It felt a little bit more like monsoon season than the beginning of summer for citizens attending Canada Day activities in Memorial Park in Keremeos on July 1.
The morning’s schedule of acitvities was continuously interupted by cloudbursts, which were fortunately short lived.
The off and on wet weather wasn’t enough to dampen the civil spirits of several hundred who lined up for the Elks pancake breakfast and stayed to watch or participate in one activity or another through the morning.
Git Gill returned for anther year to lead the kite flying activity, again, sending his kite soaring to great heights in spite of the fact there was little wind at times.
Several kiosks were set up around the perimeter of the park, selling jewellery, artwork and tutus.
Members of the Portage Centre assisted in the Canada Day celebrations by providing their face painting and balloon tying skills to the youthful members of the crowd.
In the village office parking lot, the Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department provided several demonstrations in the use of their auto extrication tools.
Back for another season were the popular local duo, the Corner Turtles, who provided breakfast background music.
This year’s Canada Day official ceremonies were kept brief by local politicians, Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer and Area “B” Director George Bush.
Bauer talked about the nation’s short history, noting that Canada’s diversity was part of what made it the “envy of the world.”
George Bush welcomed everyone, thanking the volunteers for their support .
Action at the park continued through the morning with various games, including bocce ball, bean bag baseball, frisbee throwing and others.
Entertainment in the latter half of the morning was provided by local and Portage musicians. Activities in the afternoon included serving of the Canada Day cake, and free swimming at the pool.
Focus then shifted to the Grist Mill for activities to round out the afternoon and early evening. Admission to the grounds was free after 1 p.m. and with clearing skies, a comfortable afternoon and early evening of entertainment took place with period pieces by the Grist Mill Gang Players and other entertainment provided by Rob Robertson, Jaques and March Durand, and Infusion. Former Keremeos Mayor Walter Despot joined current Mayor Manfred Bauer at the barbeque pit, serving up hot dogs and hamburgers through the late afternoon and evening
