With the torch arriving this Sunday, Spirit of B.C. organizers, are hoping you will take the time to Paint the Town red for the duration of the Olympics.
Already many businesses, like the River Café, are flying Canadian flags, showing their pride in their community and country.
Red and white banners now don the lights along Wallace Street, student-designed banners are on display in the Windows of Hope Appliances Plus, and Gardner Chev Olds, as official sponsor, decked out in full Olympic gear.
Head down to Gardner Chev this evening (Feb. 4) from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. for a chance to win Olympic tickets, pick up an official Olympic flag for your vehicle, and check out the work of local carver Randy Swope.
“If you need Canadian flags and other red & white gear ranging from hats, scarves and toques to decals and more visit these Hope retail outlets for lots of choices --- Fields (where you can find those sought after “Red Mittens”) as well as the Lucky Dollar Store, Pharmasave and the Hope Visitor Centre,” suggests Spirit of B.C. committee co-chair Inge Wilson.
With the Russian Olympic ski team back practicing and acclimatizing themselves to our area in Sunshine Valley the spirit is also building in that community.
In downtown Hope hours worth of dedicated volunteer labour has been put in by Elaine French and Mayor Laurie French in turning Hope’s Big Bear into Canada’s biggest hockey fan. The bear dons his full jersey for the first time this Sunday in honour of the torchbearers.
“Anything that you too can do to spruce up the town would be most appreciated,” says Chamber of Commerce president Victor Smith, who has been going door to door delivering flags and posters to local businesses.
And the Olympics will have a positive impact on Hope, says Smith, with some motels reporting bookings for the Olympics. With Manning Park offering some great snow, there may be an influx of lower mainlanders cut off from their usual ski hill due to the Olympics, adds Smith.
Come out and help clean up the torch route. On Saturday, February 6th at 9 a.m. meet at the Memorial Park Cenotaph to clean up the Olympic Torch Parade Route. A limited number of garbage bags, gloves and pick up sticks will be provided.