Enough already on the riot
Iam puzzled why, with so many colourful and amazing stories from Penticton’s past, a small group of people are dredging up “the riot” once again.
Social media, a local tourism operator, and even CBC are resurrecting memories from the 1991 riot in the downtown, during Peach Festival week and following an M.C. Hammer concert.
Hiding from one’s past is never good, but celebrating stupidity is bad. Ask any of the cops who worked that night, or Jake Kimberley, who was mayor. It wasn’t a pleasant night. Although nobody was seriously injured or killed, it seemed a lot worse at the time.
In a 2012 interview with then city councillor John Vassilaki (John was involved, at the time of the riot, in the hospitality industry), he said the mistake Penticton made was politicians and business leaders kept talking about it, time and time again.
Let’s compare this to Chicago, a city I’ve visited four different times in my life.
It’s nearly impossible to find reminders of the days of Al Capone and the Chicago gangsters. Tourism officials may show you where scenes from “The Untouchables” were shot, but only a few independent bus operators play up the city’s violent past.
You see, Capone wasn’t the lovable, charismatic guy that Robert DeNero played in the 1987 film about Eliot Ness. Capone was a thug, not a nice person.
When celebrating Penticton, I’d prefer to plug things such as the 1955 Vees, our rich agricultural and First Nations history, the S.S. Sicamous, and Mike Reno from Loverboy — not a bunch of drunken looters who left a black eye on the community for years.
Speaking of the city of Chicago, if you’ve never been — go! It’s a really cool place. Best of all, The L (above ground trains) go straight to the airport and it only costs you a few bucks to get downtown. If you love sports, it’s perhaps the best city to go to, especially when the Cubs are in town.
Why is Donald Trump now taking on LeBron James? After writing an editorial this week about how pro sports began to suck after Wayne Gretzky was traded, LeBron is a player for the ages. He’s an unbelievable athlete, but he also does a lot of great work from his fame and wealth. Hell, even Melania agrees.
One of Trump’s insults is implying that Michael Jordan (speaking of Chicago) was the better basketball player. Even LeBron will tell you that.
I had some blood work done for my annual physical. (Gentlemen over 40, always have your doctor check under the hood.) But, I’m not sure what’s worse — the sting of the needle or the incredible pain of taking the bandage off, a few hours later. Blaze Foley was gone far too soon.
In case I forget, thanks to all of the volunteers, businesses and community supporters who make the Penticton Peach Festival the great event that it is today. It seems hard to believe, but it nearly folded (back around the time of the riot).
Cher has released “(Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie) A Man After Midnight,” from her forthcoming album of ABBA covers. It sounds like “Believe” on steroids.
If you’ve noticed the byline Cate Hanlon over the past two weeks, she is our summer intern, working out of the Daily Courier’s office, but also contributing to The Herald and Okanagan Weekend. Cate is from Kelowna and presently studying abroad in Scotland. She’s with us for the month of August — I wish we could keep her forever. She’s doing a tremendous job. A belated welcome, Cate. James Miller is valley editor for Okanagan Newspaper Group.