It was a day full of the Parade, the People and the Party — yes, the Oak Bay Tea Party always brings out the best in this community and Saturday’s kick-off was the best, commemorating a milestone 50-years of “taking tea in Oak Bay.”
I participated for the first time this year, along with Council colleagues, in judging some of the parade entries, a daunting task. I feel everyone should be recognized just for making the effort to be in the parade but that didn’t let me off the hook as a judge.
Congratulations to first prize winners, the Oak Bay High School Band, for thinking “outside the band box.” Students put on a great show for the crowd and for the judges.
Oak Bay Pharmasave, also celebrating a 50th birthday, won in the commercial category and the Oak Bay Pre-School won in their category for the most colourful display of children and balloons.
Joining the celebrations again this year were MLA Ida Chong and for the first time, Victoria’s Mayor Dean Fortin, on hand to present to Oak Bay a commemorative carved plaque, one presented once before 50 years ago by Councillor Kevin Murdoch’s grandfather who was the Reeve of Oak Bay at the time (1962).
These were just a few of the parade notables and if I have missed anyone, my apologies. Thanks to Bill Murphy-Dyson, Tea Party organizer and to his great volunteers who helped make this a day to remember.
The day wound up with fireworks at 10:00 PM, a special request of Council by the organizing committee to make this 50th Oak Bay Tea Party birthday truly memorable.