Well, Squamish sure kicked off BC Spirit Week in style with a hugely successful Spirit Day held at Brennan Park Sunday February 8th. In partnership with the Squamish Search and Rescue program (thank you Jim Lang) and countless small businesses in the community, the District of Squamish staff at Brennan Park stepped up and out (in a BIG way) for what proved to be a great family oriented community day. At the height of the event, there were over 300 people taking in the many activities, crafts, games, prize draws, and FREE skating and swimming made available with a combined total of more than 500 children, friends and family enjoying the afternoon.
 
Highlights include:
 

• Free skating with a great group shot in front of the in-ice logo
• Free swimming and games on the aquatic side (thank you Michelle)
• Music performed live by local crooner and BP staffer, Dana Marie Battaglia
• Sparky the Squamish Fire and Rescue mascot (thanks Ray)
• Quachi, Sumi, and Miga - the 2010 Winter Olympic Mascots (thanks Donna)
• Consumption of over 600 hotdogs/veggie dogs
• Inflation of over 500 multi coloured balloons (blisters to prove it)
• Slack lining with Squamish based Slack liners
• Future community based Olympians Miranda Miller and Michelle Bartlemen from the BOSAP Program were on hand signing posters and meeting local fans (thanks Bob and Caroline)
• Curling, Sledge Hockey and other Olympic themed kids games (thanks Mr. French)
• The Super long Spirit Banner filled in by community members answering "What does the Spirit of Squamish mean to you"
• Awesome activity based prizes from local businesses Valhalla Pure, CORSA Cycles, Squamish Store, Tourism Squamish
• Enough vanilla and chocolate cake donated by Save On Foods for 300

A BIG thank you to Shannon Collier and Karen Tapp of Brennan Park fame for their undivided attention, enthusiasm, and passion behind the event. From Camp leader 1, I couldn't have done it without you.
 
To everyone that came out and supported the event, our community is a better place because of it. Thank you. To the businesses, individuals, Vancouver 2010 Organization, and local talent that came out to contribute in some way, the event was a smashing success because of you.
 
There Spirit of BC week is still going on until Saturday February 14th. Tourism Squamish is hosting an exciting night on Wednesday February 11th in the Squamish Adventure Centre Theatre - "Reel Spirit 2010 Movie Night - Live it, Love it, Share the Spirit. Doors open at 7pm and it is FREE to the public. Light food and refreshments will be served. Space is limited. I hope to see you there.
 
Happy Spirit Week!
 
Dave Thomson
Squamish Spirit Committee Chair