July 1, 2016 was a big year for the nation and the District of Sechelt. Canada turned 149 years old and Sechelt turned 30. Canada Day in Sechelt – hosted by the Sechelt Downtown Business Association (SDBA) – is always a big celebration, and this year was no exception.
SDBA president Katharine True-man roughly estimated that over 5,000 people went through Sechelt on Canada Day.
“There was lots of variety and lots of family activities, music everywhere,” Trueman said. “I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. I think it was a really good celebration for 30 years of the District.”
The day started early with a pancake breakfast near Gilligan’s Pub, and things really kicked off with the annual parade down Cowrie Street. Events ran all day and into the night, with lots of music, free events for children, the firefighters obstacle race and much more. The day ended with fireworks in Trail Bay to celebrate Sechelt’s 30th anniversary.
“Lot’s of people come from all up and down the Coast – I think Sechelt has got a reputation as the place to be for Canada Day,” Trueman said. “We had great music, we had Playback and we had Joe Stanton and we had the Divas and Champagne Cowboys and Bits of String and Graham Walker and Matthew Diamond and Gwendolyn the Spinning Dancer.”
The Town of Gibsons also celebrated our country’s birthday in Winegarden Park. The Legion Colour Guard stood at attention while Mayor Wayne Rowe raised the flag and Charlotte Wrinch sang the National Anthem in English, followed by Richard Fortier who sang it in French.
