By Doreen Marion Gee

"Summer time and the living is easy" - especially when it is free! As the heat sizzles, James Bay becomes a pulse of fun and activity. Some of the best escapades are low cost or totally free. You don't have to be rich to bask in the glory of this seaside paradise. You can soothe your soul and fill your senses and still balance your check book. Go wild and savour the tastes in the summer breeze. And leave those inhibitions at home!

Summer is movie time at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park. These free movies run from August 8 until August 30. This year it is an eclectic mix of golden oldies, pure silliness and sci - fi thrills. If you want to see David Bowie in tights, check out "Labyrinth." For those space travellers who want to see aliens and dark new worlds, take a cruise through the stars with "Forbidden Planet." For some music and culture, anyone can enjoy the free outdoor concerts at "Stage in the Park " from June to September in the Bandshell. You can soak up the joy of a saxophone with the Steve Sutton Trio or show off your sexy Latin moves at the Tango Milona Picnic and Dancing event. For those still "young at heart" there is a special Seniors' Concert Series, with treats like the Lakeshore Concert Band from Quebec ( Details at www.victoria.ca ).

Summer shopping in James Bay is a pleasant and affordable activity. At the James Bay community market, the fare is great and the music is free. The Second Chance store in James Bay Square offers quality used household items that are reasonably priced.

Anyone can enjoy the free big " blockbuster events" this summer. On Canada Day, celebrations abound! The Beacon Hill Brass will ignite our national pride with their Holiday Concert in the Park and you can "create a flag" on the legislature grounds or listen to top performances in the Inner Harbour. Beacon Hill Park becomes a magical wonderland at the Luminara Festival on July 26. And what could match the thrill of a live symphony playing Mozart as the sun sets over the Inner Harbour - taste the sounds of Symphony Splash on August 3. If you find your mind wandering to exotic Far Eastern oases , check out the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival at the Inner Harbour from August 15 - 17.

On November 19, 1858, our province became the Crown Colony of British Columbia. This summer, we are celebrating 150 years of being "the best place on earth." From August 1 - 4, it is party time in Victoria at " Festival 150" and almost everything is on the house. The brainchild of the Provincial Capital Commission, the event is about bringing BC to the Capital to instill an appreciation of our fair city. For sheer thrills, come and see free performances by the fabulous Sarah McLachlan and Burton Cummings on August 4 on the legislature lawns. For three days, "Doors Open Victoria" will give you a complimentary tour of many hot spots, such as Emily Carr House. On August 4 admission is free and by donation at the Royal BC Museum (Updates at www.bcfestival150.ca. Contact person is Harry Keith at hskeith@brandlivegroup.com). For ongoing pleasure, the Royal BC Museum is hosting "Free Spirit", a low- cost exhibition that honours all the people and events that shine bright in our history. The "From the World to BC" events are free on the fourth Saturdays in July and August, starting at 11AM in the museum. For example, on August 23, come and see the World Champions in Martial Arts, Roxanna Forraru and Jocelyn Van Der Geest. To step back into history, Helmcken House is a rare treat through a donation all during the summer.

For instant fun, unleash your inner sprite and jog naked through Beacon Hill Park. It's free ! ( and so is a day in jail). Enjoy yourselves and remember, some things are priceless - an Aria by a warbler high in the trees or a Great Blue Heron strutting like a king. And how about sitting on the breakwater at dusk and watching seagulls caress a red sky, a taste of heaven here on earth.