Torch Relay Celebration in Prince George

Last night we attended the Vancouver 2010 Torch Relay celebration in Prince George. I don’t want to give away too many details as the crew of 250+ is currently on the road to the Lower Mainland. What I can say is that this traveling act that have been going for about 4 solid months sure can get a community pumped.

About an hour before the Olympic Torch came into the venue to light to local cauldron a Coca-Cola truck was making its way through town pumping beats and announcing the arrival of the flame. Standing along the street corner the flame was passed from torch to torch as it winded through the streets of Prince George.

At the exhibition grounds the RBC and Coca-Cola teas setup camp. The emcee on stage compared their production to a circus as the caravan rolls into town one night, sets up the big top, then cruises on out.

There was a ceremony as the flame entered the grounds and was walked on stage. The final torch runner of this leg was Alix Wells, who got to light the cauldron.

Premier Campbell, who is traveling with the group, said a few words as did VANOC CEO John Furlong (who used to live in Prince George) and other local delegates.

At every stop along the Torch Relay the same song is performed but by community children and youth choirs. After a bit more fanfare, stops at the swag booths, and photos taken at the BC You Gotta Be Here display, the crowd was dazzled with a fireworks show. The spectacle that this group puts on within 24 hours of rolling into a city is impressive.

Torch bearers milled about through the crowd with their families and were all treated like white track-suit wearing rock stars. There is a nice assortment of activities for kids, plenty of community involvement, and lots of pumped up music.

To find out more about the community Torch Relay celebration in your area you can check your city’s main website or browse this post I put together with a big event and location listing.