On March 25 Rick Hansen will bring his Man in Motion 25th Anniversary Tour to his old hometown, and the city is throwing a party to celebrate his return.
With an End of Day Celebration beginning at 4 p.m. at the Cariboo Memorial Complex, locals and visitors will enjoy a traditional First Nations welcome and smudging, entertainment, a family barbecue, and a celebration cake.
The line-up of entertainment includes the Cariboo Men’s Choir, Robyn Ferguson, LeRae Haynes and friends, Cindy Lightfoot and friends, and Don Alder. At 5:30 p.m. the official speeches will begin, and Miss Canada International Anna Dell will sing the national anthem. Of course, the height of the event will be when Hansen addresses the crowd.
Coun. Surinderpal Rathor says an incredible group of generous people and organizations have pulled together to create the event to welcome Hansen home.
Cariboo Regional District Area F director Joan Sorley says she encourages everyone to come out and participate.
“Rick Hansen is truly an inspiration to us all, and we want to show him our incredible community spirit and support for his endeavours,” Sorley says.
By the time Hansen arrives in Williams Lake, the tour will have spanned almost 12,000 kilometres and involved 7,000 Canadians who have made a difference, including the area’s own Bruce MacLeod of Horsefly who will be the final medal bearer.