News Leader News for March 20, 2007
MP SAYS HIGHWAY 3 ISSUE CAN'T DIE
BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko was in Princeton for a short visit last week. At one point in his busy schedule he found time to sit with the News Leader to discuss matters of concern in this area.
Following a casual conversation with Princeton Town Council, Atamanenko shared his notes on discussions with Council concerning Highway 3 with us.
"The feeling is the bottleneck is at this end and that if it was fixed, it would benefit all the communities along Highway 3."
Atamanenko is focusing primarily on the section between Princeton and Sunday Summit and says he'll write to the provincial Highways Ministry to pitch the idea of an upgrade.
"This is a concern since the Coquilhalla has come into being this route (Highway 3) has been ignored."
Atamanenko reasons that with the 2010 Olympics coming in Whistler, there should be some Olympic funding available for a variety of projects. He is hopeful there could be funding for transportation repairs.
Atamanenko refers to Princeton as the 'Gateway area' and feels Highway 3 is in serious need of attention.
"We have to keep this issue from dying."
Atamanenko was in Princeton to meet casually with members of SOS (Save Our Similkameen), visited with seniors at the Branch #30 drop-in centre and chatted with Town Council members as he made his way to forum events elsewhere in the riding.
PXA GEARS UP FOR SPRING
With most of the snow gone from Princeton's exhibition grounds, Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA) is planning work parties. The first order of business is completion of the new entry to the grounds, and repairs to pipelines and plumbing.
New paint will be put on false fronts early in April and any donations of paint to the PXA would be welcomed. Last year's paint was entirely used.
The need for haste in bringing the grounds up to standard is because there is just over one month left before the first big event, a 4-H judging rally on May 5.
The following weekend will see Princeton Pro Rodeo hit the grounds. Racing Days follows at the end of June, and the Fall Fair happens the weekend after Labour Day weekend. The Bus Nuts want to use the grounds later in September.
At the March 13 PXA meeting, Terry Inglis, John Draper and Lyn Melnechenko formed a committee to work on signs for attracting tourists.
Costs of everything are rising, and the PXA members decided it is time to review the rental charges. A new rate was established for overnight campers, at $10 per vehicle per day, providing they do not use any of the facilities (except the showers, which are pay as you go). Fees for other rentals are under review. The rates have not increased in more than 10 years.
Progress reports were given for Rodeo, Racing Days and Fall Fair, and all groups are busy with planning and preparation. Nobody attended for Princeton Motorsports Association.
The next meeting of the PXA will be held at Town Hall on April 10. Anyone wishing to help with work at the grounds should attend, or contact PXA President John Bey at 295-3970. 56th FAMILY FAIR SET FOR APRIL 26th
Plans for the 56th Annual Family Fair are now underway. The money raised will assist with bursaries for the 2007 graduating class. Community participation has been tremendous in past years and is essential for a successful fair, we are asking for your help once again.
While you are spring cleaning please put aside items that you wish to donate to the fair. We appreciate all Garage Sale-type items such as toys, household items, games, puzzles, plants, books, jewelry and handicrafts, preferably in good, clean condition. (No used clothing please.) As well, we need homemade items like bread, squares, muffins, candy and other baked goods to sell at the baking table.
Articles can be dropped off at any school between April 20th and 25th or for pick-up contact Debbie Grigg at (250) 295-7033 or Dina Slowikowski-Campbell at (250) 295-6569. All items are required to be at the high school no later that 6:00 PM on Wednesday, April 25th.
The 56th annual Family Fair is the biggest Garage Sale in town! Great stuff at great prices!
Tickets for the popular Taste of Princeton Raffle features one prize: Gift Certificates to almost every restaurant in Princeton.
Tickets are available from all members of the 2007 Grad Class or at the Family Fair. The draw will take place at 3:00 PM on April 26th in the PSS Gym at the close of the fair.
Tea and goodies will be served in the PSS cafeteria. Take a break from shopping for treasures, catch up with old friends and make new ones. This long standing tradition will introduce you to this years ambassador candidates.
Students from John Allison and Vermilion Forks schools are encouraged to display art, poetry and compositions that they have completed this year. Ribbons will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category. There will also be a display of art from high school students which is always amazing.
The 56th Annual Family Fair Baking Contest, is always fun, and is a good fundraiser. Younger students can be a part of raising $$ for bursaries, too! We look forward to lots of entries!!!
Please mark Thursday, April 26th on your calendar: FAMILY FAIR DAY!!!
