Richmond Winterfest Weekend took place February 12-13 at the Richmond Olympic Oval, and reignited the spirit of the Olymipic Games within the community. The reconfigured Olympic Oval played host to entertainment of all sorts: music, sports, demonstrations and the arts.
Richmond’s Mayor Malcolm Brodie and VANOC CEO John Furlong kicked off the celebrations on Saturday from the YVR Community Stage. Mayor Brodie honoured two attending Canadian Olympians, Long Track Speed Skater Gold Medalist Denny Morrison and Richmond’s own Snowboarder, Alexa Loo.
YVR’s Community stage rocked with performances by a variety of vocal and dance acts, including Five Alarm Funk, Damien Marshall and family favourite Bobs and Lolo.
The community took the opportunity to show their continued national pride, wearing Olympic apparel and Canada’s colours. More than 12,000 people were in attendance – many experiencing the various sporting activities available including ice skating; and exploring the array of visual arts, such as carving, pottery and sculpting.
It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since YVR welcomed the world to our airport and to celebrate the 2010 Winter Games, but it’s not so hard to believe that the sense of spirit showcased throughout Games still lives on.