It was a very busy day for all involved. Organizing was done by Vicki Haller (of the Royal Hudson task team) and Sherry Elchuk at the Heritage Park, with the help of a whole host of members who pitched in to make the event a great success, and staff Olga and Wendy Junkin. Bob Hunter and Bill Marchant were helping with the set up of stanchions and other special arrangements for the event. Some of our special guests were brought to the Heritage Park courtesy International Stage Lines, who provided a 24 passenger bus for those who did not wish to drive. Food was provided by Toasters and IGA Squamish, with some help also by several of our members.

At 1200, the invited guests sat down to lunch in the station multi purpose room. Don Evans welcomed our special guests, the Hon. Judith Reid—Minster of Transportation, the Hon Ted Nebbeling—Minister of State for Community Charters, and Mayor Corinne Lonsdale of the District of Squamish. Members of our volunteer switch crew (Joe, Ray and Glen) were also recognized with the presentation of Royal Hudson hats. Lunch was served by members in period dress, including Beth Fitzpatrick, Donna Fourchalk, John Lighthall, with help from Faye Lighthall and Tony Haller. Meanwhile, others were arriving and assembling outside for the ceremonies which were scheduled for 1300 hours. The Mini rail was busy with Colin Dathan, Dave Firbank, John Wright, Paul Roy and others helping out. John Fitzpatrick and Hudson Bear kept people headed in the right direction.

At 1300, the formal ceremonies commenced on the platform of the station, with the crowd assembled on the lawn alongside the Royal Hudson. Don Evans acted as MC, and introduced speakers in order—the Hon. Judith Reid, the Hon. Ted Nebbeling. Mayor Corinne Lonsdale (who purchased a ticket on the Save the Royal Hudson excursion on the spot) recognized the members of the Task Force, and then Singh Biln from BC Rail (who presented the WCRA with a framed Max Jacquiard print of the Royal Hudson). Craig McDowall then brought words of welcome from the WCRA board of directors, and thanked everyone for coming today and for their contributions to the work in acquiring the Royal Hudson and making this day possible.

Speeches over, Don Evans proposed two toasts—the first to Royal Hudson #2860 herself, and the second to the success of the Save the Royal Hudson Excursion train which will operate this summer. The official party then moved to the front of the locomotive, where Transportation Minister Judith Reid performed the honours with the smashing of a bottle of champagne on the coupler of the Royal Hudson to christen her for her next career (boy, can she swing a champagne bottle!) After photographs, it was back to the side of the locomotive where Minister Ted Nebbeling cut a ribbon on the cab stairs to formally open the Royal Hudson as an exhibit for summer 2002 at the Heritage Park. Retired Royal Hudson engineer Hugh Campbell then climbed into the cab for a portrait leaning out the cab window, Minister Nebbeling followed for the same, as did Minster Reid. The ceremonies then concluded with the cutting of the cake by Mayor Corinne Lonsdale. Guests then enjoyed the new exhibit and the Heritage Park, while the media interviewed various people involved. Minister Reid and her assistant, Fraser Randall, received a tour of the Heritage Park exhibits by general manager Sherry Elchuk.

It was a great day, the weather cooperated beautifully. If you weren't able to be there, check out the excellent coverage on our web site with photos taken by our webmaster Greg Chadwick. Just click on the “Official Arrival of the Royal Hudson or the Royal Hudson tab and you’ll be there. Thanks to all who helped in any way to making this day a success.