Squamish Celebrates Milestone Summer

From births to anniversaries, first rides without training wheels to first days on the job, important milestones are worth celebrating. This year, Squamish is recognizing and celebrating several significant milestones as part of the 100 Years of Squamish campaign. The 100 Years of Squamish: Celebrating Squamish Milestones campaign is officially underway with community-wide celebrations taking place throughout the summer. 

Among the milestones being celebrated are 100 years since the town Squamish officially got its name and the original townsite was completed; 100 years since legislation was passed by the province of British Columbia paving the way for incorporation; 110 years since Britannia Beach was established; 80 years since the Squamish Chamber of Commerce was formed; 70 years since Squamish Savings opened; and 50 years since Brackendale, Mamquam and the Village of Squamish incorporated as the District of Squamish. 

"2014 is a historic year for Squamish as we honour our past and recognize the many accomplishments we, as a community, have achieved over the past century,” says District of Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham. “We have so much to celebrate and so much to look forward to as we enter the next 100 years."

Several community events will infuse 100 Years of Squamish: Celebrating Squamish Milestones into their event programming including Downtown Friday Nights, Squamish Wind Festival, Squamish Triathlon and a special 100 Years edition of the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival, which itself is celebrating 57 years this year. The Squamish Days long weekend will also feature a Community Picnic on Monday, August 4, hosted by the District of Squamish in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the District’s incorporation. Representatives from the District’s sister city, Shimizu, Japan, will be joining in the celebration.

The 100 Years of Squamish committee is ramping up marketing efforts for the campaign throughout the summer months to highlight the significance of this milestone season. Promotional efforts to reach the BC Lower Mainland, inviting past residents “home” for Squamish Days, and social media updates to engage the local community are all being deployed.

The community is invited to join in the celebrations either at participating events, or online. Follow along with Squamish history at Facebook.com/Squamish2014 and on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #Squamish2014 and #SquamishMilestones. 

Local businesses and events are also encouraged to visit www.squamish2014.ca and download a "Tool Kit" which includes ideas and inspiration for hosting a 100 Years-themed celebration or event. 

For more information please visit www.squamish2014.ca. 

June 19, 2014