It’s time to celebrate. And this party has guests arriving all the way from Japan.
On Monday (Aug. 4), the District of Squamish is hosting a 50th Anniversary Community Picnic at O’Siyam Pavilion Park. The event commemorates the amalgamation of Mamquam, Brackendale and the Village of Squamish in 1964.
“That was the beginning of our government as we know it,” municipal spokesperson Christina Moore said.
The picnic is also a part of the Squamish Days Loggers Sports weekend and the 100 Years of Squamish festivities. Bring a blanket, pack a lunch and enjoy live music in the park. There will be a costume booth, First Nations performances and cake. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The picnic is a way of sharing a proud milestone with the community, Mayor Rob Kirkham stated in a press release.
“I’m especially pleased to welcome a delegation from our sister city Shimizu to Squamish to help us commemorate this celebration, as well as our Member of Parliament John Weston and MLA Jordan Sturdy,” he said.
The officials from Japan will tour the town and attend the Logger’s Sports show, Moore said. Last November, Squamish councillors and Kirkham visited Shimizu to celebrate that community’s 50th anniversary.
The afternoon’s music lineup features K Band, Michael Kilby, Will Ross, and Sofie Hill.
Mountain FM’s Carl Brown will be the afternoon’s MC, First Nations workshops will be offered for a small fee by Tsawaysia Spukwus and the Campfire Grill will be on-site with food available for purchased.
The event will mark the official opening of the district’s Mamquam Blind Channel waterfront park. The site houses a pump track courtesy of the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association, slacklines, picnic tables and benches, and beach access to launch kayaks, canoes or paddleboards.
The waterfront park is also home to the Vancouver Biennale’s art installation, currently being created by Brazilian artist Vik Muniz.
