August 02, 2012

Homecoming weekend Aug. 3–6 Friday, Aug. 3 4:30–8 p.m. — Welcome reception at Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre.

7, 8 and 9 p.m. — Special waterfront run of the No. 7 steam train. Leaves Port Alberni Train Station.

Admission is $6 adults and seniors, and $3 children and youth.

Saturday, Aug. 4

9 a.m. to noon —

Saturday Morning on the South Side.

• Farmers’ market at Harbour Quay • Puddle duck racers and sail past.

• Art demonstrations at galleries on Argyle Street • Sidewalk sales in South Port.

• Author Ian Baird will be signing his latest book.

Noon to 9 p.m. — Block Party at Bob Dailey Stadium.

• Caulk Boots & Marlin Spikes, old-time loggers’ stories • Opening ceremonies.

• 100 Years of Transportation car and truck show.

• 12–4 p.m. Kids Zone (Imagination station, bounce-arounds, bike and wagon decorating and parade) • Music by Berry Cup Blooze Band and Pacheena during the day, the Golden Tones and Malloomba Boogie Band.

• Craft market with more than 50 vendors Continued / 2

PORT ALBERNI TURNS 100!

Weekend full of events for residents, visitors alike

Port Alberni is celebrating 100 years by inviting anyone who has ever worked or played in the Alberni Valley to come home for the BC Day weekend.

“I want 5,000 people to come home that weekend!” homecoming committee chair Darlene Coulson said.

She has planned a roster of events to treat them to once they’re here. With a massive block party at Bob Dailey Stadium, car shows, artist demonstrations, centennial exhibits, a puddle duck regatta and a family picnic, Port Alberni is the place to be with something for everyone—every day of the celebration!

The weekend begins on Friday, Aug. 3 with a welcome reception at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Centre from 4:30–8 p.m.

Those who have preregistered can pick up their passports to local savings.

You can pre-register at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce website by clicking on the centennial link and following the directions.

Saturday, Aug. 4 begins on the south side of town with the Harbour Quay Farmers Market, Puddle duck regatta, exhibits at the Maritime Discovery Centre and Rollin Art Centre and artists demonstrating their work at five galleries along the Argyle Arts Corridor.

At noon all the excitement moves to Bob Dailey Stadium for a massive block party with storytelling,

Puddle duck regatta a first for Valley

SUSAN QUINN/AlberNI VAlley NewS

Members of the Alberni Pacific Railway recreate an historic photo of the No. 7 steam train at the Port Alberni station during the 100th anniversary of the first train to arrive in Port Alberni, in Dec. 2011. The train makes a special waterfront run on Friday, Aug. 3 starting at 7 p.m. from the train station. Admission is $6 for adults/ seniors, $3 for children/ youth.

poetry, food, a huge “100 years of transportation” car show, crafts, artisan demonstrations, a kid zone and live music all day from local performing artists ending with a family dance.

Then it is back to the south side to finish up the night at Char’s Landing.

Sunday, Aug. 5 the block party continues at Bob Dailey Stadium all day, wrapping up with a family dance to the Time Benders.

On Monday, Aug. 6 it’s a family picnic at McLean Mill.

Take the train out or drive; admission to the site is free (train is regular fare). Bring your own picnic.

Once on site enjoy the steam sawmill at work, special steam donkey demonstrations, a fabulous children’s entertainer Zox of the Forest, crafts, activities and old fashioned games.

Committee chair Ken Rutherford notes that the homecoming committee has brought together

an impressive array of entertainment, and has created a weekend with a theme of visiting and reminiscing.

We hope there will be

reunions of schools, teams, bands and more.

“This is an exciting time for our community and we look forward to welcoming you home,” he said.

Amateur sailors have dedicated some of their weekends over the past few months to building puddle duck racers—small, economical sailboats—in anticipation of the inaugural regatta to take place on Saturday, Aug. 4 in the morning. Boats will launch from Harbour Quay and race a mini course in the harbour.

At 2:30 p.m., Ken Crowshaw will present the crystal ‘Crowshaw Cup’ to the regatta winner.

The Crowshaw family has a history steeped in Port Alberni’s waterfront. Their descendants have lived in the Alberni Valley for more than 100 years.

There will also be a free draw for a puddle duck racer.

Family picnic day Aug. 6 at McLean Mill Picnics have been part of the social fabric of the Alberni Valley for more than 100 years. Homecoming weekend is no different.

Join the gang at McLean Mill National Historic Site for a family picnic on Monday, Aug. 6. Take the steam train from the Port Alberni Train Station out to the mill at 10 a.m., then enjoy steam donkey and steam mill demonstrations at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.

Old-fashioned games are planned and children’s entertainer Zox of the Forest (David Cooper) will perform at 1:30 p.m.

“It’s very family focused, very relaxed,” centennial

Photo coUrteSy AlberNI VAlley MUSeUM/ PN01140

Men and women enjoy watermelon at a picnic at Great Central Lake, circa 1912. McLean Mill is hosting an oldfashioned family picnic on Monday, Aug. 6.

committee member and Alberni Valley Museum director Jean McIntosh said.

The train leaves the mill to return to town at 3:30 p.m.

Regular train fees apply and seats can be pre-booked by calling 250-723-1376.

Families are welcome to bring their own picnics out to the mill.

(Pre-orders for box lunches provided by the mill have closed.)

Admission to the mill site will be free for the picnic.

2

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Aug. 2, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Homecoming event calendar Saturday, Aug. 4 Noon to 9 p.m. (cont.)

• Swim at Echo Pool and skate at the AV Multiplex for “100 cents”.

• Bob Dailey Stadium becomes a meeting place for block parties, school reunions and more.

• Historical school exhibits • 7:30–9 p.m. Berry Cup Blooze Band performs.

• 9–11 p.m. Party after the party continues at Char’s Landing, Argyle Street and Fifth Avenue.

Sunday, Aug. 5

Noon to 9 p.m. —

Block party continues at Bob Dailey Stadium.

• More than 50 crafters and artisans will have booths at the stadium.

• 100 Years of Transportation car show continues at fairgrounds, AV Multiplex parking lot and Glenwood Center.

• Noon to 4 p.m. – Kids Zone opens.

• Beards and Bonnets contest, organized by the chamber of commerce.

Continued / 3

SUSAN QUINN/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Ken Rutherford, chair of Port Alberni’s centennial committee, displays The Albernis Then & Now: 1912–2012, a commemorative book on Port Alberni’s 100th birthday.

Extra! Extra!

New book reveals Port Alberni’s history in pictures

The Port Alberni centennial committee has created a book commemorating the city’s centennial. Titled The Albernis Then and Now: 1912–2012, the book takes a pictorial look back at the pivotal year 1912 and compares it to present day.

The book was a collaborative effort between members of the centennial

committee, researchers, photographers and writers, and has been two years in the planning and execution, committee chair Ken Rutherford said.

“It’s a look at the images of 1912, comparing them to today. Rather than looking at the development of the community over the decades we kept it to just a comparative to 1912.”

Rutherford said the book will draw oldtimers and newcomers alike. “As somebody who hasn’t ived in the community very long, it’s important to see how the history grew, and that some of the history is still here today. It’s interesting.”

Committee members including Rutherford, Frank Holm, Pat Dahlquist and Pam Craig sifted through 18,000 images in the Alberni Valley Museum’s database and narrowed them down to 200. They were further narrowed down to approximately 85.

Members of the Alberni Valley Camera Club were given historical photos and tasked with recreating the originals.

In some cases, buildings were demolished and a bucket truck was necessary to gain the proper perspective, Rutherford said.

The Alberni District Historical Society’s archivists collected information for the historical photos.

Dr. Jamie Morton wrote the book’s introduction as well as each chapter’s introduction. Alberni Valley News editor Susan Quinn wrote the text for the comparative photographs.

Graphic designer Stephanie Smith brought together all the elements and created the book, which was printed at Island Blueprint in Victoria.

Three major sponsors came on board to assist in the book’s production: the Port Alberni Port Authority, Alberni Valley Community Foundation and the Port Alberni Genealogy Society, as well as the City of Port

Alberni.

The books will be available at the homecoming and at the Alberni Valley Museum (4255 Wallace St., inside Echo Centre). Cost is $25, tax included.

Block party attracts former residents Bob Dailey Stadium isn’t the only place to boast a block party this weekend.

Longtime residents like Jim Rutherford and his family are holding a block party on 14th Avenue.

The street will be blocked off in one portion so residents can reminisce and socialize with the people they grew up with.

The 14th Avenue event is expected to draw upwards of 100 people.

Logger revue opens day at stadium The Caulk Boots and Marlin Spikes Revue will return to Port Alberni on Saturday, Aug. 4 at Bob Dailey Stadium to celebrate the City’s 100th birthday.

The revue pays homage to B.C.’s forest history and the characters who made it in story and song.

Over the years the cast has included such notables as Bob Swanson, Bus Griffiths, Bill Moore and Howard White. The August show will be performed by poet Peter

Trower of Gibson’s Landing, singer Roy Ashdown of Campbell River, storyteller Dunc Shields of North Vancouver, and poet Bob Collins from the Alberni Valley. Trower and Ashdown are members of the original revue.

The Caulk Boots and Marlin Spikes Revue has been celebrating loggers and their industry for nearly 30 years and is looking forward to bringing them back to life in story and song with titles like; The Last Hand Fallers, The Men There Were Then, The Bomb That Mooed, Boom and Bust, and Climax Courageous.

Beards and bonnets to be contested The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce takes to the stage on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 5 at Bob Dailey Stadium for the Centennial Beards and Bonnets contest.

The men’s beard judging contest is proudly sponsored

by Archie’s Hairstyling, on Johnston Road. The men will be judged in four categories: best overall beard, most unique facial hair, best moustache and best fake beard.

The women’s categories include best bonnet, best historical reproduction, best bonnet under six years of age and best bonnet 12 years old and under. The women’s event is sponsored by EM Salon and Spa along with the McLean Mill National Historic Site.

So, grow those beards and build those bonnets!

Alberni Valley News Thursday , Aug. 2, 2012

Homecoming event calendar Sunday, Aug. 5 Noon to 9 p.m. (Cont.)

• 6–9 p.m. Outdoor family dance with the Time Benders.

• Alberni Valley Museum is open all weekend. Take in the special Twin Cities exhibit.

• Visit the Maritime Discovery Centre on Port Alberni’s waterfront and see the special exhibit on the history and development of the Alberni Valley’s waterfront.

Monday, Aug. 6

• Centennial picnic at McLean Mill National Historic Site. Take the steam train from the Port Alberni Train Station at 10 a.m. (regular admission applies) or drive to the mill. Admission to the site is free.

• Old-fashioned family games and steam displays at McLean Mill.

• 1:45 p.m. children’s entertainer Zox of the Forest at the mill.

• 1–3 p.m. Maritime museum’s First Nations day. Free family fun.

Alberni original terminus for TransCanada Highway The highway into Port Alberni has been a hot topic of conversation for decades.

More so in the past few years as people call for a second entrance into the city from the east.

But did you know that 100 years ago, the much-contested road was considered the western terminus for the TransCanada Highway? And it was equally as controversial.

The story of the highway began with a simple white signpost. The wooden post was erected at Victoria Quay near the end of Johnston Road, proclaiming its designation as the Western terminus of the TransCanada Highway.

The May 4, 1912 event garnered national attention for Alberni, also known as Old Town, at the height of its rivalry with newlyincorporated Port Alberni.

The dedication ceremony got under the skins of some Port Albernians, especially when a prominent Alberni resident said “this is the end of the road; there will be only a trail to the port; travel will be by river steamers,”

www.albernivalleynews.com

PHOTO COURTESY ALBERNI VALLEY MUSEUM/ PN04739

Members of the Alberni board of trade welcome Thomas Wilby on the completion of his trans-Canada road trip, in 1912.

PHOTO COURTESY ALBERNI VALLEY MUSEUM/ PN04409

A car sits in front of a post proclaiming Alberni as the western terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway, in 1912. A replica of the original post is at the Alberni Valley Museum.

as related in the West Coast Advocate in April 1937.

In retaliation, three Port citizens, including Jock Thompson and John Lipscombe, slipped up the river that night and stole the treasured post as “Old Town” dignitaries were celebrating at the Arlington Hotel.

The post was re-planted in front of the Somass Hotel, where Port Mayor Arthur Waterhouse discovered it the

next morning.

The Advocate reported in 1937 that Waterhouse hired a livery service to return the post to its original site.

He was still served with a summons by the chief constable of Alberni, Gus Cox. Journalist Thomas Wilby wrote about the post in his book A Motor Tour Through Canada (published in 1914), recounting a three-month

tour he took from Halifax to Victoria with driver Jack Haney in 1912.

They drove an REO the Fifth car along the narrow, winding road past Cameron Lake into Alberni, the furthest they could travel west.

“The inlet, flowing in from the wide Pacific, was the western goal of which I had been dreaming for so many weeks, for so many

3

thousands of miles,” Wilby wrote.

“The car drew up before a simple white post, on which an arrow points due east to Halifax. Below are the words: ‘Canadian Highway.’ A few months before, there had been a significant ceremony, when the planting of this first post of the future TransCanadian Highway had brought together throngs of public-spirited men and women from Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo.

That ceremony marked the commencement of a work hardly second in importance to the construction of the first transcontinental railroad.”

The post was removed in the following years and eventually the western terminus—known as Mile Zero—was erected in Victoria, at the corner of Douglas Street and Dallas Road. (There is a similar sign post in Tofino proclaiming the coastal town as the “Pacific Terminus”.)

In 1967, as Alberni and Port Alberni looked to amalgamate for Canada’s centennial, some of Alberni’s oldtimers brought up the bad blood about the post. In a gesture of reconciliation, Port Alberni aldermen George McKnight and Mark Ivezich created a new post and, in the wee hours of amalgamation day (Oct. 28, 1967), they placed it as close as they could to the location of the original post.

The post lasted a year, until a snowplow took it out. Now it resides behind glass at the Alberni Valley Museum.

editor@albernivalleynews.com

2

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Aug. 2, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Homecoming event calendar Saturday, Aug. 4 Noon to 9 p.m. (cont.)

• Swim at Echo Pool and skate at the AV Multiplex for “100 cents”.

• Bob Dailey Stadium becomes a meeting place for block parties, school reunions and more.

• Historical school exhibits • 7:30–9 p.m. Berry Cup Blooze Band performs.

• 9–11 p.m. Party after the party continues at Char’s Landing, Argyle Street and Fifth Avenue.

Sunday, Aug. 5

Noon to 9 p.m. —

Block party continues at Bob Dailey Stadium.

• More than 50 crafters and artisans will have booths at the stadium.

• 100 Years of Transportation car show continues at fairgrounds, AV Multiplex parking lot and Glenwood Center.

• Noon to 4 p.m. – Kids Zone opens.

• Beards and Bonnets contest, organized by the chamber of commerce.

Continued / 3

SUSAN QUINN/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Ken Rutherford, chair of Port Alberni’s centennial committee, displays The Albernis Then & Now: 1912–2012, a commemorative book on Port Alberni’s 100th birthday.

Extra! Extra!

New book reveals Port Alberni’s history in pictures

The Port Alberni centennial committee has created a book commemorating the city’s centennial. Titled The Albernis Then and Now: 1912–2012, the book takes a pictorial look back at the pivotal year 1912 and compares it to present day.

The book was a collaborative effort between members of the centennial

committee, researchers, photographers and writers, and has been two years in the planning and execution, committee chair Ken Rutherford said.

“It’s a look at the images of 1912, comparing them to today. Rather than looking at the development of the community over the decades we kept it to just a comparative to 1912.”

Rutherford said the book will draw oldtimers and newcomers alike. “As somebody who hasn’t ived in the community very long, it’s important to see how the history grew, and that some of the history is still here today. It’s interesting.”

Committee members including Rutherford, Frank Holm, Pat Dahlquist and Pam Craig sifted through 18,000 images in the Alberni Valley Museum’s database and narrowed them down to 200. They were further narrowed down to approximately 85.

Members of the Alberni Valley Camera Club were given historical photos and tasked with recreating the originals.

In some cases, buildings were demolished and a bucket truck was necessary to gain the proper perspective, Rutherford said.

The Alberni District Historical Society’s archivists collected information for the historical photos.

Dr. Jamie Morton wrote the book’s introduction as well as each chapter’s introduction. Alberni Valley News editor Susan Quinn wrote the text for the comparative photographs.

Graphic designer Stephanie Smith brought together all the elements and created the book, which was printed at Island Blueprint in Victoria.

Three major sponsors came on board to assist in the book’s production: the Port Alberni Port Authority, Alberni Valley Community Foundation and the Port Alberni Genealogy Society, as well as the City of Port

Alberni.

The books will be available at the homecoming and at the Alberni Valley Museum (4255 Wallace St., inside Echo Centre). Cost is $25, tax included.

Block party attracts former residents Bob Dailey Stadium isn’t the only place to boast a block party this weekend.

Longtime residents like Jim Rutherford and his family are holding a block party on 14th Avenue.

The street will be blocked off in one portion so residents can reminisce and socialize with the people they grew up with.

The 14th Avenue event is expected to draw upwards of 100 people.

Logger revue opens day at stadium The Caulk Boots and Marlin Spikes Revue will return to Port Alberni on Saturday, Aug. 4 at Bob Dailey Stadium to celebrate the City’s 100th birthday.

The revue pays homage to B.C.’s forest history and the characters who made it in story and song.

Over the years the cast has included such notables as Bob Swanson, Bus Griffiths, Bill Moore and Howard White. The August show will be performed by poet Peter

Trower of Gibson’s Landing, singer Roy Ashdown of Campbell River, storyteller Dunc Shields of North Vancouver, and poet Bob Collins from the Alberni Valley. Trower and Ashdown are members of the original revue.

The Caulk Boots and Marlin Spikes Revue has been celebrating loggers and their industry for nearly 30 years and is looking forward to bringing them back to life in story and song with titles like; The Last Hand Fallers, The Men There Were Then, The Bomb That Mooed, Boom and Bust, and Climax Courageous.

Beards and bonnets to be contested The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce takes to the stage on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 5 at Bob Dailey Stadium for the Centennial Beards and Bonnets contest.

The men’s beard judging contest is proudly sponsored

by Archie’s Hairstyling, on Johnston Road. The men will be judged in four categories: best overall beard, most unique facial hair, best moustache and best fake beard.

The women’s categories include best bonnet, best historical reproduction, best bonnet under six years of age and best bonnet 12 years old and under. The women’s event is sponsored by EM Salon and Spa along with the McLean Mill National Historic Site.

So, grow those beards and build those bonnets!

Alberni Valley News Thursday , Aug. 2, 2012

Homecoming event calendar Sunday, Aug. 5 Noon to 9 p.m. (Cont.)

• 6–9 p.m. Outdoor family dance with the Time Benders.

• Alberni Valley Museum is open all weekend. Take in the special Twin Cities exhibit.

• Visit the Maritime Discovery Centre on Port Alberni’s waterfront and see the special exhibit on the history and development of the Alberni Valley’s waterfront.

Monday, Aug. 6

• Centennial picnic at McLean Mill National Historic Site. Take the steam train from the Port Alberni Train Station at 10 a.m. (regular admission applies) or drive to the mill. Admission to the site is free.

• Old-fashioned family games and steam displays at McLean Mill.

• 1:45 p.m. children’s entertainer Zox of the Forest at the mill.

• 1–3 p.m. Maritime museum’s First Nations day. Free family fun.

Alberni original terminus for TransCanada Highway The highway into Port Alberni has been a hot topic of conversation for decades.

More so in the past few years as people call for a second entrance into the city from the east.

But did you know that 100 years ago, the much-contested road was considered the western terminus for the TransCanada Highway? And it was equally as controversial.

The story of the highway began with a simple white signpost. The wooden post was erected at Victoria Quay near the end of Johnston Road, proclaiming its designation as the Western terminus of the TransCanada Highway.

The May 4, 1912 event garnered national attention for Alberni, also known as Old Town, at the height of its rivalry with newlyincorporated Port Alberni.

The dedication ceremony got under the skins of some Port Albernians, especially when a prominent Alberni resident said “this is the end of the road; there will be only a trail to the port; travel will be by river steamers,”

www.albernivalleynews.com

PHOTO COURTESY ALBERNI VALLEY MUSEUM/ PN04739

Members of the Alberni board of trade welcome Thomas Wilby on the completion of his trans-Canada road trip, in 1912.

PHOTO COURTESY ALBERNI VALLEY MUSEUM/ PN04409

A car sits in front of a post proclaiming Alberni as the western terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway, in 1912. A replica of the original post is at the Alberni Valley Museum.

as related in the West Coast Advocate in April 1937.

In retaliation, three Port citizens, including Jock Thompson and John Lipscombe, slipped up the river that night and stole the treasured post as “Old Town” dignitaries were celebrating at the Arlington Hotel.

The post was re-planted in front of the Somass Hotel, where Port Mayor Arthur Waterhouse discovered it the

next morning.

The Advocate reported in 1937 that Waterhouse hired a livery service to return the post to its original site.

He was still served with a summons by the chief constable of Alberni, Gus Cox. Journalist Thomas Wilby wrote about the post in his book A Motor Tour Through Canada (published in 1914), recounting a three-month

tour he took from Halifax to Victoria with driver Jack Haney in 1912.

They drove an REO the Fifth car along the narrow, winding road past Cameron Lake into Alberni, the furthest they could travel west.

“The inlet, flowing in from the wide Pacific, was the western goal of which I had been dreaming for so many weeks, for so many

3

thousands of miles,” Wilby wrote.

“The car drew up before a simple white post, on which an arrow points due east to Halifax. Below are the words: ‘Canadian Highway.’ A few months before, there had been a significant ceremony, when the planting of this first post of the future TransCanadian Highway had brought together throngs of public-spirited men and women from Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo.

That ceremony marked the commencement of a work hardly second in importance to the construction of the first transcontinental railroad.”

The post was removed in the following years and eventually the western terminus—known as Mile Zero—was erected in Victoria, at the corner of Douglas Street and Dallas Road. (There is a similar sign post in Tofino proclaiming the coastal town as the “Pacific Terminus”.)

In 1967, as Alberni and Port Alberni looked to amalgamate for Canada’s centennial, some of Alberni’s oldtimers brought up the bad blood about the post. In a gesture of reconciliation, Port Alberni aldermen George McKnight and Mark Ivezich created a new post and, in the wee hours of amalgamation day (Oct. 28, 1967), they placed it as close as they could to the location of the original post.

The post lasted a year, until a snowplow took it out. Now it resides behind glass at the Alberni Valley Museum.

editor@albernivalleynews.com

Homecoming weekend Aug. 3–6 Friday, Aug. 3 4:30–8 p.m. — Welcome reception at Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre.

7, 8 and 9 p.m. — Special waterfront run of the No. 7 steam train. Leaves Port Alberni Train Station.

Admission is $6 adults and seniors, and $3 children and youth.

Saturday, Aug. 4

9 a.m. to noon —

Saturday Morning on the South Side.

• Farmers’ market at Harbour Quay • Puddle duck racers and sail past.

• Art demonstrations at galleries on Argyle Street • Sidewalk sales in South Port.

• Author Ian Baird will be signing his latest book.

Noon to 9 p.m. — Block Party at Bob Dailey Stadium.

• Caulk Boots & Marlin Spikes, old-time loggers’ stories • Opening ceremonies.

• 100 Years of Transportation car and truck show.

• 12–4 p.m. Kids Zone (Imagination station, bounce-arounds, bike and wagon decorating and parade) • Music by Berry Cup Blooze Band and Pacheena during the day, the Golden Tones and Malloomba Boogie Band.

• Craft market with more than 50 vendors Continued / 2

PORT ALBERNI TURNS 100!

Weekend full of events for residents, visitors alike

Port Alberni is celebrating 100 years by inviting anyone who has ever worked or played in the Alberni Valley to come home for the BC Day weekend.

“I want 5,000 people to come home that weekend!” homecoming committee chair Darlene Coulson said.

She has planned a roster of events to treat them to once they’re here. With a massive block party at Bob Dailey Stadium, car shows, artist demonstrations, centennial exhibits, a puddle duck regatta and a family picnic, Port Alberni is the place to be with something for everyone—every day of the celebration!

The weekend begins on Friday, Aug. 3 with a welcome reception at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Centre from 4:30–8 p.m.

Those who have preregistered can pick up their passports to local savings.

You can pre-register at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce website by clicking on the centennial link and following the directions.

Saturday, Aug. 4 begins on the south side of town with the Harbour Quay Farmers Market, Puddle duck regatta, exhibits at the Maritime Discovery Centre and Rollin Art Centre and artists demonstrating their work at five galleries along the Argyle Arts Corridor.

At noon all the excitement moves to Bob Dailey Stadium for a massive block party with storytelling,

Puddle duck regatta a first for Valley

SUSAN QUINN/AlberNI VAlley NewS

Members of the Alberni Pacific Railway recreate an historic photo of the No. 7 steam train at the Port Alberni station during the 100th anniversary of the first train to arrive in Port Alberni, in Dec. 2011. The train makes a special waterfront run on Friday, Aug. 3 starting at 7 p.m. from the train station. Admission is $6 for adults/ seniors, $3 for children/ youth.

poetry, food, a huge “100 years of transportation” car show, crafts, artisan demonstrations, a kid zone and live music all day from local performing artists ending with a family dance.

Then it is back to the south side to finish up the night at Char’s Landing.

Sunday, Aug. 5 the block party continues at Bob Dailey Stadium all day, wrapping up with a family dance to the Time Benders.

On Monday, Aug. 6 it’s a family picnic at McLean Mill.

Take the train out or drive; admission to the site is free (train is regular fare). Bring your own picnic.

Once on site enjoy the steam sawmill at work, special steam donkey demonstrations, a fabulous children’s entertainer Zox of the Forest, crafts, activities and old fashioned games.

Committee chair Ken Rutherford notes that the homecoming committee has brought together

an impressive array of entertainment, and has created a weekend with a theme of visiting and reminiscing.

We hope there will be

reunions of schools, teams, bands and more.

“This is an exciting time for our community and we look forward to welcoming you home,” he said.

Amateur sailors have dedicated some of their weekends over the past few months to building puddle duck racers—small, economical sailboats—in anticipation of the inaugural regatta to take place on Saturday, Aug. 4 in the morning. Boats will launch from Harbour Quay and race a mini course in the harbour.

At 2:30 p.m., Ken Crowshaw will present the crystal ‘Crowshaw Cup’ to the regatta winner.

The Crowshaw family has a history steeped in Port Alberni’s waterfront. Their descendants have lived in the Alberni Valley for more than 100 years.

There will also be a free draw for a puddle duck racer.

Family picnic day Aug. 6 at McLean Mill Picnics have been part of the social fabric of the Alberni Valley for more than 100 years. Homecoming weekend is no different.

Join the gang at McLean Mill National Historic Site for a family picnic on Monday, Aug. 6. Take the steam train from the Port Alberni Train Station out to the mill at 10 a.m., then enjoy steam donkey and steam mill demonstrations at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.

Old-fashioned games are planned and children’s entertainer Zox of the Forest (David Cooper) will perform at 1:30 p.m.

“It’s very family focused, very relaxed,” centennial

Photo coUrteSy AlberNI VAlley MUSeUM/ PN01140

Men and women enjoy watermelon at a picnic at Great Central Lake, circa 1912. McLean Mill is hosting an oldfashioned family picnic on Monday, Aug. 6.

committee member and Alberni Valley Museum director Jean McIntosh said.

The train leaves the mill to return to town at 3:30 p.m.

Regular train fees apply and seats can be pre-booked by calling 250-723-1376.

Families are welcome to bring their own picnics out to the mill.

(Pre-orders for box lunches provided by the mill have closed.)

Admission to the mill site will be free for the picnic.