September 12, 2026
A curious incident occurred at Creative Chaos in June 1983, when more than 30 students from two Vernon elementary schools fainted during choir performances. Thankfully, no children were seriously injured, and all made full recoveries.
The choirs were composed primarily of Grade 4 and 5 students from Coldstream and Beairsto Elementary Schools. Coldstream Elementary performed first beneath a newly installed polyvinyl tent. Shortly after the performance began, two children collapsed and were taken by their parents to recover. When the students returned to school by bus following the performance, approximately 10 or 11 more children were carried from the bus and placed in the care of their parents. Parents were advised to have their children seen by a family doctor or at the hospital as a precaution.
Meanwhile, the Beairsto School Choir had begun its performance. When several students began to collapse, Creative Chaos volunteers and staff quickly stepped in, stopping the performance and assisting the children. In total, 24 Beairsto students were transported by ambulance to Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Creative Chaos volunteers helped carry children to the first aid booth and accompanied them to the hospital, providing reassurance and support during what must have been a frightening experience for the children and their families.
In all, approximately 33 children were assessed at the hospital, with some reported to have been unconscious and others remaining awake. Fortunately, all of the children were released shortly afterward.
Dr. M. R. Smart, Medical Health Officer for the North Okanagan Health Unit, was called to investigate the incident. At the time, he suggested that the combination of heat, fumes from the tent, and a possible group psychological response may have contributed to the collapses. He ruled out food consumed at the event as the cause, noting that the interior of the tent had become extremely hot.
Although Creative Chaos organizers were advised that the tent would likely be safe if it were properly aired out overnight, they chose not to take any chances. The tent was removed, and the remaining entertainment was planned without tents, with organizers prepared to cancel activities if the weather became too rainy or hot. Their priority was ensuring that performers, volunteers, and other attendees could safely enjoy the event.
What began as a frightening and unexpected incident ended with a reassuring outcome: the children were checked by medical professionals, released from hospital, and made full recoveries. The quick response of their teachers, parents, Creative Chaos volunteers and staff, and the medical team at Vernon Jubilee Hospital helped ensure that everyone received the care and reassurance they needed.
The incident remains a memorable—and rather unusual—moment in the history of Creative Chaos and Vernon community events.
Archives Manager, Gwyneth Evans