Remember when? (July 6)

A look back at what's happened in the Columbia Valley over the past 50 years for the week of July 6.

July 9

July 9

50 years ago: The “A” float of the Kinsmen swimming enclosure went missing. A portion of the float supposedly broke off in a storm and floated away, but its location was never found.

The float was needed immediately for the Lake Windermere Regatta festivities to be put on in a few weeks.

45 years ago: RCMP officers were aghast at record-breaking traffic over the holiday long weekend, but even more surprised at the lack of vehicle accidents.

Though some did occur, there were no serious damages or injuries to report of.

40 years ago: The doctors of the Invermere Medical Clinic were establishing a free youth clinic in the building which housed the Paradise School during school terms.

The new clinic was organized for the purpose of handling drug and drug-related problems.

35 years ago: The Invermere Ladies Softball Team won the playoff championship trophy after defeating Radium eight to six in the opening game of the playoffs.

They went on to defeat Canal Flats 15 to 10 in the final game.

30 years ago: Heather MacLeod’s Grade 6 class from J.A. Laird Elementary school pitched in to pick up garbage.

Through their efforts, three bags of garbage were removed from the rodeo grounds at the Crossroads. The Lake Windermere Lions Club sponsored their task by donating the garbage bags.

25 years ago: The Brazilian Airforce Acrobatic Team officially accepted the invitation of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to perform at the grand opening ceremonies of the new airport.

The acrobatics team were the featured performance at the event

20 years ago: Environmentally-friendly speedboats were to battle the waves and brave the log jams of Toby Creek on Alberta Appreciation Day to raise money for the Rotary Club of Invermere.

The race would launch from a starting point about five kilometres up Toby Creek and finish at the bridge on the outskirts of town.

15 years ago: The District of Invermere planned to officially change the name of the Columbia Valley Recreation Centre to Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Mayor Chuck Blanchard, with council’s support, stated that he would push for the name change during the next Regional District of East Kootenay directors’ meeting.

10 years ago: The new Jehovah’s Witnesses’ worship centre went up seemingly overnight on Hwy. 93/95 near Timber Ridge.

A hundred volunteers helped to produce the 4,100 square-foot Kingdom Hall, which seats 160 people with room for an additional 50.

The church was erected in three days.

5 years ago: The Regional District of East Kootenay approved a $5,500 grant to help with baseball programs in the valley.

The Columbia Valley Recreation Society got the funds from the Electoral Area F discretionary grants-in-aid account overseen by interim director Ken Innes.