The huge 100th Anniversary party is over and what a week it was. The Town of Rivers looked wonderful in all its green and coloured splendour. The weather cooperated and it was a spectacular event. There were many people who came from all over Canada to renew old acquaintances and make new ones. There was a fly-by with the vintage planes and, of course, our beloved old airplane “Pinkie”. As if taking a cue, at the same time the fly-past was going by, the train pulled into town as it does many times a day. A great cheer went up from all to recognize that past history as well. Many stories were told during the week and lots included those who have worked or traveled on the train. Many were looking for a tour of the station but it is not ready for that yet.

The new “Welcome to Rivers” banners made a beautiful backdrop for photos of the station and community.

A highlight of the week was a visit by Wins Bridgman and Marcella Poirier of the Architectural Firm of Bridgman Collaborative from Winnipeg. We did a tour of the station and then met with as many members of the committee to ask questions of their thoughts on the station and how we might work collaboratively to get the restoration project underway. They will now go back to Winnipeg and put together a proposal to move forward. The committee is planning to make this new partnership a reality and participate in the celebration of the train station’s 100th in 2017 and Canada’s 150th birthday!