Potato Nation

Plenty of Races, No Rats. Even Canada Day Starts with a Race in Pemberton.

Posted by Lisa Richardson on June 24, 2010 · 1 Comment 

The home of gruelling Lumpy’s and the “savage” Nimby50, the “tragic” fourth stage of the Four Queens bike comp on July 11, as well as location for one of the first Eco-Challenge’s ever (in 1996. It was too gnarly), in Pemberton even Canada Day starts with a race.

The classic 7km Spud Run, celebrating its 12th annual, kicks off Pemberton’s July 1 Canada Day celebrations, with an 8am registration at the new Cottonwood Community Centre.  Don’t be intimidated by the fact that endurance athlete Jen Seeger won the women’s race last year.  $20 entry for the whole family (or $10 per person) supports the Pemberton Valley Trails Association, and we all love trails, endurance legends or not.

The Canada Day parade rolls into gear at 11am, from the pharmacy, downtown, back to the Community Centre, where the Purple Pirate will entertain, a craft station will keep kids busy and belly dance and karate demos will spice things up.  Pie sale, farmers market and artisan’s market will provide fuel, treats and pretty things.  At 6pm, a BBQ dinner, fire dancing and live music from Still Smokin’, Papa Josh and Archie Peters and the Wide Open Range will bring a little Pemberton Barn Dance energy to the Canada Day celebrations.