In case you missed it, we’re in the middle of a long weekend. You can thank me later if you want but it wasn’t really my idea.
Although, if memory serves me right, I’m sure I’ve mentioned we needed a holiday between New Year’s Day and Good Friday (March 22 this year, but usually it’s later) in this space several times over the years so it’s possible Premier Christy Clark got the idea from me and ran with it.
I said it’s possible, not likely, ahem.
But the beauty is we all get to enjoy it, no matter our political stripes. Although I’m sure the Liberals will take credit for it and the NDP will knock it for some reason because that’s how it works in this province.
And we don’t have to be envious of other provinces anymore, like Alberta (like having no sales tax wasn’t enough to be jealous about), Ontario and Saskatchewan, who have enjoyed the provincial holiday for years now.
Of course we chose to be different, cause we are, and celebrate Family Day on the second Monday of the month and not the third like the others.
Actually this makes sense as we get to celebrate sooner, and also we can attract our Prairie cousins to our ski hills on a different weekend than when we’re hitting those same slopes.
Brilliant, as the English would say.
Which brings me to my point, and it’s not even halfway through the column yet, I think I might be getting better at this. Then again, maybe not.
What are you going to do to celebrate Family Day?
Now, if you’re really on the ball you would have decided that months ago and are currently enjoying family time at your favourite hideaway or at a ski hill, or the big city or wherever you and yours can enjoy each other’s company.
However, if you’re more like me and didn’t see this long weekend coming or have trouble planning anything beyond tonight’s supper, and sometimes that’s a stretch, you do have options.
The Vernon Winter Carnival will now always end on a long weekend, so organizers take note.
In fact there’s lots to do today to close out the 53rd annual festival of fun including Appetizers and Art at the Village Green Hotel (6 to 8 p.m.), and the championship game of the 42nd annual Coca-Cola Pee Wee Invitational Hockey Tournament at Civic Arena at 5:30 p.m.
There’s also the Starting Block 10km Run and 3km Walk at Lavington Elementary School at 10 a.m., and the Toonie and a Tin Community Skate, presented by Tim Hortons, at the Wesbild Centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All good stuff to do on this weekend dedicated to families, and of course there’s skiing, skating and tubing at the Star and cross-country at Sovereign and so many other wonderful things to do in the North Okanagan that any list would come up short.
And the snow is fabulous this year.
The forecast says the sun is supposed to shine all weekend long and the inaugural Family Day looks to be a hit with one and all.
The perfect mid-winter break we all needed before spring arrives on our doorstep (especially for those of us who aren’t getting away somewhere warm this winter). Not to mention that it’s already getting lighter on our daily commute home after work, giving rise to the hope that spring will come once again.
Happy Family Day everyone and be sure to get outside and enjoy it, and leave the cell phones at home.
I’m so glad I came up with the idea. Ahem.
Glenn Mitchell is the managing editor for The Morning Star
