RIVERBOAT DAYS 2016 was officially opened July 29 with ceremonies held at George Little Park featuring welcomes by organizers of the annual Terrace and community event and short speeches by dignitaries.
The highlight of the evening was the introduction of Eva and Julius Komlos as the Riverboat Days 2016 Captain and Queen.
The pair are long time residents of Terrace with both independently leaving Hungary at the time of the 1956 revolution before meeting and then marrying at the old Catholic church here in 1960.
Julius worked at Pohle Lumber and after raising the couple’s four children, Eva worked as a dietary aide at Mills Memorial Hospital.
Their community activities over the years included involvement in local soccer, dance and gymnastics.
Riverboat Days 2016 president Susan Bostock, Terrace mayor Carol Leclerc, David Wells from Kitsumkalum, Kitselas chief councillor Joe Bevan, Skeena NDP MLA Robin Austin and Skeena NDP MP Nathan Cullen each spoke.
Events today include the Riverboat Days parade, sponsored by Branch 13 of the Royal Canadian Legion, which begins at 11 a.m.
It starts at the city hall end of Lakelse, ending at the Legion where there is a family barbecue.
Concerts in George Little Park begin at noon with local acts and feature a performance by the Stampeders at approximately 7 p.m.
Fireworks take place at the north end of Ferry Island beginning at 11 p.m.
A special event takes place tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at George Little Park, a community connections concert featuring the Majagaleehl Nisga’a Concert/Marching Band from the Nass Valley.
Attendance is by donation with proceeds going to benefitting local homeless people.
