The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the Ken Rutherford and his Centennial Committee for putting on quite a hundredth birthday party for Port Alberni. From the racing fleet of puddle ducks to the block parties and the non-stop action at Bob Dailey stadium, it was a great weekend.
The chamber was pleased to host the official homecoming reception at the Visitor Centre Friday evening. Hundreds of visitors, returning ex-pats and locals, came up to enjoy Danny McMillan’s music, Peggy Tatoosh’s bannock and blackberry jam and candied smoked salmon. We had the most excellent centennial book published by the committee, “Port Alberni Then and Now”, on hand. What an exceptional book! Get one for your coffee table and send some abroad for presents. They can be purchased at the museum.
Up at Bob Dailey Stadium on Sunday, the chamber hosted the centennial Beards and Bonnets Judging Contest. We had a long line of beautiful ladies adorned with exquisite bonnets that our esteemed judge, Shayla had a hard time judging. In the end the ladies received McLean Mill packages and EM Salon certificates for their work. On the men’s side there were a number of great looking beards, from perfectly trimmed units to completely out of control facial hair. The men’s side was judged by Neil Malbon from the McLean Mill. The four prizes were hair styling sessions donated by Archie’s Hairstyling. Thanks to the sponsors, judges and contestants. We just couldn’t let the centennial party go by without a beards and bonnets contest.
The economic spin off from the weekend’s event was huge. Hotels, motels and campgrounds were full and they all had to eat, drink and recreate while they were visiting. And, it doesn’t stop there. Next up are the Tlu-piich Games and Thunder in the Valley. Both will fill the town again.
Thought for the Week:
“The secret of happiness is to make others believe they are the cause of it.” Al Batt
FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK
SUBMITTED BY MIKE CARTER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ALBERNI VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE