News Leader News for March 24, 2009
TOWN PROCLAIMS ARTS WEEK
Princeton is making a name for itself in the arts and cultural circles of British Columbia.
Del Hall, a Director for Princeton and District Community Arts Council, appeared before Town Council to ask that April 19 to 25 be proclaimed as Arts and Culture Week in Princeton. Hall explained some of the history of Arts and Culture Week in Princeton, which was first recognized in 2006.
The first Arts and Culture Week was dubbed "Riverside Rises" and was celebrated with the grand opening of Riverside Centre, which was a major event drawing hundreds of people. The Riverside Open House marked the new role of the closed school and the use of it by the Arts Council groups.
The second celebration featured the first play done by Princeton Performing Arts and a special show by Kelowna Ballet.
Last year, Arts and Culture Week was celebrated downtown, as a stage was under construction at Riverside Centre. The former Goldion Restaurant featured an art show, and a paint-up, clean-up initiative for downtown businesses.
This year, the celebration will be called "Riverside Shines" and the new theatre will welcome Kelowna Ballet once more for a more formal show than the show in 2007. In addition, there are plans for a special public viewing of a ceramic mural to be placed in the foyer of Riverside Centre. Princeton Potters Guild has been working on this project for the past year.
Hall went on to tell Council of the way Princeton's Arts Council is making an impact in the arts and culture field in B.C. Local Arts Council President Rika Ruebsaat, Secretary Jon Bartlett, and Del Hall will be going to a Cultural Tourism workshop.
In May, Del Hall will be making a presentation to the annual conference of the BC Assembly of Arts Councils. Her topic will be on what an Arts Council can do in a small community.
Lyle Thomas, Community Service Director for the Town, added information from a Spirit of BC workshop he had attended. Community representatives were asked to tell what they accomplished with Olympics money received from the government. Most described small endeavours, and when Thomas told them Princeton had built a theatre, he was asked to talk about it, and received a great round of applause.
Councillor Ray Jarvis, who has been Council's liaison with Princeton Arts Council for the past eight years, told Hall how pleased and proud he is with what the Arts Council has done in the past few years.
More detailed information about Arts and Culture Week will be publicized in the near future.
PXA REVIEWS 2009 ACTION
There is always something to do at the fairgrounds, and Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA), which manages the grounds for the Town of Princeton, is responsible for seeing the work is done. The PXA relies heavily on volunteers to make sure the grounds are kept in good condition, the buildings are repaired, and all systems function properly. Old farm equipment
At the March 17 PXA meeting, members heard a request from the Museum Society to determine which agricultural equipment stored at the museum grounds would be worth moving to the fairgrounds. Terry Inglis and Wayne Hooper will inspect the equipment and tag what they feel is suitable for display at the fairgrounds.
Bleacher repairs
The portable bleachers need repairs. Many of the seats must be replaced. Wayne Hooper advised the lumber should be painted before being bolted into place, and volunteered to paint the lumber on four sides. A work party will repair the bleachers in time for Princeton's rodeo on May 9 and 10. Horse racing funding concerns
Racing Days Association President John Bey, along with representatives from other communities operating racetracks, attended a meeting with Gaming and Enforcement officials in Vancouver on March 11. The primary concern of the racetrack operators was to ensure future funding is secure. A new system of distributing gaming returns is being put in place, as the former system had flaws. A representative of Gaming and Enforcement will be appointed to determine the needs of the horse racing industry. Bey said racetrack operators are hoping Gaming and Enforcement is looking at long term financing.
Move the caboose?
Judy Short, on behalf of Vermilion Trails Society, attended the meeting at Town Hall to ask the PXA if the Trails Society could have the caboose. The PXA promptly endorsed a motion to give the caboose to the Trails Society, who plan to make it part of their display on Highway 3. The plan is to refurbish the caboose and use it as a trails information centre. There were questions about legalities involved, but these were easily resolved.
Short assured the PXA that the Trails Society would take responsibility for moving the caboose. No date was set for the move, as Short is awaiting word regarding a grant. PXA members agreed the Trails Society would put the caboose to much better use than just sitting at the fairgrounds.
MUSEUM PLANS LATER OPENING
Princeton Museum will open a little later this year due to staffing requirements. The museum will open May 18 and close after the last weekend in September. This is a shorter span than in past years, primarily because of the need to reorganize.
Hours of operation will be 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM seven days a week, with longer hours, to 7:00 PM, in July and August. The museum can be opened beyond those hours for special tour groups. To arrange for a special tour, call 250-295-7588.
