55 years ago (1959):
Golden tulips were planted at the entrance of the Windermere District Hospital by the Girl Guides of Invermere and the Brownie Pack of Windermere in participation of the “River of Gold” to mark the golden jubilee of the Girl Guide Movement in Canada. The tulips were shipped from the Netherlands and planted by the group. The “River of Gold” stretched from coast to coast, including the territories, with more than 750,000 bulbs. Come spring, the tulips bloomed starting on the West Coast, making its way in a wave all over Canada.
45 years ago (1969):
Invermere held a Halloween Buggy Race supported by C.G.I.T. in aid of UNICEF. The winner of the race was a sponsor-combination of Bond’s Hardware, Robinson Stores and Invermere Groceteria.
40 years ago (1974): The Kootenay National Park became an outdoor classroom for many first year “wildlife recreation” students from Selkirk College in Castlegar. They experienced a three-day camping and study exercise that included National Parks planning, development and operation at the field level at Redstreak campground, McLeod Meadows and many other areas in the Kootenays.
30 years ago (1984):
Lance Atwood, a 10-year veteran cowboy who grew up in the Columbia Valley, was named cowboy of the year in 1984 by the Alberta Rodeo Cowboys Association. He was awarded with a trophy and a buckle at a banquet in Calgary where he had been residing. The award is given to the cowboy who shows the most sportsmanship and ability, and who puts in the most effort to promote the sport. It was a great honour to win the award as there were more than 600 members in the association at the time.
20 years ago (1994):
Invermere local, Florence Wolfenden, won $10,000 with a lottery ticket purchased at Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy. When contacted by The Echo, she said it was a nice surprise and that her plans for the winnings included some new clothes and a trip to Reno to play the slot machines. “After that I’ll just enjoy it,” she told the paper.
15 years ago (1999):
DTSS grads were constructing a playhouse, with the help of Mr. Bob Wright, to be auctioned off in early spring. Funds were planned to go towards the grad celebrations late spring.
10 years ago (2004):
The Valley Piecemakers Quilting Guild was getting ready to contribute to the bi-centennial celebration of David Thompson. The quilt was to be displayed at various locations in Invermere in 2007 for people to commemorate David Thompson and his contribution to the area.