Centennial Event Planning Well Underway

To say that the Courtenay Centennial Celebration Committee is planning the event of the century is no exaggeration! Preparation for the city’s huge 2015 Centennial Celebration is well underway with a series of signature events planned throughout the year that will highlight the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of the community. "The committee has been working hard to plan the party of the century and we have some exciting events which everyone will be sure to enjoy," states Chairman Ron Webber.

The Centennial Celebration starts right along with the new year at the Night of Nostalgia on December 31st. Plan to bring in 2015 with your friends December 31st at the Filberg Centre for live music, dancing, appies, and comedy. On January 1st come and be part of the official launch with a pancake breakfast, music, heritage displays, and centennial cake cutting. Watch for more information about ticket sales as well as sponsorship opportunities for local businesses on the City of Courtenay website www.courtenay.ca.

Between June 26 - July 5th, Courtenay residents both past and present are invited to celebrate Homecoming Week which includes 10 days of exciting events. This is an open invitation to everyone who has ever called Courtenay home (or who want to) to join in the festivities. The week begins with the Community Tailgate Party and BC Lions Alumni June 26-27th, a great opportunity to meet and reconnect with friends and former associates as well as meet new ones. On July 1st, music legend Red Robinson will be coming home to be the honorary Parade Marshall for the Canada Day parade. As the "Homecoming Weekend" arrives, plan to enjoy various stage shows and an exciting Symphony and Fireworks display July 4th, as well as neighbourhood block parties and outdoor concerts on July 5th.

Military Day will honour the men and women in service, both past and present and acknowledge the significance of their contributions to our community. The date for this event and a Finale event in November are still to be determined, and once again will offer opportunities for volunteers and sponsors to get involved.

In addition to these Centennial Signature Events are other celebrations planned by partnering community groups including Justice Centre, Sid Williams Theatre, Comox Valley Art Gallery, Comox Valley Arts Council (Elevate the Arts) , WinterJam 100, Courtenay Museum , Courtenay Heritage Committee. The Courtenay Centennial Committee is encouraging all community groups, businesses, sports groups and neighbourhoods to get creative and to start planning their own events, which will be promoted on the centennial calendar of events.

Other Centennial initiatives will take place throughout the year including Citizen of the Century, where hundreds of citizens will be honoured throughout the year for their contribution to Courtenay and the Comox Valley. The Courtenay Volunteer Fire Department will also be planning centennial activities throughout 2015.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, volunteer positions, or to share your ideas, contact the Courtenay Centennial Celebration Committee at 250-334-4441 or email 100years@courtenay.ca. This project has been supported by the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program, Department of Canadian Heritage. Ce projet a été appuyé par le Programme Développement des communautés par le biais des arts et du patrimoine du ministère de Patrimoine canadien.