Revelstokians celebrated Canada’s 146th birthday with a terrific parade and party at Queen Elizabeth Park.
The celebration, sponsored by the City, the Revelstoke Credit Union, the Chamber of Commerce and the federal government, was a warm-hearted party with a multi-culturalism theme.
From the traditional parade to that outdoor screening of The Great and Powerful Oz this was a well-attended party.
Here are a few dozen images from Canada Day that I hop you’ll enjoy:
What’s Canada Day without a parade? The Mounties led this year’s parade downtown under a clear and very hot sky. David F. Rooney photoPeter Bernacki played chauffeur to Mayor David Raven and his grandchildren. David F. Rooney photo
Citizen of the Year Dennis Berarduci waves to folks along the route. Dennis’ hard work for minor hockey and other actvities over the years made him an ideal choice as Citizen of the Year. The story of his efforts on behalf od minor hockey won $20,000 for local hockey in the Kraft Hockey Goes On Contest this year. David F. Rooney photoYou can’t have a parade in Revelstoke without antique cars. David F. Rooney photoMulticulturalism was the theme for this year’s parade and — not surprisingly — the Multcultural Society was out in force to celebrate. David F. Rooney photoThe Multicultural Society flag bearers were followed by kids on their gaily decorated bicycles. David F. Rooney photoThese smiling cheerleaders waved and smiled atop of the Enchanted Forest and Skytrek float. David F. Rooney photoOur gallant forest fire fighters paraded, too. All too soon they’ll no doubt be deployed to fight the annual summer fires. David F. Rooney photoGo, Ducks! Go! This active children’s organization boasts some of the best swimmers in BC. And they like parades, too! David F. Rooney photoHurray for bilingualism! Revelstoke’s new French school, L’Ecole des Glaciers, is a natural partner in our multicultural society. David F. Rooney photoSome of the girls from the Revelstoke Derailers roller derby team skated their way through the parade, along with a four-legged mascot. David F. Rooney photoSelkirk Tangiers’ float was a musical one. David F. Rooney photoThe Rob’s Handyman Service float was definitely creative. David F. Rooney photoThe Shriners motored here from Vernon to show off their mini-cars. David F. Rooney photoThe Shriners are an active club that has an interest in helping children. David F. Rooney photoThe ATV Club motored along, too, stopping here and there to hand out candy to kids. David F. Rooney photoCooper’s Foods had an eye-catching float. David F. Rooney photoSmokey the Bear pauses for a photo. Whoever was inside that costume must have been well and truly cooked by the end of the parade. Temperatures were right around 30° Celsius. David F. Rooney photoParks Canada came out with their big beaver. David F. Rooney photoAs usual, the Fire Rescue Service trucks and the ambulancewere among the last participants in the parade. David F. Rooney photoThe very last people in the parade were another contingent of kids who spent the morning at Grizzly Plaza decorating their bikes. David F. Rooney photoMarilyn James of the Sinixt First Nation speaks to the crowd at Queen Elizabeth Park. James applauded Canada’s approach to minorities and invoked a traditional native blessing on the community’s celebration. David F. Rooney photo
Suzanne Tippe accepts the ribbon for the Most Creative Float on behalf of, Rob’s Handyman Service from Mayor David Raven. David F. Rooney photoCooper’s Foods won the ribbon for Best Float. It was accepted by Ping Pratico on behalf of the supermarket. David F. Rooney photoMorgan Tegart and Caine McCabe accepted the ribbon for Best Youth Entry from Mayor Ravcen. David F. Rooney photoZachary Burke won a ribbon for the Best Decorated Bike. David F. Rooney photoRevelstoke army cadets did a great job at the Canada Day celebration in Queen Elizabeth Park. Sgt. Alex Tilden raised the flag while MCpl. Shawn Lee played the national anthem on his bugle. David F. Rooney photoWhen you’re the mayor you some times find yourself in unusual situations… like meeting Gnorm the Gnome who, according to visitor Ian Brown of Red Deer has so far been all over the world. David F. Rooney photoThis inflatable pool was a great way for kids to burn off energy and escape the heat. David F. Rooney photoCanada Day just isn;t the same without a bocce tournament. David F. Rooney photoThe C3 Church brought their ever-popular inflatable playground. David F. Rooney photoAdults at the beer garden had it made in the shade. David F. Rooney photoChris Deverall serves a thirst customer at the Team Gloria concession. Team Gloria is a popular fixture at community event and the money they raise goes to help the Cancer Society and the Cancer Support Group. David F. Rooney photo
Revelstoke’s Maritime Kitchen Party provided some great music for the Canada Day Party at Queen Elizabeth Park. David F. Rooney photoAnd of course there was plenty of cake, baked at the Modern Cafe and Bakery, and served up by Mayor Raven and Citizen of the Year Dennis Berarducci. David F. Rooney photoScott Duke’s smokies and dogs were awfully popular. David F. Rooney photoGet ready… set…. GO! Young children loved the Potato Sack Race and other traditional contests. And… yes… those are real potato sacks. Community Centre programmer Meghan MacIsaac’s father send her a stack of them from PEI. David F. Rooney photoHundreds of people ended their Canada Day celebration with the outdoor screening of The Great and Powerful Oz. David F. Rooney photo
