A donated carved bear at the Williams Lake Visitor Centre needs a name.
The four-foot tall bear was made by Spirit Carver Dean Gilpin, a local chainsaw artist, during the 2022 Stampede Street Party and donated by the party’s organizer Sunny Dyck to the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce.
“As of this past Monday, May 15, we’ve done a slow roll out of naming the bear and people can enter their suggestions either by email or in person,” said Jason Ryll, executive director of the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce.
Ryll said initially he had thought to limit the naming contest to residents of Williams Lake, but then decided so many people come through the visitor centre that the contest should be opened up so anyone can enter.
Names have been rolling in ever since, he confirmed.
“We are honoured to receive this beautiful log carving from the Stampede Street Party organizers,” said Paul French, president of the chamber. “It is a true work of art and we are thrilled to have it as a wonderful fixture in our tourism centre.”
The contest will run until Friday, June 9 and the bear’s name and the person who suggested the name will be announced Monday, June 12.
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monica.lamb-yorski@wltribune.com
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