Lights, camera, action were Friday night buzz words in downtown Trail.
First up was the Miss Trail pageant, an evening of speeches and performances at The Bailey, culminating in the crowning of new Silver City royalty and inaugural waves to the crowd from a well lit centre stage.
Miss Colombo Lodge Hannah Flick took home the Miss Trail title and a 14-pound crown to match the heavy duty of acting as city ambassador for the next year. Alongside, Miss Kiwanis Trynity Turnbull will proudly represent the City of Trail as Miss Trail Princess and Miss Shoppers Drug Mart Nicole Johnson was named Miss Congeniality from her five fellow candidates.
Going into the evening the six candidates which included Miss Firefighters Keandra Billingsley, Miss Knights of Pythias Caïa Gagnon, and Miss Legion Naomi Savage, already received 85 marks based on personal interview, training, speech and knowledge. Another 15 marks based on talent and an impromptu question were determined by pageant judges (and former Miss Trail title holders) Tammy Shiewe, Lindsay Klingbile and LeeAnn Neaves as well as Nelson-based performer, Mackenzie Hope.
Other recognitions included the Knowledge Award (each candidate gave a presentation about Trail and what they learned about the area) which went to Hannah Flick and runner up Trynity Turnbull; Speech Award, first place to Hannah Flick second place, Caia Gagnon; Talent Award, winner Hannah Flick, runner up Trynity Turnbull; History Award Caia Gagnon; Blossom Award, Trynity Turnbull; Most Dedicated, Hannah Flick; Endurance Award, Keandra Billingsley and Naomi Savage (tied); Olive Morey Perseverance Award, Nicole Johnson.
After laughter, tears, and sashes awarded, some of the crowd moved toward the Esplanade and joined an estimated 1,000-plus people who gathered for the inaugural bridge lighting ceremony.
“Let the show begin - let’s light the lights!”
With those words from Trail Mayor Mike Martin, the Victoria Street Bridge officially lit up with musical flair and accompanying dance moves by Steps Dance Studio and The Bailey’s Nadine Tremblay with Rupert Keiller.
“We are absolutely delighted with the end product and now have the opportunity to really showcase the downtown through recognizing and celebrating the presence of the Columbia River,” Martin added.
The lights will typically operate from sunset to midnight each day.
This week the city is carrying over a green theme in recognition of Mental Health Week.