May is BC Mining Month and because mining is one of BC’s largest and oldest industries this designation offers an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the importance of the current industry in our province. Many activities are planned for communities around the province beginning on May 1, with an opening reception and presentation of the Mining Person of the Year Award given out annually held in Vancouver and on May 2, the annual reception for Women in Mining, as well barbecues are being held in various communities during the month of May.
Locally, this past Wednesday May 15, Mining Month was celebrated in Sparwood with a free barbecue for everyone. In the past a lunch was held with invited local, provincial and federal government representatives, mining company executives, local mine managers, businesses and others associated with mining. The lunch held at the Causeway Bay was a way for those attending to mingle and listen to was happening in the mining sector locally and world-wide with speeches and power points from Teck vice president, Teck top managers, MLA/Mining Minister, and others knowledgeable on the subject. As mining is still the backbone of the economy in the Elk Valley this event was always well attended.
Sparwood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Beverly MacNaughton said that this year they decided to change it up and offer a free barbecue for the community instead.
The Sparwood Chamber incorporated in 1993 operates the Chamber, the Business Information Centre and Visitor Information Center from the offices located at the Titan Park where the Titan Truck is situated. They work closely with the District of Sparwood to promote business and tourism within and around the community and the beautiful Elk Valley MacNaughton says. The Chamber organises this annual event and this year the BBQ was a huge success, the Chamber thanks everyone “that attended and supported and celebrated mining in BC.”
They also extend appreciation to Randy at Cummins Creek Containers, Cal McDougall, Dustin at Fabrite, Ron Abbott, Nicole Latka, and Cami Reghenas, for doing the cooking and serving, Teck for sponsoring the event, and supporters, Rocky Mountain Meats, Rayco Steel, and Save On Foods.
The event had a very festive air with several vendors setting up tents and giving away free takeaways such as pens, stress balls, cookies, popcorn etc. Special thanks go to Cummins, Causeway Bay Hotel, Western Financial, Leavitt, District of Sparwood, and Cummins Creek Containers for participating.
The event couldn’t have had a better day, sunny and hot it was perfect for the outdoor BBQ. It was also great to see retired mayor Cal McDougall flipping hamburgers looking very comfortable in his apron. But most of all it was wonderful to see the many young families with little children and adults enjoying the day. Having attended many of these events in past years I must say that holding this barbecue was a wonderful idea as it included all the people who appreciate what mining brings to this Valley.
