Families of all ages came together at the Coombs Community Picnic June 6 to celebrate community and to honour the 102-year-old French Creek Community School which is slated for closure.
There was laughter and there were tears as people reminisced about their school days. Past and present students, many fourth generation, had the opportunity to visit classrooms and share in the history and memorabilia of their wonderful school.
Families were treated to hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, cake and the toe-tapping, energetic entertainment by Deb Ryan, Fred Saliani, Gerry Barnum and the Harmony Band. Children bounced in castles, rode ponies, had their faces painted and skipped from activity to activity.
Community spirit and energy was overwhelming and would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of many community people and businesses.
The picnic committee would like to send huge bouquets of country daisies and hugs to Larry, Arthur and their incredible staff at the Coombs Old Country Market, David and his wonderful staff at Creekmore’s Coffee, Dale at the Coombs General Store, Mike Bailey at Wallpepper Design, Candace and Derek Dewolf, The NEWS’ Lissa Alexander, the Coombs-Hilliers Fire Department, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, Gerry and the BLT to Go bus, Rose Brittain and 4H, Janet, Bill and the Arrowsmith Agricultural Association, Angus and Ken, with their interactive children’s railway, Ken and his steam engine, FCCS Brian, Bob and PAC, the Bradley Centre volunteers, and the many people who volunteered to plan the picnic, load tables, clean up and pitch in wherever their help was needed.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this a special and memorable evening.
Kim Longmuir, Arrowsmith Rec. Team
Parksville
