Port Alberni will celebrate its final centennial event on Sunday, Jan. 20, when the community is invited to a block party at Victoria Quay.
The road in front of Victoria Quay will be blocked from 12–4 p.m. The party kicks off at 1 p.m.
The date commemorates the first council meeting for the City of Alberni on Jan. 20, 1913. The city’s centennial celebrations began by honouring the first council meeting of the City of Port Alberni in April 1912.
The quay is a significant marker in the city’s history, AV Museum executive director Jean McIntosh said. Ships bringing travellers and cargo used to dock there, and Alberni’s final city hall was located there before Alberni and Port Alberni amalgamated.
Two legacies will be unveiled at the event: a Bear on the Boardwalk and a wishing fountain, both carved by local artists (See page 22 for more).
Everyone showing up to the quay will have the opportunity to be in a group photograph. Organizers want to replicate a photo that was taken in 1912 when the Mile 0 post was installed at Victoria Quay.
The event will run rain or shine.
editor@albernivalleynews.com