More than 700 long-time residents, representing multiple generations of Richmond history, celebrated together under sunny skies Saturday at the City of Richmond’s Pioneer Luncheon.

“This luncheon provides a rare opportunity to share lunch with so many Richmond pioneers and descendants of pioneering families who have shaped our community as we know it today,” Mayor Malcolm Brodie told the event guests. The event was part of the City’s year-long Richmond Canada 150 celebrations.

Guests at the luncheon have all lived in Richmond for at least 50 years. Some of the guests have lived in Richmond for more than 90 years and many trace their family roots in the community back to the late 19th century.

Luncheon guests gathered in a large tent on the City Hall Plaza, where they were feted with musical entertainment and a box lunch. Long-time Councillor Harold Steves, speaking on the eve of his 80th birthday, and Charan Gill, a retired teacher and long-time community volunteer, also entertained the guests with their recollections of growing up in Richmond and the changes and growth in the community over the past decades.

Each guest received a special commemorative certificate and a Pioneer pin as a parting gift. Attendees were also invited to share their life stories to create a video legacy for future generations.

The Pioneer Luncheon was generously supported by Townline Homes, which sponsored shuttle service for the event and the certificate pick-up station, and Ocean Spray, which donated cranberry cocktail for the luncheon guests.

Richmond Canada 150 is a year-long celebration designed to ignite the passions of local residents, honour the community’s distinct and vibrant cultural diversity, leave lasting legacies that foster civic pride and carry the spirit of Canada’s 150th anniversary into the future. Many more events are planned throughout 2017. For a full calendar of events visit:
www.richmondcanada150.com.