New venue, new date, same community spirit for Overlanders Day

Sep 24, 2018 | 2:47 PM

KAMLOOPS — Just over one month ago, dense smoke from BC wildfires resulted in the cancellation of a number of community events.

One of the casualties was the North Shore Business Improvement Association’s annual Overlanders Day.

Fortunately, the event was re-scheduled to this weekend at Brock Park.

It’s a summer staple for North Shore businesses and residents alike but, due to smoky skies in August, the 2018 version of Overlanders Day was pushed back to the first days of fall and took over the park space near Brock Arena on Sunday.

“It’s a great venue. There’s lots of space. It’s, as far as I can tell, the first really big community event we’ve held in probably the last 20 years, so it’s really an exciting opportunity for us,” said Jeremy Heighton, executive director of the North Shore Business Improvement Association.

As in years past, the event was an opportunity for residents to connect with the business community on The Shore, as well as to take in some of the multicultural entertainment on display.

One of those North Shore business owners says he’s pleased with how the rescheduled Overlanders Day turned out.

“It was the right decision based on health concerns to cancel it. But the fact that Jeremy and Patti from the NSBIA managed to put it together to come back and go again is great. So far, we’ve seen a big turnout, so lots of community spirit,” said Jason Cain of Cain’s Independent Grocers.

One of the highlights of this year’s event was the pie-eating contest.

“Watching the kids get in there and get excited… I think the kids were better eaters than most of the adults. It was pretty funny to see,” said Cain.

“We’re already planning a half watermelon-eating contest for next year, so it’s going to be a whole bunch of fun,” added Heighton.

Considering the amount of work that went into planning the event, and what Overlanders Day means to the North Shore community, organizers were happy they were able to hold the 2018 event at all, and are already making plans for 2019.

“I have no doubts that we’re going to do it again next year. We may stay at this venue next year. It’s a beautiful venue,” said Heighton. “We’re having a lot of fun, and it’s really all about celebrating our community, our multiculturalism, our diversity… it’s all come together. We’re so excited.”