This coming week in 1956, attendance records were toppled almost daily at North Saanich’s Sandown Park during the fall race series.
The first day at the horse racing track saw more than 3,000 people take in the races, which was substantially more than the previous year’s attendance figures.
Stories like that one have not only shaped history here on the Peninsula, they’ve also been peppered through the pages of the Peninsula News Review for the past 100 years.
A century ago, the first edition of the Sidney and Islands Review hit the streets. Since then it has been the go-to reference for news around the Peninsula.
This month the News Review is celebrating its 100th birthday with a party at Heritage Acres that doubles as a fundraiser for the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock. The event happens Saturday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating with the community,” says News Review publisher Jim Parker. “And what better place to hold a party like this than at Heritage Acres.”
The activities will feature live music from bands The Archers, Chick Wagon and Fir Cone, entertainment for kids including Panorama Recreation Centre’s inflatable obstacle course, and a barbecue and refreshments courtesy of Peninsula Co-op and pies supplied by Fairway Market.
Refreshments and admission are by donation, with all proceeds going to Tour de Rock.
“It’s going to be a fun day,” Parker says. “We’re looking for good support for the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock.