Founders Day 2017
BY: BG EDITOR
Jun 10, 2017 — GREENWOOD, BC (BG)
In less than a month, Greenwood will enjoy the annual celebration of Founders Day — the anniversary of the City's incorporation, on July 12, 1897. 2017 is a very special anniversary year. We're not only celebrating Greenwood's 120th birthday but also Canada's 150th, and we're commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Japanese Internment.
In honour of these three important events, this year's Founders Day has been expanded to a special two-day celebration. Visitors will enjoy all the usual festivities, and many special events connected to the three anniversaries.
Several new floats will appear in this year's parade, along with a variety of other participants celebrating Canada, Greenwood and our Nikkei community. Queuing up at the McArthur Center, the parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. Pamphlets will be handed out, with a map of the parade route and a site map for vendors and facilities at the festival grounds, at Lion's Park on Highway 3.
Opening Ceremonies will commence with a few words from Mayor Smith and local notorieties, then cutting of the cake, and a selection of songs for the tri-anniversary from the Greenwood Choir.
Our Saturday emcee is Dennis Walker, founder of south Okanagan's SO Country Radio, and DJ on Cranbrook's Summit 107 FM morning show. Sunday's emcee is Greenwood's own Bob Bugeaud. Bob will also serve as Auctioneer for a live auction being held on Sunday afternoon.
Saturday, July 8th
Saturday's activities start bright and early, with the GVFD Pancake Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Vendor booths open for sales at 10:00 a.m., with more than 70+ vendors attending, including many wonderful food booths and trucks.
This year's Miner's Alley is also expanding, with displays, gold panning demonstrations and hands-on activities for the entire family. At 1:00, both Saturday and Sunday, Ciel Sander of Trails to the Boundary will lead short bike tours on the Trans Canada Trail, which passes along the edge of our event grounds. At 2:00 (both days), visitors can queue up in the park for a Walking Tour of Greenwood's historic buildings led by Al Donnelly, or take a stroll through Fort Greenwood.
After the Opening Ceremonies, stage entertainment continues at 1:00 on Saturday, with sets from the Nikki Martinus Project, Gorden James, and local favourites, the Undercover Band. Saturday's headline band is Lisa Nicole. The group takes the stage at 7:00 p.m., and their 90-minute set will close out the evening's stage entertainment.
There will be many other activities and events to enjoy both days, including a Kid Zone for all ages (infant to teen), Senior's Bingo, 50/50 Draws, and the always popular Beer Garden hosted by the Greenwood Board of Trade. There will be a special exhibit of paintings by Kettle River Art Club founder, Robert E. Wood. The evening ends with our Movie in the Park at Dark — enjoy popcorn and a family feature.
For this year's special Founders Day, the festivities will expand beyond the Lion's Park festival grounds — and even beyond the Saturday/Sunday schedule! Several special pre-festival events will help to kick-off the weekend:
On Thursday evening at 6:00, there will be a special viewing of the movie, "Snow Falling on Cedars" at McArthur Center. Japanese snacks and popcorn will be available. On Friday night at the Legion there will be a BBQ and dance with Petunia and the Vipers (music at 8:00, cover charge). Friday night Bingo at the McArthur will feature a special jackpot for Canada's 150th; refreshments available.
On both Saturday and Sunday you'll enjoy an Art Walk on downtown Copper Street, where a variety of artists and buskers will demonstrate their arts/crafts and play music on street corners. Look for specially decorated windows with an historic Greenwood theme at local merchant storefronts.
Sunday, July 9th
Sunday's Founders Day activities will highlight Greenwood's commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Japanese Internment. Performances on stage and vendor booths will feature many aspects of Japanese and Nikkei culture.
At 8:30 a.m., breakfast will be served by the BCSS Grads 2018. Entertainment on the stage begins at 8:45 a.m., with Roland Berg. The vendor area opens at 9:00.
On stage, visitors will enjoy a steady stream of Nikkei and Japanese-inspired entertainment, including Taiko drumming, Martial arts and Swordplay demonstrations, singing and dancing. At 11:30 there will be a ceremonial gifting of the 'Word of Hope' painting, presented by the Kettle River Art Club to the Nikkei Community.
At noon, a special Sake table will be opening in the Beer Garden for sake tastings, and there will be a Sake demonstration/talk. In the afternoon, stop by the Dressing Booth to dress-up in traditional Japanese Kimono, with picture-taking. Also on Sunday, our local Nikkei community will host a 'taste of Japan' food booth, and vendor booths will open for Origami & Calligraphy and Japanese crafts.
The Founders Day event closes at 4:00 on Sunday, with a Church Service to follow.
2017 Founders Day
Lion's Park on Highway 3
Greenwood, B.C.
Information: (250) 445-6133
All children must be accompanied by an adult ~ No Pets ~ Bring your own lawn chair & sunscreen
