News Leader News
BODY FROM RIVER IDENTIFIED
British Columbia Coroners Service positively identified the body discovered in Similkameen River on May 28th as that of 47-year old Simon Martin Wilson of Alberta.
Wilson's body was discovered by fishermen about 10km South of Princeton.
The badly decomposed body was recovered with aid from Princeton Ground Search and Rescue - coincidently using swift water rescue gear received by the group only the day before.
At the time of the discovery the BC Coroners Service distributed a photo of a t-shirt and described it as one of two unique clothing items found on the body. The second was a sock with a sewn in label from the Bashaw Alberta Medical Centre with the name Doug Wilson on it.
Autopsy results and police investigation revealed no indication of foul play in the death.
Preliminary findings indicate the death occured as the result of drowning.
The Coroner's investigation continues.
RACING TRADITION RETURNS TO TOWN
It's party time in Princeton.This small Interior town, located two and a half hours east of Vancouver, is restoring a 40-year tradition called Princeton Racing Days.
In 1964, Princeton was in an economic depression. Several local citizens decided Princeton needed a major celebration to attract visitors. They decided on horse racing, which had been a local sport among native people and Princeton's Vermilion Avenue was a racetrack until 1900.
A number of local residents had raised race horses from pioneer days. A weekend of horse racing was enthusiastically embraced by everyone in the community. Town Council acquired some land on the outskirts of town, where the view alone is worth the admission ticket. Local volunteers donated time, money and equipment to build a race track. Many local people spent spare time picking rocks and raking sand. The first celebration was a huge success, featuring a parade, a Racing Days Queen and her princesses, dances, and a pancake breakfast in the park.
The celebration became an annual event, and expanded to include pari-mutuel betting,a raft race down Tulameen River (now a duck race) and a casino night, as well as the annual Similkameen Sweepstakes on the final race on Sunday. Racing Days became famous throughout the Interior, and attracted many horses from the coast and Washington. The facility grew to include a grandstand, stables, a big concession building and a refreshment area, Fall Fair buildings, a rodeo arena and an agricultural barn.
Princeton residents thought the races would last forever, but in 2000, the handwriting was on the wall. A shortage of horses was noticed. Instead of a weekend of races, there was just one day of racing. Finally, in 2003, there were no more races. The coveted Similkameen Cup and the Tulameen Cup went on the shelf. What was left was the memory of some great horses and exciting races.
Townspeople looked for something to replace horse racing, but there was nothing to match the excitement of horse racing. A Moto-X track was built in the oval infield, along with a mud bog and demolition derby pit. These did not attract the kind of visitors as the races had brought, and local residents were not as enthusiastic as they had been about horse racing.
Times have changed again. Horse owners missed the annual jaunt to Princeton, as well as the fun of the weekend celebration. Racing Days was never just about horse racing, it was about having a good time.
This year, Post Time is 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 30 for a one-day meet featuring $40,000 in purse money. Pari-mutuels will open by 3:30 p.m. The concession and refreshment garden will be open, and a bluegrass band will play after the races. The next day, there will be a parade on Canada Day with the theme "Proud to be Canadian", followed by the crowning of the Youth Ambassadors. On July 2, the day begins with a pancake breakfast and a duck race on Tulameen River. For golfers, the annual Husband and Wife two-day tournament begins at Princeton Golf Course. On the evening of July 2, the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion hosts a dance.
Yes, it's party time in Princeton once again!
SUPERINTENDENTS LAUD COMEAU
Gordon Comeau, Chair of Nicola-Similkameen Board of School Trustees, has received an award of recognition from the School Superintendents Association of B.C.Dr. Robert Peacock, local Superintendent of Schools, made the presentation at the public meeting on June 1. Comeau appeared surprised and speechless at the award as other school trustees applauded.
Comeau, who has been Board Chair for 20 years, was recognized for his tireless work as an advocate for children and public education. In the commentary announcing his award, the following statement sums up the reason:
"Gordon's impact on the education community will last well beyond his departure from his official roles."
Comeau has served on the board of directors of the BC School Trustees Association since 1996, and as President for four years. He is now President of the Canadian School Boards Association.
During his career, he has lobbied for more money, improving academic standards for First Nations students, and what is best for all students. He has advised on government policies, and has won praise for his leadership in forging stronger relationships with partner groups.
His rapport with diverse stakeholders at all levels of the system has helped build consensus for a shared agenda on student achievement.
Comeau has taken an active role in the community in addition to his interest in public education. He is currently President of Princeton Golf Club, but has been a Cub Scout leader, President of Princeton and District Community Services, and President of Princeton Minor Ball.
AUTHOR PROMOTES NEW BLAKEBURN BOOK
For Chilliwack grocery store employee Terry Malanchuk, May 25th is a special day.
It was on May 25, 2003 when he started his work on what became "Blakeburn - British Columbia's Forgotten Ghost Town" a 169-page large format book.
Two years to the day - May 25, 2005 - the book was published.
Malanchuk, who has spent hours hiking and exploring the remains of the once booming coal mining town, turned his interest in the often ignored historic community into a major documentation on the life and times of Blakeburn.
"B. C.'s largest remaining unspoiled historical site is no longer forgotten," Malanchuk says of his publication.
"Covering 12-square miles atop Lodestone Mountain, over 350 structures still exist. Finally Blakeburn has been revealed for the historical jewel that it is."
One of the most interesting parts of Malanchuk's book is an extremely detailed map - created with the use of GPS technology - describing points of interest and locations of note.
His book also includes photos of significant structures and sites mixed with historic photos from Princeton's Museum archives.
Malanchuk says the book is only the first of many phases which will eventually incorporate guided walking tours in Blakeburn.
One amazing discovery is that many artifacts still exist in and around Blakeburn. Malanchuk says one of his goals is see his book aid in preserving the future of the ghost town.
"Blakeburn - British Columbiašs Forgotten Ghost Town" is available in Princeton at Image Emporium on Bridge Street, Pharmasave and Princeton Museum for $39.95 + GST per copy.
For more information on the book, or to order online visit Malanchuk's website at www.blakeburn-forgottenghottown.ca
