the Cumberland Forest.

All are welcome.

Come on down for team registrations and Happy Hour for the Forest, then head out for night-before dinner in the Village. Special Royal LePage Snow to Surf dinner features are on deck at local eateries.

Two great Comox Valley institutions combine to kick off the oldest and best multi-sport relay in the nation.

The race kicks off around 8:45 a.m. Sunday. The exact start time is determined by conditions at Mount Washington.

Support vehicles for the 100-plus teams and limited parking at the seven transition areas, along with a partial road closure on Comox Lake Road, suggest that the optimum places to view race action are along Dunsmuir Avenue in Cumberland for road bike action, and a chance to grab a coffee or a brew, or the finish area at Comox Marina Park where food and hot drinks are on hand.

The beer garden will feature pours from Cumberland Craft Brewery, Gladstone Brewery in Courtenay, Townsite in Powell River and Beachfire in Campbell River. The canoe finish always brings thrills and spills.

The Royal LePage Snow to Surf prides itself on an exemplary 35-year safety record.

Professional traffic controllers will be on station at key areas with visible volunteers to help direct runners and riders.

Access to the boat launches at the Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland campground will be given over to the event until the last paddler crosses the finish line.

Here鈥檚 your chance to see a one-of-a-kind event that has been bringing competitors to the Valley for three-and-a-half decades.