It just seems like we finished off a plethora of successful special events in Port Alberni and we’re right in the middle of another string of major events. The Centennial Homecoming was a major success and the chamber was pleased to be able to host the Homecoming Reception and the Bears and Bonnets contest. Thunder in the Valley staged a great car show and two days of drags at the airport that were well attended. The NTC’s Tlu-piich Games attracted hundreds of First Nations athletes while the Alberni Golf Club hosted the Charity Golf Classic and the Men’s and Women’s West Coat Open tournaments, just to mention a few. Now we’re in the middle of the Port Alberni Salmon Festival, the Alberni District Fall Fair and the Toy Run! In a tourism year that suffered from high BC Ferry fares, lousy weather and high gas prices, it’s these special community events that keep our economy buoyant. Congratulations to all the volunteer organizers and workers that give of their valuable time to make these fun events such a success.
Our chamber Ambassadors have had a busy year attending Cathedral Grove and the Frances Barkley on a daily basis. The Cathedral Grove campaign will run through until Sept.14th and the last run for the Ambassadors aboard the Frances Barkley will be Sept.21st. Thanks to Mike Surrell from the Frances Barkley and the BC Parks team for all their help in accomplishing another year of helping to promote our community. To thank our Ambassadors, we will treat them to a barbecue luncheon at the Alberni Golf Club on Sept.27th.
Two days later the chamber’s Treasure Hunt will take place. 100 treasure seekers will be visiting 16 local shops on that Saturday to be given gifts and samples from each participating merchant. When they have covered all 16 shops and received their gifts, they will be treated to a barbecue supper at McLean’s Mill, complete with entertainment, an auction and an opportunity to win some grand prize draws. Merchants interested in being on the map can contact our office. Treasure seekers will be able to come to the Visitor Centre and register to receive their treasure map and punch card. Registration for the treasure hunt and the supper is available for just $35.00. All proceeds are going to repatriate the big carved cedar focal point sign at the Visitor Centre.
Thought for the Week:
“It is how people respond to stress that determines whether they will profit from misfortune or be miserable.” Mihaly Csikszentmihalya
FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK
SUBMITTED BY MIKE CARTER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ALBERNI VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE