Lumby is hosting a party to remember.
Numerous events are scheduled for Saturday as the community waits to hear if it has won the Kraft Hockeyville title and a pre-season NHL game.
“We expect a full crowdJW INGLIS School. The Cedar Bridge School is doing a fundraiser, bouncy castle & hot dog sale at Arbor in the Dollar Store Parking lot during lunch time (I’m not 100%,” said Mayor Kevin Acton.
“I really hope people from Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby and all of the other communities come out and help us celebrate.”
A scavenger hunt for Canucks home game tickets starts at 11 a.m., followed by live music at 11:30 a.m. and kids activities at noon.
Other events planned for months have also been incorporated into the festivities.
They include J.W. Inglis’ drive-thru breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at Super A Foods, a 55-home garage sale starting at 8 a.m., a Cedar Bridge School fundraiser in the Dollar Store parking lot over the noon hour and an ALS fundraiser at the Royal Canadian Legion at 3 p.m.
And CBC and Sportsnet crews will be on hand to capture the community’s reaction when the Hockeyville winner is announced.
“We ask everyone to make their way to Pat Duke Memorial Arena by 3 p.m. to watch ball hockey, listen to live music and hear the Hockeyville announcement together,” said Angie Clowry, event organizer.
The announcement could occur at some point by 4 p.m.
“The anticipation is driving me crazy,” said Acton. “We’re full of excitement.”
By being named a finalist, along with Saint-Isidore, Que., Lumby will receive $100,000 for arena upgrades, but Clowry says she’s looking at the big picture.
“My focus has been on the nation-wide media showcasing my hometown,” she said.
“You really can’t pay for this kind of positive media coverage.”
Acton says he’s proud of the group of residents who organized the Hockeyville bid and Saturday’s event.
“We’d be watching another community if it wasn’t for them,” he said.
