The picker appreciation picnic in Lion’s Park on Thursday attracted approximately 500 people, including seasonal workers Vicky (left) and Lolo. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
Organizers of Thursday’s picker appreciation picnic in Lion’s Park believe the event sparked renewed respect and relations in Oliver.
Although it looked like Woodstock all over again, the festival appeared to be a big success in the eyes of many. And there were many – approximately 500 people, according to Carol Sheridan from Oliver Parks and Recreation.
The lineup for free burgers and samosas was literally endless as migrant workers mingled and filled their bellies with food and laughs. It definitely set the mood for St. Jean Baptiste Day on June 24.
The only disappointment among organizers was the fact that very few locals bothered to show up. The weather wasn’t ideal, but the rain agreed to stay away for most of the festivities, which included live music.
Joanne Bray and volunteers from the Oliver Lion’s Club barely had time to think as they were run off their feet behind the barbecues.
There was no sex, no drugs (well, a little marijuana) and no rock ‘n roll during the picnic, which attracted a police presence and the watchful eye of bylaw enforcement officers.
The only eye-raising moment was a fellow walking around with a face full of stitches. But he still managed a smile, which was contagious.
Oliver RCMP Cpl. Brian Evans said he was impressed with the good behaviour of the attendees. At one point he and Cst. Kathleen Biron shared a laugh with a seasonal worker who showed them something on his smartphone.
Shyvano Joly from the Loose Bay campground society said he believed the picnic would improve relations between the town and seasonal workers. He noted the event showed that the migrants are welcome in the community, and he thinks this will change the attitudes of some people who might tend to cause trouble in town.
Fruit picker and vineyard worker Julie Vaillancourt said the picnic was an “awesome” gesture that makes them feel like part of the community, which in turn should breed more respect.
“I think it will change attitudes.”
Vaillancourt admitted there are “bad apples” everywhere you go, but people shouldn’t view all the itinerants that way.
“See, we’re not dangerous,” she said, gesturing to the crowd.
The young woman said she understands why some people are afraid to come to Lion’s Park, but she explained it’s the only place where pickers can find shade in the afternoon.
Vaillancourt said farmers are getting better at providing the necessities for their workers, but have a long way to go. She listed showers and toilets, but said that washing machines and fridges would be nice, too.
In her welcoming address, Sheridan told the migrants that the picnic was a celebration of their arrival.
“You help us with fruit picking and are a major part of our economy.”
Boundary Similkameen MLA Linda Larson mirrored those comments, saying the pickers are “incredibly vital” to what happens in Oliver’s agricultural sector.
“We couldn’t do this without you.”
Mayor Ron Hovanes said the workers are part of a legacy that started over 40 years ago.
“I want all of you to work hard and have fun,” he stated.
Area C director Terry Schafer welcomed the pickers in both French and Spanish.
In addition to Seventh Day Adventist Church giving away clothing, Interior Health was giving away things, too, including condoms.
Calum Brownlee from Oregon was playing music on his banjo. He heard about the picnic through word of mouth.
“It’s awesome. I don’t think anything like this would happen in the United States.”
Brownlee just arrived and said it’s really friendly in Oliver.
The young man is trying to find work picking cherries, and so far has helped a lady shovel gravel.
Brownlee said it’s a good thing to bring people together from different backgrounds. He noted the picnic is a good start to enhance relations.
Hella Prochaska was one of the few locals who braved the crowd yesterday.
“Sometimes we forget how we were at that age,” she stated, looking around at the sea of faces.
“I really think it’s important to make this connection. They (these workers) are important to our livelihood.”
Corporal Evans told the Chronicle that he has been happy with the overall respectful nature of these seasonal workers in the park.
“There are always some exceptions, but we have very few complaints. I believe that the presence of the bylaw enforcement officer in the park has helped.”
Evans said the RCMP conducts regular daily patrols in Lion’s Park, resulting in some liquor and drug (marijuana) seizures. He noted that violators have been removed from the park.
The officer said they have not had any complaints about migrant (foreign) workers, but there have been a few shoplifting and nuisance complaints involving seasonal (Canadian) workers.
“That being said, considering the volume of people in the park, the number of issues is low.”
Evans said police will continue patrols throughout the summer with the goal of
making sure the park is a welcoming place for everyone.
By Lyonel Doherty
