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Westside Daze 2006: Happy Daze: Small town delights in Westbank

As Experienced by a Shannon Lake resident, with her niece, eldest daughter and guests from Vancouver July 2006

Summer breezes with a free movie The stars were out, and a soft breeze was blowing. A baby gurgled and was gently hushed. Small groups of young children went by with luminescent rings around their necks. Families settled down on comforters and pillows. It was Westside Daze movie night - “Outdoor Theatre Under the Stars.” There was a modest-size screen and an oversized sound system, and the movie of the evening was the Antarctic adventure film, “Eight Below.”

Eight Below is a family film nearly perfect for an evening like this, at the end of the second day of Westbank’s Westside Daze celebrations. A somewhat fanciful adventure story that celebrates the relationship in the Arctic and Antarctic between people and sled dogs, it featured a likeable cast, sweeping snow scenes and a bunch of dogs with lovable faces.

Around my niece and I were modest collections of fellow movie-goers, enjoying the balmy winds and unbeatable admission price - the movie was free. At one point, as my middle-aged bottom had to be shifted, I turned to ask a viewer behind me if she was able to see.

“I’m fine, sweetie,” she said warmly, “ Don’t you worry one bit.” Surprised by her cheery friendliness, I relaxed, thinking again of the many times this kind of easiness has been displayed in Westbank. You get a few obnoxious people now and then anywhere, but if I had a quarter for every time someone in the Westbank area was spontaneously friendly, I’d have a tidy sum. That’s just one more trait of this community that makes me feel lucky to be here.

Lakeside Fireworks

The next evening, July 2nd, was the night for fireworks. We hurried down to Gellatly Bay, five of us. Four young women and me in a van we’d hoped to leave up at the parking spot provided by Westbank First Nation. Unfortunately we found ourselves hurriedly parking – with what looked to be two thousand other vehicles- along Gellatly Bay Road.

People were calling back and forth, scurrying in clusters across the road and onto the Gellatly Road waterfront promenade. It was fun to settle in on the beach and listen to the sounds of people laughing and talking, to hear little children’s voices.

The fireworks display was a variety of colours and patterns, and at times, people applauded appreciatively.

“This is so much nicer than being on the beach in Vancouver,” my seventeen year old niece from the Fraser Valley said. “ No rowdies, no fights, and lots of space.”

The happiest of fireworks enthusiasts this year were definitely those on the water. In the ten years we’ve been here, I’d never seen so many boats bobbing on the water to watch the display. There looked to be at least a hundred small watercraft, as well as a houseboat or two, most with lights of their own. They cheered and beeped their horns merrily at every splashy explosion in the sky.

We have an enthusiastic Chamber of Commerce and a real sense of community here, and there are days when living where we do in Westbank seems like living in a permanent resort. Lately, those days are running together, one after another.

More from the Experience Westbank Photo Album...

The sun was shining down on the 70 plus autos and motorcycles at the annual Westside Daze Carshow. The many people taking in the fun in the sun were entertained by local artists. And whoever thought of setting up the misting tent (thanks Leah) was a genious! A quick dip in the mist and we were ready for more exploring!

On Sunday, the parade was the highlight! Music, floats, horses, clowns and more provided more fun in the sun. And just when we thought it was getting to hot to sit alongside the road, the local fire department came along with plenty of water to hose us down - much to the delight of everyone young and old.

Congratulations to all the volunteers and sponsor who put together a fantastic Westside Daze 2006!