Torch Relay Festivities- Day 1: Highlights!
Yesterday’s Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay made it’s way through Fairmont and exceeded everyone’s expectations! The turnout was incredible, the numbers higher than anyone would have anticipated. Between eager locals, those timeshare visitors lucky enough to visit this week, and the folks enjoying a day of parties, making their way down the valley along with the torch, things were hoppin’.
Things kicked off with a free BBQ with burgers and ‘dogs… culminating with the first ever hotdog eating contest, which came to a gagging, belching end with perfect timing allowing just enough time for everyone to gather to meet the torch.
I don’t know the names of the bearers (names to come later?!) but it was a joyous moment in Fairmont history.
Word on the street is that Fairmont enjoys the honour of being one of the most festive locations that was merely a run-through. The tour expects such fan-fare at the organized stops such as Invermere and other larger centres where the torch actually stops accompanied by dignitaries. We surprised them with so many people along with a raucous celebration at a mere passing.
So there.
The winner: Down-the-Hatch Stringer of Fairmont.
The passing of the torch.
The Fairmont Torch Relay. With the passing of the official torch, approximately 30 local kids made their way up, with the help of Fairmont’s Bruce Halford, to the ski hill for more celebrations, night skiing and fun races.
The lighting of Fairmont’s own official caldron at the feet of the new inukshuk, anthem and all!
The torch parade…
