It’s almost over! The XXI Olympic Winter Games come to a close this weekend, and you’ll have not one, but two opportunities to celebrate at Whistler Canada Olympic House. Saturday morning (Feb. 27) is our final pancake breakfast with crafts, games and entertainment as usual. Then be sure and stop by on Sunday evening (Feb. 28) for the Celebrate Canada Closing Ceremony Party!
Saturday’s event starts at 9 a.m. with free pancakes for everyone. The theme is Celebrate the Games and Our Athletes, and we’ll be looking at our Olympic success, and looking forward to what is next for Whistler. Kids can make a photo frame for their favourite picture, and complete their Passport Book. We’ll again have face painting, as well as a reading in both French and English of Le Chandail de Hockey, or The Hockey Sweater, by Roch Carrier. Tessa Amy will entertain us again, and Wii and the mascots will be here.
If that wasn’t enough, Jason Myslicki (Canada’s only Nordic combined skier competing in these Games) will be here to talk about his experiences over the last few weeks. Make sure you bring your Passport Book or your autograph book for him to sign! Be sure to come early, because there is no doubt that the pancakes will run out again.
Sunday at 5 p.m. will mark the start of our Celebrate Canada! Party — the Resort Municipality of Whistler invites you to drop by Whistler Canada Olympic House to watch the Closing Ceremony of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Local favourites The Hairfarmers will play, and we’ll have nachos, wings, poutine and a cash bar (did you ever have fantasies about drinking beer in the library?). Cover yourself in red — prizes will be awarded for the most patriotic outfits. Children are welcome from 5 to 8 p.m., and the party will continue until 11 p.m. Space is limited, so come early!
This party will mark the close of Whistler Canada Olympic House, and we’ll be working like mad over the next week to restore our beloved WPL to its former literary glory. I’ll write more next week about the library’s reopening and the adjusted hours we’ll have during the Paralympics from March 12 to 21 — we will be open every day except one during that period. I’d like to thank the entire community for all your patience while we’ve been closed. We’ll be back to (semi) normal very soon.
Lauren Stara is director of the Whistler Public Library.
