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Clinton News: CES comes down, and Canada Day was fun for all

Plus Music in the Park showcased a German band playing multiple instruments, some of them unusual.
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Clinton’s Daniela Dyck on stage with members of the German folklore band Rumpelstolz at Music in the Park on July 2. Susan Swan

Canada Day in Clinton

There may have been a smaller crowd than usual at the Canada Day festivities in Reg Conn Centennial Park in Clinton, but those who attended had a great time. It was especially fun for the kids, who had a choice of bouncy castles, a fishing derby, face painting, and/or running through the water (supplied by the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department).

The weather cooperated, but the mosquitoes were hungry! Everyone is of the opinion that the mosquitoes were worse this year than at previous Canada Day celebrations.

The Clinton Seniors’ Association held a very successful yard, bake, and book sale. Many at the sale stopped to view what is left of Clinton Elementary School across the street from the Seniors’ Centre.

Following the free hot dog lunch the 2016 Citizens of the Year, Rollie and Carol Higginbottom, cut the birthday cake. There was a choice of chocolate, white, or carrot cake.

Many thanks to Councillor Wayne Marchant, who spearheaded the planning for the event, and to all who worked to make it a success.

Music in the Park

Clinton and area residents—as well as some visitors to the area—were treated to a delightful concert in Reg Conn Centennial Park on Sunday, July 2. Even the hordes of mosquitoes couldn’t deter people from coming; it’s a good thing there was a strong breeze to help keep them at bay a little.

A German folklore group by the name of Rumpelstolz entertained with vocals and musical instruments not heard before in Clinton. The three men in the group—Micha, Wolfgang, and Peter—were accompanied on stage by Clinton’s own Daniela Dyck, who introduced the songs and interpreted throughout the performance.

Some of the instruments used during the evening included guitars, lute guitars, mandolins, recorders, tin whistles, accordions, jaw harps, bagpipes, harmonicas, and several percussion instruments. Lesser-known instruments included the mandriola, mandocello, string drum, spoons, tambourine, Cajon, cornamuse, crumhorn, low whistle, forest zither, concertina, and washboard.

Rumpelstolz has gone from playing prestigious events such as the 750th anniversary of Berlin to playing at street festivals, and then to the International Dance and Folklore Festival, where they met the Mill Girl Follies. That led them to the stage in Reg Conn Park in Clinton for the 150th Canada Day weekend. In the last 38 years they have played many venues in many different places.

The crowd that was on hand for the Clinton event certainly appeared to enjoy the music. Thanks to the Clinton Art and Cultural Society for sponsoring the event.

Clinton Annual Ball 2018

It may seem like we just attended the Clinton Annual Ball, but ticket sales are well underway for the 2018 event, the 151st Annual Ball. Of the 160 tickets available, more than 100 have already been reserved.

If you would like tickets for this event you may send a cheque ($75 per person) to The Clinton Annual Ball, P.O. Box 185, Clinton, B.C., V0K 1K0.

If you would like more information about the Clinton Annual Ball you can check out the website at www.clintonannualball.com, phone (250) 459-2312 or 250-459-7069, or email tickets@clintonannualball.com.

Summer recess

Many of the Clinton groups and organizations have recessed for the summer. Watch for their return in September.