There’s a mix of enthusiasm and anxiety among Lumby residents.
All eyes will be fixed on Saturday’s Vancouver Canucks game on Hockey Night in Canada to find out if Lumby is named one of two finalists for the Kraft Hockeyville title.
“We are inviting the public to watch the Kraft Hockeyville announcement live in Pat Duke Memorial Arena,” said Angie Clowry, one of the local campaign organizers.
“There is a coed adult hockey tournament going on, and as they want to watch they have invited us along. While the Canucks game gets underway at 7 p.m., we are inviting the community to show up at 6:30 p.m. and watch some fun hockey.”
Both communities named as finalists will earn $100,000 for arena upgrades, and voting will begin Sunday at 6 a.m. to determine who is named Hockeyville and who gets an NHL pre-season game.
“This goes much farther than hockey. Our community spirit has ignited and engaged people and businesses right across Canada,” said Clowry.
“Mayor Kevin Acton is receiving calls, e-mails and texts from right across Canada, saying how excited people are as Lumby is in the media spotlight.”
A plan is coming together for Sunday if residents must begin voting.
“We will create a new headquarters for Hockeyville and we will be inviting the public down in shifts to vote,” said Clowry.
“If you drive into Lumby, windows are painted, signs are up and there is a banner hanging in town.”