Editors note: The following letter was sent to the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce on July 2nd, and was forwarded to The Pioneer for publication.

To whom it may concern:

My girlfriend and I happened to be passing through the Columbia Valley area on a road trip this past weekend, and caught a lot of buzz around Invermere about the Canada Day celebrations. We were intrigued enough to make sure we spent June 30th and July 1st in the Valley.

First off, let me say that the fireworks display at midnight was outstanding. Easily topping not only the length, but quality of other major fireworks displays such as the Calgary Stampede. The atmosphere in the town was electric, and from a tourists perspective, we had one of the most memorable weekends of our lives.

We stayed at the Best Western Invermere Inn, which was clean, pleasant and quiet. We enjoyed a rather romantic late evening patio dinner at Saftas, and visited many other local retailers. The friendliness of the people in your town is impressive.

Please keep up the good work, we will absolutely be back and often!

Sincerely,

Tyler Makowski

Calgary