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Hockeyville support celebrated

Community celebration scheduled Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the arena parking lot as Lumby hosts CBC broadcaster
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Excitement over Lumby possibly gaining Kraft Hockeyville status has prompted everything from a Lumby Stars gnome to a song by Kelowna rising star Ben Klick.

It takes a region to help a village.

Kevin Acton, Lumby mayor, used Wednesday’s Regional District of North Okanagan board meeting to thank all local communities for supporting the village and its Kraft Hockeyville bid.

“There’s been a very impressive showing of support,” he said. “Everyone gave 100 per cent.”

According to Acton, the Hockeyville bid reminded his residents that the North Okanagan is a great place to live.

“We’re part of something other than a small town.”

Voting ended Monday night and the community will now have to wait until Saturday, April 2 to find out if it’s  won the Kraft Hockeyville title.

“I feel optimistic. I think we did awesome,” said Angie Clowry, who has been leading the troops.

Lumby and Saint-Isidore, Que. have automatically won $100,000 each for arena upgrades by being in the final two, and the final voting determines who wins the Hockeyville title and an NHL pre-season game.

The winner of Kraft Hockeyville will be announced Saturday and there will be a live broadcast from Lumby during Hockey Night In Canada.

Acton is urging all North Okanagan residents to make their way to Lumby for the announcement. A community celebration is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the arena parking lot as Lumby hosts CBC broadcasters. The announcement is expected around 3:45 p.m.

“Everyone put a lot into this effort and I hope people will come and celebrate with us,” he said.