The BC Day long weekend saw Ladysmith Days return to a two-day event with huge crowds coming out on both Saturday and Sunday.
“The entire weekend was a huge success," said volunteer chair Al Moore. "Almost all the feedback has been very positive, although one person thought the fireworks were reckless and endangered the community.”
The fireworks show had the sign-off from the fire chief as well as the Ministry of Forests.
Moore said the crowds downtown on Saturday were huge for the soapbox and the skateboard events.
“They got a bit smaller in the afternoon, but folks filtered down to Transfer Beach for the various kids games, challenges and the wrestling. It’s so great to see families out having fun, jumping up and down. The kids dancing to the various bands, that’s what it’s all about. I thought the band, Sunset Strip, was the highlight with the band interacting with the kids and all the glow sticks and beach balls that were happening as it got dark. The fireworks, wow!”
Moore did mention that not having a parade was a bit of a downer.
“There are rumours, out there, that it might return next year, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed,” he hinted.
The committee starts their planning for next year in September, and Moore thinks a parade might be in the works.
“We had no bad experiences,” he said, “except for the usual bee stings and barnacle scraps and one of the wrestlers experienced heat exhaustion.”
As far as putting a number on the attendance, none of the committee could do an accurate count, but the consensus was over 7,000 for the two days and the Sunday night LDCU fireworks attracted approximately 4,000.
Moore wrapped up by saying “There is nothing like this that can happen without volunteers, spending hours and hours so the town can have fun and then there are the sponsors whose support is hugely invaluable," Moore said. "This town is so supportive.”
