Denise Skarra, recreation co-ordinator for the City of Williams Lake said that Canada Day in the park in conjunction with the Farmer’s Market was a complete success.
“It was awesome: the weather, the people, the whole event: couldn’t ask for better,” she said.
She said that a highlight for her was hearing B.C. Governor General Judith Guichon speak from the stage during the opening ceremony. “I love that she was here: she’s such a warm lady and made great comments,” Skarra stated.
The event, put on by the city’s recreation services featured a giant slab of beautiful cupcakes from Save On Foods, free face painting by the Girl Guides, free water bottle fill-ups from the Conservation Society a find-the-money-tree game, maple leaf necklace building, bubbles and hula hoops.
Skarra explained that Suzanne Cochrane from recreation services planned all the family activities, including Inukshuk building, and worked with organizers of the skateboard BMX jam.
She added that another highlight was the incredible diversity of music, which ranged from instrumental to rich vocal harmonies and from country to rap. The stage performers were the Williams Lake Community Band, Perfect Match, Matt Granlund, Arnold Lucier, Pat Myre and Wayne Lucier, Beka Solo, Colton Baker and Flannel Roots.
Both the community band and Perfect Match played Happy Birthday to Canada during their performances.
Flannel Roots, made up of Rowan Dolighan and Dylan Pritchard, put on a stellar set that featured some of their newest original material.
“It was a great crowd today,” Pritchard said.
“I just want everybody to walk away with our songs in their head and knowing their day’s going to be good.”
“I hope we made an impression on people and that they’ll hope to see us next Canada Day,” Dolighan added.
The duo has performed for Performances in the Park and will appear again this summer on July 14. Audiences have enjoyed them at the Love Williams Lake event in the park, Arts on the Fly and other community events.
The band has been very well-received by audiences of all ages. Their first CD is Long Lasting Impressions and they are working on their second recording.
Skarra also said that it was great to have Harry Jennings as the Canada Day M.C.
“He was fabulous — so experienced and confident,” she stated.
“I want people to remember this as the best Canada Day event they’ve ever experienced.”