It was about 2:00 p.m. on Sunday when the sounds of a soundcheck started echoing around Vanderhoof.
The community located in the geographical centre of British Columbia celebrated its 100th anniversary this past weekend, with a day of learning on Saturday, along with an evening of rock in Riverside Park on Sunday.
“100 years is a long time, we’re not the same community we were 100 years ago, we’re not the same community we were 50 years ago, but there’s a lot of that still within us,” said Mayor Kevin Moutray. “We build up, we make community and move forward. Vanderhoof is really resilient, we’re here for the long term. In 100 years, there will be another great event going on for sure.”
The sounds of instruments almost served as a sort of “rock dinner bell”, beckoning thousands of residents and visitors to the park.
“Lots of people here used to live in Vanderhoof, from all over North America come here and reintroducing and having great chats,” Moutray said. “Wonderful event all around.”
Moutray helped kick things off Sunday, playing bass for Blackwater to open the show.
He said seeing the massive crowd as the Mayor and as a performer has its similarities.
“You’re trying to bring people together, and you’re trying to bring a good time, trying to make those bonds,” he said. “People are happy and trying to make that happen.”
After Moutray and Blackwater kicked things off, the Headpins, Trooper, and Tom Cochrane all rocked the park to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
Photos:
Something going on in the Nechako Valley area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
