Penticton’s pioneers will once again have an opportunity to stand up and be counted this weekend.
Since 1946, the Penticton Rotary Club has hosted a special event to celebrate the citizens who over the years have worked to make the community what it is today.
This year’s reception takes place Sunday at the South Main Street Seniors Drop-in Centre from 2-4:30 p.m.
It is open to seniors 65 and over who have lived in the Penticton area for 50 or more years.
“It is one of the flagship, premier programs of Rotary,” said club secretary Rory McIvor. “As members, we have a huge amount of fun putting it on and I’ve got to be honest, we have a lot of members that are pioneers because we’ve been hanging around here too.”
Scheduled special guests again this year will be Mayor Dan Ashton and other city councillors who will be working with Rotary members to assist with the proceedings. Also as in past events, the most senior male and female pioneer will be recognized and will receive some special gifts.
“We try to keep the program portion of the day just as short as possible because we want to give the pioneers as much time as possible to have a good visit with their friends,” said McIvor. “For many of them it is just about the only chance they get over the year to see and visit with their friends and neighbours because they don’t get out much.”
There will be entertainment and refreshments will also be served. In past years, the event has attracted as many as 250 people, including members of the general public.