Clinton – 2013 Review
This past year has been an exciting one in Clinton in more ways than one. Yes, it was the 150th anniversary of the naming of Clinton and the 50th anniversary of being incorporated as a Village, but there were lots of other successes to celebrate.
January
MP Cathy McLeod visited Clinton on Jan. 25 to announce that the Village application to the Gas Tax Funding for $2.45 million for a water system upgrade was approved. The funding would cover 100 per cent of the upgrade costs.
The 150/50 Committee was formed and held the kick off event for the year, a Free Family Skate on Jan. 20.
The Village of Clinton entered the Communities in Bloom National Competition for the first time.
February
Many Clinton residents enjoyed the long weekend that resulted from BC declaring the second Monday of February as Family Day.
On Feb. 25 at a special reception prior to the regular council meeting Marcia Begin was named as the 2012 Citizen of the Year.
March
On March 1 the Canadian Pickers filmed an episode at the Clinton Emporium. It aired on Sept. 9.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was awarded to RCL #194 Life Member Alex Wallner on March 11 for her contributions and dedication to her country and the Legion.
April
The Clinton & District Economic Development Society hosted a well-attended All Candidates Forum for the candidates running in the Provincial election.
May
During Clinton’s Western Heritage Week a Stage Coach and Wagon Display was organized by Doug Carnegie and installed on his lot across from the Village Office as a special addition to the 150/50 celebration.
Whispering Pines Clinton Indian Band provided displays to the museum to commemorate Aboriginal Awareness Week (May 27-31). An Aboriginal photo board was a popular attraction through out the summer.
Clinton Communities in Bloom Committee held their first Seedy Sunday.
June
The Clinton Communities in Bloom Committee was successful in getting a $2,500 grant from BC Hydro/Trees Canada for purchasing trees and shrubs.
The CiB Committee introduced the Funky Flowerpot Contest, encouraging people to plant things that are not normally thought of as flower pots or containers.
June 6 marked the anniversary of the naming of Clinton. Volunteers in period costume with assistance of flaggers, RCMP and emergency response vehicles stopped traffic for a two-hour period and handed out information packages, commemorative pins, t-shirts, etc. They then moved to the Memorial Hall for historical displays and a presentation by David Stoddart School students. Birthday cake was enjoyed by all.
A well-organized bike rodeo, another 150/50 event was held on June 15 in Reg Conn Centennial Park.
July
The first of the ‘Music in the Park’ series was held on July 6th highlighting local talent. This was followed on July 20 by the second one with Dustin Bentall and Kendal Carson entertaining.
July 16 was the 50th anniversary of the Incorporation of the Village of Clinton. It was commemorated with a Sock Hop and Ice Cream Parlour in the Memorial Hall.
July 20 was the first of two chainsaw carving events that resulted in a lovely bench with the 150/50 logo carved into the back of it.
From July 21–23 Clinton played host to National CiB judges Claire Laberge of Montreal and Gerry Teahen of St. Mary’s, Ontario.
The Funky Flowerpot winners were announced at the public reception while the judges were in attendance.
August
Music in the Park saw Ridley Bent performing on Aug. 10 and Barney Bentall on Aug. 31. These events were very well received with the number of spectators increasing each time.
The second chainsaw-carving event was held on Aug. 10. The two benches that resulted from the two events are displayed in front of the Village Office.
September
On Sept. 21, a Soap Box Derby was held on the hill by David Stoddart School. This was the first such event since the 1960s.
Also on Sept. 21 Comedy Magician Clinton W. Gray entertained following a spaghetti dinner held by the Clinton Cleavages.
Both of these events were 150/50 sanctioned events.
October
A herd of goats took over the area for a couple of weeks in early October to control weeds. It was an unusual sight to see the large heard with guard dogs and two riders moving through town.
Yvette May attended the CiB National Symposium in Ottawa to represent Clinton. She emailed the results the evening she heard them. The Village of Clinton had earned four blooms and a special mention for the Funky Flowerpot Contest.
As a result of grants and donations received by the 150/50 Committee the Halloween fireworks were held this year after a one-year absence.
November
A dedicated group of volunteers organized and performed in a variety show, silent and live auction, etc. to raise funds for Variety – The Childrens Charity. Their efforts were rewarded by raising over $4,000 for the cause. Clinton is ‘The Little Village with a Big Heart’.
Also in November the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association awarded Clinton the Out of the Box Award for the 150/50 Anniversary project that brought together all the organizations, First Nations and Village representatives.
On Nov. 23 the Clinton PAC held a very successful dinner and auction raising close to $12,000 to fund things for the students that are not covered by School District fun.
A public meeting was held Nov. 26 to explain the scope of the water system upgrades. Various contractors and stakeholders in the project were on hand to answer questions.
December
The extreme cold may have reduced the number of people participating in the many events associated with the Clinton Victorian Christmas Weekend on Dec. 7-8 but those who did brave the elements had an enjoyable time.
The Christmas Light Up Contest resulted in Best Residential Display going to Dallas and Rebekah Bowen and Best Commercial to Gardenside Pottery and Gifts for their vintage window display.
With 2013 being a double anniversary, over 60 events sanctioned by the 150/50 Committee were held through out the year. Many of those were annual events that would have been held any way but many were new ones that were introduced specifically for the anniversary year. I guess we will have to wait to see how Clinton will top that next year.
Susan Swan