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On January 23rd in Cranbrook, Erin Thom, the final torchbearer lit the Olympic Cauldron at the celebration at the Rec Plex. —Photo by Kris Lindblad
On October 30th, 2009, the Olympic Torch Relay began and marked the longest Olympic relay to be contained within the host country. The relay is presented by Coca-Cola and The Royal Bank of Canada and 90 per cent of Canadian citizens will be within a one-hour drive of the torch as it travels across Canada. On January 22nd, 2010, the Olympic Torch came to the East Kootenay and went through Invermere, Kimberley, Cranbrook and Creston. As the torch made its way to Cranbrook, thousands of people gathered at the RecPlex to join in on the night of festivities. The celebrations kicked off with a pre-show performance by Ktunaxa dancers, while interpretive vehicles containing torch memorabilia and photo opportunities with the torch were scattered throughout the parking lot. Children were treated to Quatchi and Miga, the two Olympic mascots, and hot chocolate, hotdogs and pita chips were offered free of charge until 6:15 p.m. The majority of the evening was hosted by Randy Ferguson, along with Ben Rutledge, who won a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, in the men's eight rowing competition. There were numerous performances to keep the crowd entertained. Fritz Branschat created a magnificent painting on a continuously spinning canvas; as well, gymnasts, hulahoop artists, drummers and acrobats graced the stage. Wendy Hogg and Joy Ward Fera, two Olympians from Cranbrook, also addressed the growing crowd. When Olympian Erin Thom arrived carrying the torch, the enormous crowd broke out in thunderous applause. Thom was clearly thrilled to bear the torch and light the cauldron that was placed on stage, where dignitaries, including Premier Gordon Campbell, MP Jim Abbott, MLA Bill Bennett and Mayor Scott Manjak made their comments to the crowd. The night was rounded out with community entertainment from the Mount Baker Secondary Jazz Ensemble, Sun Valley Song, and a massed children's choir from School District 5. It was truly a night to remember and one that inspired both community pride and Olympic spirit.
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