This Saturday, the Grand Forks portion of the Trans Canada Trail will be having its grand opening.
Long time trail supporter Chris Moslin said that the celebration would begin with Grand Forks Pipes and Drums playing in various locations around the city.
They’ll make there way to the new pavilion near the black train bridge. Moslin suggests following the pipers as a way to get to the ceremony, which starts at 1 p.m.
“They’re going to lead the people on the new walks and trails to the new plaza,” Moslin said.
There will be speeches followed by a ribbon cutting that will officially open the trail.
After the ribbon is cut, there will be a dedication ceremony to Master Cpl. Darrell Priede, who was raised in Grand Forks. Priede was killed in a helicopter Afghanistan in 2007.
He will be honoured with a plaque on the black train bridge. The bridge was restored by members of the 39th combat engineering squadron, who will also be there to present the plaque to the Priede family.
He said they were hoping to get the full troop of the 39th combat engineering squadron, but they were off on military business.
“They’re off on military exercises in Chilliwack,” he said. “We’re going to have four of their leading officers here to present the plaque.”
The plaque will be placed on the middle of the bridge.
Moslin said that they’ve invited politicians, but the federal representatives weren’t sure when they will be called back to parliament. The national representative of the Trans Canada Trail will be there, as well as representatives from Trails B.C. and Ministry of Culture Tourism and the Arts.
“After the opening and the dedication ceremonies there will be a reception for the guests and the pipe band at the legion (the Royal Canadian Legion Hall),” he said. The community garden will also be having an open house.
“So we’re just hoping for the weather.”