Barriere’s Royal Canadian Legion advises that their members will be hosting the 2016 International Gavel Passing on Sept. 9 to 11, within the community. This event will involve Legionnaires from the Ninth District in Washington State (from communities such as Oroville, Brewster, Moses Lake), and the North and South Okanagan Zone in British Columbia who will all be gathering in Barriere for this historic event.
“This event is just a lot of fun between the American Legions and our Canadian Legions,” says Acting Zone Commander for the event, Glenn Reid of Barriere, “We bid to get the event here and South Okanagan will be bidding to get 2018.”
Reid stated Barriere holds the record for the most attendees to this event, which happened in 1986 when 386 people turned out to pass the gavel,
“We don’t get those numbers anymore, but this year we expect at least 100 attendees,” said Reid, “This will be our third one here, as we hosted one in 1992 as well.”
Reid says the Passing of The Gavel started in this region in Kamloops in 1952, and that he has been attending since 1983, missing only two.
“Our event here is more social than in other zones,” said Reid, “Where others are a one day affair for just a few hours, we make it a weekend event with plenty of fun and socializing. It also provides an opportunity for a small Branch or Post to raise money.”
“We also hold a King and Queen Contest for folks to dress up in the theme of the event,” tells Reid, “This year the theme is ‘Western’ – it’s just fun and goofy stuff.”
Along with the “goofy stuff” there will be a Sunday morning parade held on Sept. 11, which will leave from the Chamber of Commerce parking lot and then parade to the Legion.
“There will be flags, Canada and U.S., and we encourage all Legion members from anywhere to come a walk in the parade,” said Reid.
There will be a steak or chicken dinner served on the Friday night, and Barry Brady will be officiating as auctioneer over a live fundraising auction on the Saturday evening.
The weekend registration fee will also include live music with Diane Ball, games, and meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday breakfast).
For more information, or to register for the event please contact the Barriere Legion or Glenn Reid at 250-672-5534.