Melville

Torch Lights Up Main Street Melville

Courtesy of The Melville Advance

Like Halley's comet, it came quickly with a warm glow, and left just as suddenly.

The Olympic Torch made it's first ever appearance in Melville Saturday afternoon amid all the pomp and circumstance deserving of such an occasion.

With several runners carrying the Olympic flame, which will eventually end up in Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Games, it was a day to celebrate youth, athleticism and the Olympic spirit.

The flame arrived right on time and was carried down Main Street with several vehicles in front and more in tow, with many of Melville Minor Hockey's finest cheering and waving Canadian flags in what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many.

Refreshments were available to the large throng gathered both at City Hall and the Tourism Center, where the flame made a grand entrance before being carried through its route.

Smiles, cheers and possibly even a few tears were shed as Mayor Walter Streelasky said a few words before the torch and its bearer were escorted out of the city by the Melville Comprehensive School Cross Country team.

And much like it came, it was gone to the next destination on what is the longest torch relay in Olympic history. It's a day that won't be soon forgotten.