The Columbia Valley is expecting at least 300 people for the BC Pond Hockey Eastern Championships being held on February 3-5, 2012 on Lake Windermere at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere. Tournament organizers have confirmed that there are teams registered from as far away as Seattle.

“We know for certain that there will be people participating in this event that have never been to our Valley,” said Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susan Smith. “It is the Pond Hockey Committee’s primary goal to create a valley wide positive experience for Pond Hockey participants and their entourage, an experience that will encourage players, their families and friends to return to the valley.”

With representatives from Fairmont, Invermere and Radium, the committee is asking business owners  throughout the valley to decorate their windows and stores with a hockey theme, and to create hockey themed specials and promotions. Over the weekend of February 3, the committee is encouraging all locals to wear a hockey jersey to demonstrate community spirit and support for this event.

“The economic growth potential of this event is a great opportunity for our community and we want to encourage everyone to participate and join in the fun,” Sean Wall, committee chair said.

Using sponsorship funding from the Columbia Basin Trust, there will be banners installed in Radium, Invermere and Fairmont in addition to the community signs at Fairmont and just below Sobeys in Invermere.

In addition, the committee is gathering items to include in player welcome packages. The Taste of the Valley passport and visitor information brochures will be included, but to make the packages interesting and fun the committee is also looking for donations of trinkets and coupons from businesses to include.

Donations can be dropped off at the Chamber / Visitor Centre or call 250.342.2844 to arrange for pick-up or to discuss your creative idea.

For more information on the BC Pond Hockey Championships, please visit their website here.