Hornby Spark

08/03/2026

Calling all Hornby zucchini-racing enthusiasts!

The Spark is preparing for this year’s Fall Fair Zucchinigeddon Zucchini Races, but we are currently missing a few of the key contributors who have helped make the spectacle possible in years past.
We have three gaps to fill:

1. An MC / race announcer
We need someone to call the races, work the crowd, and keep the spectacle alive and well. Think: Hornby Island does monster truck rally. Enthusiasm, unnecessary drama, questionable zucchini statistics, and a commanding announcer voice are all assets.

2. Racetrack setup and teardown crew
We are looking for at least two or three more people who can spend a few hours helping us set up the racetrack on Saturday afternoon. It normally takes five or six people around three to four hours.
Ideally, some of the same folks could also return for an hour or two on Sunday afternoon to take the track apart and pack everything away.

3. Zucchini race-car workshop helpers
We would also like to host a racer-building workshop on Saturday, from late morning into the early afternoon. For that, we need people with crafting skills, drill-press skills, mechanical improvisation skills, kid-wrangling skills, or simply the willingness to help turn vegetables into barely controlled racing machines.
Zucchinigeddon is one of those wonderfully strange Hornby traditions that only works because community members step forward and help make it happen.

Please send us a message if you can take on one of these roles, help for a few hours, or would like to learn more. Many hands will make for lighter work—and considerably faster zucchini.

We are having a Volunteer coordination meeting the week before at the spark Sept 6th at noon.

09/15/2025

🌟 Thank You, Hornby! 🌟

What an incredible year for the Hornby Spark zucchini races — Zucchinigeddon 2025! 🥒🏎️✨

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this quirky, joyful tradition such a success:

💚 To our members and volunteers — for dedicating countless hours to the racer workshop, setting up and taking down the track at the farm, and keeping the races running smoothly on the big day.
💚 To the Hornby Island Fall Fair — for welcoming us once again into the festivities.
💚 To the Hornby Island Co-op — for your generous support with workshop supplies and the gift card for the winning racer.
💚 To Gavin — for bringing your small but mighty winning racer!
💚 To all the kids (and kids-at-heart) — who spent hours designing, building, and decorating your zucchini racers. Every single one was a show of talent and creativity.
💚 And to the spectators — thank you for cheering and supporting every racer to the finish line with so much enthusiasm.

Events like these only happen because of the care, creativity, and community spirit of Hornby. Thank you for making Zucchinigeddon another year to remember! 🥒🔥

09/13/2025

So many racers! Please join us today at 1:00 we don’t want any of these zucchinis to feel left out 💚

05/18/2025

🌸 Thank You for an Incredible Evening 🌸
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the first session of our Radical Feminist Art Series — Feminist Collage.

It was a powerful night filled with creativity, connection, and courage. From bold images to brave conversations, we’re so grateful for the vulnerable sharing, thoughtful dialogue, and the safe, supportive space we all created together.

This is just the beginning — we can’t wait to keep building this community and making art that speaks truth.

Join us for the next session - 🧵 Feminist Threads: Embroidery & Textile Art - July 18, 7-9pm. Stitch your story into fabric. From protest patches to poetic needlework, explore textile art as a tool for resistance, healing, and feminist storytelling. Come thread your truth.

💜 In solidarity and creativity,
The Hornby Spark and Hornby Arts Teams

05/07/2025

✨ Workshop Season is Here! ✨
Hornby Spark is lighting up 2025 with a bold new lineup of creative, hands-on, and community-powered workshops — and we can’t wait to see you there!

From feminist art and zucchini racing to DIY home energy fixes, electric vehicle demos, and beginner bike repairs — there’s something for everyone. Whether you're looking to build, repair, create, or connect, we’ve got a workshop for you.

💥 Check out the full lineup on the poster below and stay tuned for event details, dates, and sign-up info.
📍 All workshops are hosted at The Spark — a space for learning, making, and community magic.

Let us know in the comments which one you’re most excited for! 🔧🎨💡

🤖🔥 AI & Fireside Chat Series - March 28 & June 13, 7:00pm
Explore the curious crossroads of technology, creativity, and community. Join us for an informal evening of AI demos, big questions, and cozy conversation. We’ll play with tools, unpack ideas, and spark dialogue about how AI is shaping our world — from art to activism. No experience needed, just curiosity.

🛠️ Repair Café: Fix It Together - May 31, Jul 26, Oct 4, 10am-1pm
Got a wobbly chair, torn jacket, or toaster on the fritz? Bring it to the Repair Café! This free, drop-in event connects you with tools, materials, and skilled volunteers who can help you repair household items — from bikes to blenders. Learn hands-on skills, share a cup of coffee, and keep useful stuff out of the landfill. No experience needed — just curiosity, community, and a willingness to try.

🏁 Zucchini Racer Workshop - Sep 13 (TBD)
Ready, set… sculpt that squash! Join us the day before the Fall Fair to build your very own zucchini racer. With just one rule — the axle must go through the zucchini — the rest is up to your imagination. We’ll provide tools, wheels, and wild inspiration. You bring the zucchini (and your competitive spirit). All ages welcome!

🎃 Spark After Dark: Family Halloween Fun - Oct 25
Join us for a night of hands-on Halloween magic! We might build a haunted house, make glowing costumes with wearable LEDs, or host a family-friendly party full of treats and creativity. Come in costume, bring your imagination, and get ready for a not-too-spooky evening of community fun. For children ages 1-99.

🚲 Bike Workshop: Fix It, Ride On - Date TBD
Join us for a hands-on intro to bicycle maintenance! This workshop covers the basics — removing wheels, fixing a flat, and adjusting gears and brakes. Bring your own bike and questions, and we’ll help you get rolling with confidence. All skill levels welcome!

🔧 Simple Home Energy Fixes: DIY Workshops - Date TBD
Small changes, big impact! Learn simple, effective ways to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. From weather stripping and air sealing to building your own DIY air filter, these hands-on workshops will help you save energy, cut costs, and breathe easier. No experience needed — just a willingness to roll up your sleeves.

⚡ Electric Vehicle Workshop & Showcase - Date TBD
Curious about electric cars and e-bikes? Come see them up close, take one for a spin, and learn what it takes to make the switch. We’ll have a range of EVs and e-bikes on display, a short presentation on the technology, and tips on what to consider when buying. Already own one? Bring it along to show off and share your experience. The future is electric — come get inspired.

💪 Empower: Tools for Women - Date TBD
Step into your power — and onto the tools! This hands-on workshop is designed for self-identified women and non-binary folks who want to build skills and confidence using power tools. In a supportive, no-judgement space, you’ll learn the basics, tackle small projects, and leave ready to take on your next DIY adventure. No experience necessary — just bring your curiosity.

Radical Feminism Art Series, Presented in partnership with Hornby Arts:

🖼️ Feminist Collage Workshop - May 17, 7-9pm
Cut, paste, and reclaim the narrative. Explore feminist expression through bold collage-making using vintage mags, radical quotes, and your own flair. All materials provided — just bring your voice.

🧵 Feminist Threads: Embroidery & Textile Art - July 18, 7-9pm
Stitch your story into fabric. From protest patches to poetic needlework, explore textile art as a tool for resistance, healing, and feminist storytelling. Come thread your truth.

🎨 Paint Vaginas: A Celebration of Power - Sep 19, 7-9pm
Reimagine the v***a as a symbol of strength, beauty, and identity. In this expressive painting session, we’ll dive into colour, form, and radical self-love. No experience necessary — just curiosity and courage.

🌀 Sculpt Her: Feminist Clay Workshop - Nov 14, 7-9pm
Shape what society tried to silence. This hands-on sculpting session invites you to mold, build, and break the mold — literally. Let your feminist vision take form in clay.

02/14/2025

Hey Sparklers, wanted to share this amazing initiative coming to Hornby. We’re hoping to collaborate on a DIY home energy retrofits program in the future. For now come learn more at this workshop Feb 22 @ 2pm The Hall

The Home Energy Savings Program is a not-for-profit initiative by Ecotrust Canada to support affordable access to clean home energy in rural and remote communities. This program connects households with the information, rebates, and contractors required to complete an energy-saving renovation. Our services come at no cost to participants and prioritize renovations that lower energy expenses, enhance home comfort, and mitigate pollution stemming from home heating. Income-qualified households can access up to $44,900 in provincial rebates, and the Home Energy Savings Program helps connect households with these rebates and rebate-approved contractors.

05/03/2023

🚀🔧 Unleash Your Creativity at Hornby Spark Makerspace! 🔧🚀
Hey there, DIY enthusiasts and makers! 🛠️ Are you ready to dive into the world of digital fabrication and bring your ideas to life? Join us at the Hornby Spark Makerspace for an exciting "Introduction to Digital Fabrication with a CNC Router" workshop on May 27-28! 🎉
📅 Mark your calendars and save the date:
Date: Saturday & Sunday, (updated) June 3-4
Time: 9am-3pm
Venue: Hornby Spark Makerspace
Investment: $250, lunch included 🍽️
🌟 This hands-on, two-day workshop will help you:
✅ Understand the basics of CNC routers and digital fabrication
✅ Master designing and creating your very own CNC projects
✅ Collaborate with fellow makers and learn from an experienced instructor
✅ Discover new ways to innovate and create using cutting-edge technology
🎁 Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your creative potential and become a part of our vibrant community of makers, artists, and innovators! Beginner or pro, everyone is welcome. 😊
🎟️ Hurry, limited seats available! Reserve your spot today:
[email protected]
https://www.hornbyspark.com/events/introduction-to-digital-fabrication-with-a-cnc-router
👉 Make sure to follow Hornby Spark Makerspace for more updates on upcoming workshops, events, and news. Spread the word and invite your friends too!

We can't wait to see you there! 🌟

This hands-on, two-day workshop will help you: Understand the basics of CNC routers and digital fabrication Master designing and creating your very own CNC projects Collaborate with fellow makers and learn from an experienced instructor Discover new ways to innovate and create using cut