2 July 2008
All Aboard for History
Hope British Columbia - A large crowd came out to the Haig
Station to welcome The CP Spirit of 150 Rail Tour as it stopped in Hope on Wednesday, The event started off with music by the BC 150
Band. Chawathil band Chief Ron John then welcomed the train to traditional Chawathil territory. Other local dignitaries including Mayor
Wilfred Vicktor, Councillor Laurie French and his wife, Elaine, were dressed in period costumes, Councillor Randy Bergstrom, and local
Spirit of 150 Chair Kate Zabell welcomed the crowd to the event. The Royal Theatre from Barkerville entertained the crowd with music and
skits. Juno award nominee Jay Burnstick was also on hand to entertain the crowd with his music.
The train was led by the vintage Empress 2816 steam locomotive, two vintage passenger coaches, a vintage business car, a heritage
baggage car which had been converted into a traveling museum and a vintage stage car. The converted baggage car housed a traveling
version of the Free Spirit: Stories of You, Me and B.C which was created by the Royal BC Museum.
Other stops in the area included Lytton, Spences Bridge, North Bend, Yale, and Agassiz.
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