Vernon 125 Kick-Off

Photo: Bennie Bos

You can expect to see a lot of birthday cake at public events in Vernon next year.

Not only will Canada be celebrating its 150th anniversary but the City of Vernon will turn 125 years old.

Earlier this week, council was asked to give early budget approval of up to $3,200 to be spent on a Vernon 125 Kick-Off special event at the Vernon Recreation Centre on Jan. 1 & 2. The family-oriented event would include a Wibit inflatable structure in the aquatic centre, a bouncy castle in the Dogwood gymnasium, skating on the Centennial outdoor rink and face painting – as well as a cake.

Overall, Coun. Catherine Lord expects $10,000 to be spent on the big birthday throughout the year.

“Nothing was planned so I talked to a few people and went, 'We need to do something, we have to put something out there to show we actually are celebrating our 125th birthday,'” Lord said.

Lord has proposed other events, including a free BBQ manned by city councillors during a Civic Sounds event in Civic Plaza in June or July and a special council meeting in December where councillors would dress in period costume.

“I would like to see council get dressed up for that in the old costumes to sort of commemorate that and have a special council meeting for that.”

Council will review the list during this week's budget deliberations.