Regina

Two Days of Queen City Celebrations

By Nicole Hoffart
In honour of the 2010 Olympics, Regina hosted a Torch Relay celebration with exciting events and activities that were fun for the whole family. A deep sense of community pride was instilled when the Olympic Torch made its way through Regina on January 9 & 10 as thousands came out to cheer on the flame.

The evening celebration on Saturday consisted of:

• The 5th Annual Ice & Fire Carnival featured snow sculptures, an outdoor dance arena and show, life-sized beaver lodge, snowflake museum, and winter creatures in a lantern-lit procession.
• Over 70 sports organizations showcased their sports with interactive displays, demonstrations and public participation including a free skate and swim.
• The World’s Longest Shinny Game took place, before the arrival of the Torch, on Victoria Avenue between Broad and Albert Street consisting of players of all ages from Regina’s hockey teams.
• An indoor stage at the Fieldhouse included performances by Best Buddies, La Raquette à Claquette, First Nations Dancers and Multicultural Groups. Performances by Jason Plumb and Terrence Littletent took place on the main stage accompanying the Vancouver Olympic Entertainment.

The highlight of the evening, which included the final exchange of the Torch and procession leading to the main stage, took place on Taylor Field at Mosaic Stadium. The final Torchbearer, Callie Morris, was cheered on by the crowd for the lighting of the Cauldron. The evening concluded with a fireworks display.

Celebrations continued early Sunday morning beginning at the RCMP Heritage Centre. A peace pipe ceremony and a public blessing took place before the Torch traveled to the Legislature where the public took part in winter activities in an enthusiastic send off for the Olympic Torch.