Beaver Valley Arena to celebrate its 50th Anniversary

Celebrating 50 Years of Community Spirit at Beaver Valley Arena

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) is thrilled to announce the 50th anniversary celebration of the Beaver Valley (BV) Arena, a beloved community landmark that has been the heart of countless memories and milestones since its inception in 1974.

As the BV Arena gears up to mark this momentous occasion on Saturday, May 25th, 2024, from 5pm to 10pm, residents and supporters are invited to join in the festivities. Save the date and get ready to reminisce on five decades of community camaraderie, growth, and fun.

Mark Daines, RDKB’s Manager of Facilities and Recreation, reflects on the significance of this milestone: “The 50th anniversary of the Beaver Valley Arena is a testament to the enduring spirit of our community. For half a century, the arena has been more than just a building; it has been a gathering place, a source of pride, and a catalyst for countless friendships and memories. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead with excitement to the next chapter of the arena’s legacy, knowing that it will continue to be a vital hub of community life for years to come.”

In the lead-up to the main event, BV staff are calling on locals to contribute to the celebration.  Nominate a BV volunteer to receive a special limited edition gift and share your photos of the arena’s journey over the years. From construction phases to iconic events such as hockey games, figure skating competitions, and community festivals, every snapshot tells a story. Please email your volunteer nominations as well as scanned photos to [email protected], as soon as possible.  Alternatively, older originals can to be copied and returned.

Underscoring the pivotal role of volunteers in the arena’s success, Mark Daines adds: “Volunteers are the backbone of the Beaver Valley Arena, providing essential support that ensures its smooth operation year after year. Their dedication and hard work are the foundation of our community’s spirit, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. As a token of appreciation, the BV Arena team has commissioned special anniversary jerseys for 50 of our volunteers to wear with pride, recognizing their vital contribution to our community.”

The 50th anniversary celebration is sponsored by Teck, Columbia Power, Columbia Basin Trust, RDKB, City of Trail and Hall Printing.  It promises to be a memorable occasion for all who attend, with a lineup of activities and entertainment that pay tribute to the arena’s rich history and vibrant community spirit. Admission to the event will be free and once the doors open at 5pm, the first 150 people through them will receive an original BV Minor Hockey Jersey and button.   Draw prizes will include an original retro BV Minor Hockey Hat.  Visitors will also be able to check out the new electric Zamboni, historical information and the Beaver Valley Recreation Master Plan, on display.

Curently, the ‘Let’s Celebrate’ itinerary is as follows:

5:00pm:  Doors Open, Food by Kim’s Creations & Drinks by Vintage Pour – on sale from the start.

5:00-6:00pm: Welcome (Radio Host Wayne Kelly/Area A Director Ali Grieve)

6:00pm: Family Game Show by Altitude Entertainment

7:30 – 8:00pm: Volunteer Appreciation Presentation (Radio Host Wayne Kelly)

8:00- 10:00: DJ Dance by Throwdown Productions

To celebrate 50 years of memories, milestones, and community spirit at the Beaver Valley Arena, follow RDKB and Beaver Valley Recreation on Facebook and Instagram, and use hashtag #bvarena50th to share pictures and memories.  Updates will be regularly posted on RDKB’s Join the Conversation page: https://jointheconversation.rdkb.com/beaver-valley-arena-50th-anniversary