By Diana Forster
Interlakes Canada Day celebrations were hosted by the (IEA) with assistance from government and many local businesses.
Residents were honoured to celebrate their day with guests Canim Lake Band Chief Mike Archie, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett, Cariboo Regional District Area L Director Brian Coakley and Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod. Each spoke of their love for and pride in Canada, and all it stands for.
McLeod specifically mentioned the Citizenship Ceremony she attended had 41 new citizens from 20 nations.
Jasmine Kreschuk played piano for a group of young children to sing O Canada in French, followed by the English version.
The huge patriotic cake was created and donated by Interlakes Community Association.
Four judges had difficulty judging the inaugural Hay Bale Art competition. In the end, first place went to Jackie and Mark Williamson’s “Cariboo Cowboy,” which won $500.
Gyl Connaty’s “Honey Bee” took second place and $300, while Shelly Durand’s farm animals won $200.
Dinner food was available all over Interlakes Corner, and the ice-cream booth did a specially thriving business while children played games and waved Canadian flags.
The enjoyable family event concluded with music by Canadian Metis award-winning country music star, Jess Lee.
Diana Forster is the Interlakes correspondent.