The annual community, feel-good event of the spring is coming up this Sunday at the Kimberley Skate Park. McWhinnie Day, in memory and celebration of former Kimberley City Councillor and community booster Bob McWhinnie, takes place at the skate park beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 27.
This year the East Kootenay Paddlers Society is hosting McWhinnie Day for the first time. That group is involved in trying to raise funds for a whitewater feature in the new Mark Creek flume project. However, not to worry, says McWhinnie Day organizer Alex Buterman, all funds raised go directly to enhancements in the skate park. However, because the Paddlers Society is a non-profit, they were able to leverage $500 in sponsorship from the Columbia Basin Trust to help with costs.
Previous McWhinnie Days have raised enough money to help with building washrooms for the skatepark and there is about $1100 saved. Buterman is looking for ideas on how to spend that money, and any that might be raised this year, on skate park enhancements. He will have a ballot available for voting on Sunday.
If you’d like to help out, you can come early to help with set up or stay late to help with garbage pick up.
If you have some sort of cool activity that might suit, bring it along, but no funds should be directed to other ventures. The day is to raise funds for the skate park only, Buterman says.
If you know of a band, preferably at “shredder punk kid band”, contact Buterman at 250-427-3058.
You can also bring baked goods for the bake table or take a turn and spell someone off at the barbecue table.
But most of all, come prepared to enjoy a day of freestyle skating and biking. Cheer on the bands and spend a little money at the bake table.
Bob McWhinnie was loved and admired for his community spirit. McWhinnie Day is a great opportunity to be like Bob.