Greater Trail has been burdened by heavy precipitation lately but the forecast wasn’t foul enough to dampen Canada’s 145th birthday.
Over 200 people came out to Beaver Creek Park for the annual Canada Day event hosted by the Trail Kiwanis Club.
Families throughout the entire community were lured out to the event because of the sudden change in weather—for once this summer it was sunny.
People celebrated by dancing—in groups and pairs—to classics, like Neil Diamond, a tribute paid forward by local performers North of 60.
While people applauded the group’s outstanding performance, many families took advantage of the activities planned for children. The Trail Parks and Recreation had several volunteers offering free face painting. In addition, volunteers handed out goody bags to families.
Some kids only took breaks from the plethora of activities only long enough to enjoy the barbecue and a piece of cake.
“We almost ran out of hotdogs,” Kiwanis barbecue volunteers reported. “But we (had) enough burgers left.”
Trail councillor Rick Georgetti and Trail Kiwanis Club treasurer Wayne Hodgson cut the cake just before rain encompassed the park and people used the gazebo to shield their cake from the downpour
Unfortunately it began raining around noon and local performers were asked to pack up their instruments for safety reasons.
The Lower Columbia All First Nation (LCAFN) group expressed concerns about the possibility of damaging drum-skins in the rain, and used the opportunity to mingle with locals.
“We couldn’t perform today, but I thought we should come out and show our support for the area,” explained LCAFN volunteer Terrie Miller while handing out headbands to children. The LCAFN group expects to appear in many other West Kootenay events throughout the summer.
Unfortunately, the event came to an early close, around 1:30 p.m. However, the celebration got its usual sendoff with the fireworks performance from the Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Department at dusk in Gyro Park.