The Rotary Club of Penticton is once again gearing up for its annual Pioneer Reception. The event will be held April 17 at the Penticton Drop-in Centre from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Started in 1946, the reception is open to residents 65 years or older who have lived in Penticton and area for 50 or more years. It is Rotary’s way of saying thanks for the contribution to the community, according to the event’s chair Rotarian Ken Davis.
“We believe the people that started Penticton are the pioneers of Penticton,” said Davis. “These people are the people that built the orchards, built the farms, ran the cattle ranches, built the first retail stores, the homes, public buildings, churches and all of the other things that bring a community together. They should be recognized.”
Davis said he expects the event to host about 250 seniors.
“The reception gives the pioneer an opportunity not only to be recognized, but also to visit with the other pioneers in the area,” he said. “It is pretty important because sometimes it is the first time they have gotten a chance to get out and visit with some of their friends since last year.”
He said the reception will include complimentary sandwiches and other treats, along with some tea, coffee or a glass of Okanagan wine. The Rotary ladies will be dressed in authentic attire of yesteryear and the Rotary gentlemen will be dressed in their special white shirts and black ties to serve and welcome.