Family Day came a day early in the Sunshine Valley this year with the presentation of Winter Fest, which had a record turnout this year.
They arrived on snowshoes, skis, toboggans, strollers, snowmobiles, quads, cars, trucks, and on foot with skates and pets to enjoy a sunny afternoon at the Sunshine Valley skating rink for a Family Day celebration on Sunday. All in all, more than 160 people attended the event.
Hosted by the Sunshine Valley Ratepayers (SVRA), along with local business and volunteers, the event was held in partnership with many local community service providers, including the Read Right Society, who donated books to be given away during the celebration.
While sporting Team Canada and Team USA hockey jerseys, both young and old enjoyed hot chili and beverages as the campfires roared, and delicious, yet gooey s’mores were provided by the Hope and District Recreation Centre.
READ MORE: Prime conditions for winter sport at Manning
A non-profit organization, the SVRA provides advocacy services for government matters at the local, provincial, and federal levels, as well as provides assistance for grant applications.
“Our community is grateful for the support and enthusiasm for our Winter Fest celebration,” said SVRA president Kate Zabell. “Inter-generational volunteers together with local business, local government and our fun-loving residents highlight the collaborative spirit for activities in our rural valley.”
“This well-attended great event shows the importance of the community working together,” said Dennis Adamson, director of Fraser Valley Regional Electoral Area B.
“Even the weather was wonderful. The SVRA works to make the community a better place through projects like the community garden, Canada Day Celebrations and special events like this Winter Fest.”
“I’d like to thank the organizers for their dedication and hard work in planning free community events. BC Family Day is a celebration of family life and a reminder of the importance of spending time with family,” added Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture in an online news release
To add to the festivities and to honour locals for their enduring dedication to maintaining the Cascade Mountains open-air ice rink, a volunteer appreciation cake was cut by John Coburnto, who’s a key rink volunteer.
And although the fun is over for another year, plans for 2020 Winter Fest include a celebration for the 10th anniversary of the 2010 Winter Games.
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