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Vernon birthday bash kicked off

Vernon will celebrate 125 years of municipal status in 2017 and a number of activities are planned.
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Vernon will host its 125th birthday in 2017.

Vernon is preparing for a giant birthday party.

The city will celebrate 125 years of municipal status in 2017 and a number of activities are planned.

“We’re looking at what we can do to celebrate our birthday and Canada’s birthday,” said Coun. Catherine Lord, who has taken the lead with organizing. “We don’t have an events co-ordinator so nothing was really happening.”

Festivities will start Jan. 1 and 2 with a Vernon 125 Kick-Off event at the Vernon Recreation Complex.

“Special activities will include a Wibit inflatable in the aquatic centre, a bouncy castle in the Dogwood Gymnasium, skating on the Centennial Outdoor Rink, face painting, a cake and more,” said Doug Ross, recreation services director, in a report.

Council has authorized $3,200 for the Vernon 125 Kick-Off.

“In order to move forward with the planned activities, funding is required for advertising space in the upcoming Active Living Guide, to secure the rental of the Wibit and bouncy castles and to pay for cake, supplies and staffing for the event,” said Ross.

Beyond this, other activities are being considered for the rest of 2017.

They will include a birthday party as part of Civic Sounds during the summer.

“There would be free hamburgers and hot dogs and council will serve them,” said Lord.

The city may also partner with other organizations, while booths promoting Vernon could be set up at community events.

A special council meeting could also be held in December 2017, when the city actually turns 125 years old.

“We could have council dress in period costumes,” said Lord.

Council recently budgeted $20,000 to mark the city’s 125th anniversary and Canada’s 150th birthday.