Editor:
We were dismayed, disappointed anddepressed by the radical change madeby the powers-that-bethat saw the traditional Hackett Park Canada Day post-parade celebration turned on its head.
Gone was the Ren-aissance fair-like venue in which everyone -kids, adults, families -commingled on the grass beneath the trees enjoyinga wide variety of craft and food booths and intimate musical performances. For 23 years we have delighted in this unique community event.
It was a rude awakening to find the park turned into what amounted to a "kids' only" zone, while the music and the craft booths were relegated to the Trail Bay Mall parking lot and the street.
After discreet inquiries we came to understand that the changes were instituted not truly for the benefit of children, but to accommodate disgruntled merchants whohave long resented what they regard asthe potentialloss of revenue.
We believe we are only two Coasters among many who, upon encounteringthe changes, simply got in our (non-classic) rides and headed home. In our opinion this misguided change rendered everyone losers - celebrants, crafters, musicians, and merchants alike.
Happy Canada Day, eh?
Jan Michael and Denise Sherman, Halfmoon Bay
