Centennial Chatter #5

The count down is on to the giant "Homecoming" weekend. Last week I explained a little of what was going on Saturday August 4th.and promised information this week about the rest of the weekend. Sunday will have a whole new entertainment lineup, a lot of new vendors and some new cars.at the vintage and classic car show. The highlight of Sunday evening will be the evening performance of the Victoria show band "The Timebenders" They do a very lively entertaining show that is sure to entertain all ages.

The perfect way to enjoy the homecoming weekend is to do it all.

Saturday, August 4 - Let’s start on Saturday morning by taking the free City bus around town. What a great stress free way to get all around to the various events. The morning will begin with the Puddle Duck Regatta at the Harbour Quay at 10:00 am. Walk up the street and watch the various artists doing displays in the art galleries along Argyle Street. The street will be blocked off between 4th and 5th where there will be musicians, more art displays and opportunities for tours of the old post office, city hall and the capital theatre.

Hop on the bus to Bob Dailey stadium in time for the 12 noon show Caulk Boots and Marlin Spikes to be followed all day by various performers. Tour around the 100 Years of Transportation Show which features 199 vehicles, walk the track and peruse the over 50 displays and vendors. The centre of the stadium will be divided into school areas and do you believe we will have all the grad pictures from ADSS eyeball alley, fantastic displays from all of the local schools.

Don’t forget to bring your old ball jersey with you. There will be a DROP IN SCRUB REUNION BALL GAME. Call George Shiner at 250-723-3756 for more information on this 1:00 pm game. Speaking of sports there will be tours of the new Athletic Hall from 1:00 - 4:00 pm which will have a great sports memorabilia display.

We are inviting the children to bring their bicycles to the stadium for a bike decorating contest and parade around the track. Show up at the Kids Zone area with your children and let them enjoy a lot of the special fun we have planned for them.

As the day ends we are invited to the street party and dance on Argyle Street which is starting at 9:00 pm at Char’s Landing.

Sunday will be more of the same with the evening wrapping up with a concert/dance by the well renowned band “The Timebenders” They put on a fabulous show which will be fun for all ages. The show begins around 6:00 pm.

Monday August 6th will be the Family picnic at McLean Mill. If you have never been to McLean Mill this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a wonderful day out there amongst the giant trees. There will be demonstrations of the Steam Donkey and the Steam Mill. We will have old fashioned children’s games, a great children’s entertainer from Vancouver, crafts, and music. A great way to wind down from the events of Saturday and Sunday and the best part is FREE entry into the mill. Bring a picnic lunch and lawn chairs or spread out your blanket on the lawn. There will be food available to purchase at the mill, but if you wanted to pre-order you can call the mill and order your souvenir bucket lunch with 2 available choices.

There will be "Steam Demonstrations” a children’s entertainer, games and fun. The entrance to the mill is FREE, so if you’ve never been to the mill now is your opportunity. Unfortunately I don’t have space to tell you all of it. Trust me you should come and enjoy the fantastic weekend we have planned for you.

Don’t miss any of the planned centennial events. You’ll be sorry if you do…another 100 years is a long time to wait.

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY PORT ALBERNI.

Linda Whiteman is a member of the Centennial Celebration Committee.