The Hot July Nights Show & Shine last weekend was a resounding success, and the organizers, volunteers and everyone involved should take a bow for a job well done.
This was an important achievement for the organizers, as there was some speculation on whether they would be able to pull it off.
The Hot July Nights committee made some significant changes in the format for the event – some by choice and others because of unforeseen circumstances.
The first unforeseen issue organizers came up against was the U13 and U15 B Cup Provincial soccer championships being hosted by 100 Mile House and falling on the same weekend normally set aside for Hot July Nights.
Knowing there would be an issue with local accommodations and bowing to the importance of a provincial championship for local youths, the committee decided to move its event to the following weekend.
Then they made a change of their own to keep their limited number of volunteers from burning out over the weekend. They decided to hold the Show & Shine on Birch Avenue on Saturday afternoon and evening, which would also allow participants to leave Sunday morning to get home early.
That met with resistance from some downtown merchants who didn’t want to lose potential business by having Birch Avenue closed to traffic at 2 p.m. on Saturday to allow for the vehicle set-up.
Eventually, the committee decided to hold the Show & Shine in Centennial Park, but some naysayers felt it wouldn’t work, especially if it rained.
Making a date, format and venue changes are the kiss of the death for many annual events, but even with all of these changes and challenges, Hot July Nights was a great success.
And it not only rained, it poured and the accompanying lightning storm caused the show to shut down early.
However, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the participants who said they love the event and will return because they appreciate the friendliness of the folks in 100 Mile.
Great job everyone.
