Sunny skies and soaring temperatures made for an enjoyable morning in Keremeos as several hundred residents met in Memorial Park to celebrate Canada Day.
This year’s perfect summer weather combined with a nearly ideal combination of vendors, childrem’s games and other activities that kept citizens entertained throughout the morning.
Keremeos Elks began the day with their pancake breakfast, with the inimitable style of the Corner Turtles providing entertainment until the 10 a.m. Canada Day ceremonies. Children had several activities play, including the always popular bouncy castle, provided by the Elim Tabernacle, who also provided volunteer help.
The Summerland ATV Club hosted a kid’s train ride running along the Great Northern right of way. Members of the group from Cawston and Keremeos assisted in the event, which proved to be very popular with the kids.
Face painting, ball gams and some boxing and martial arts activities provided by Main Event Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts of Keremeos rounded out entertainment for the morning.
Opening ceremonies were attended by the Keremeos Legion honour guard, local politicians Mayor Manfred Bauer, MLA Linda Larson, and Cawston Area Director George Bush, all of whom delivered briefs speeches.
Vendors included the Similkameen Arts Society, Tree To Me, Valley First Credit Union and other private vendors selling everything from food to jewelery.
“I think attendance is up from previous years,” commented Infocentre Manager Collleen Christensen. She noted an increase in vendors participating over last year as well.
“I’m pleased with the turnout,” she said.
Activities in the park wind up at 2:30 this afternoon, after cutting of the cake, scheduled for 12:30 p.m., and free swimming from 1 to 2:30 p.m. There will be a short break in activities before things pick up for the afternoon and evening , shifting to the Grist Mill. Local artists, poems, stories, dances, lawn games and other special presentations will carry on into the evening, along with a hamburger and smokies barbeque.