The clocking is ticking ever closer to the centennial celebration events in both Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, and organizers are now asking for event volunteers.
"We pretty much have enough volunteers for the planning portion of it, but during the events we're certainly looking for people that can help us out and engage the community more," said PoMo Coun. Gerry Nuttall, who chairs the centennial committee.
He said volunteers are needed for the June 22, 2013 parade to walk alongside the floats, help with marshaling and possibly to act as characters. The special council meeting on April 7, which will recreate PoMo's first-ever council meeting.
"It's sort-of a mock meeting, where we'll be bringing out issues of the day and perhaps asking for volunteers dressed in period costume who might want to stand up and present an issue to council," Nuttall said.
The committee is asking for anyone interested in helping out at a variety of events to check out the Centennial Celebration page on the city's website.
So far the calendar of events includes the Penguin Plunge on Jan. 1, 2013, where there will be roving entertainers, cupcakes and a historical tent full of displays, followed by the Living Heritage Project with a human library, afternoon tea and listening stations on March 2.
Additional events include: special council meeting (April 7), youth council meeting (May 21), Yarilo centennial concert (June 16), parade and Aboriginal Day celebrations (June 22), Celebration of Wood (July 20) and the community picnic (Aug. 17).
Events without dates scheduled yet include the centennial wall hanging, community block parties and a historical play.
In Port Coquitlam, residents will be celebrating 100 years of PoCo pride starting with a 100th birthday launch on Jan. 4, a party on March 7, an afternoon of stories on March 16 at the Terry Fox Library and a centennial fashion show on March 28.
The May Day block party is on May 10, followed by the Rotary May Day parade on May 11.
PoCo Spirit Committee deputy chair Nigel Lark (and The Tri-City News' publisher) said they have all the organizing volunteers they need, but people are needed to help out at specific events.
"It's a chance to be part of something that only comes around once every 100 years," Lark said. "To be here and not participate, you would be missing the chance of a lifetime."
Anybody interested in volunteering for PoCo events can email [email protected] or visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/100.
