The first-ever International Women's Day celebrations at Muriel Arnason Library

LangleyAdvance | Printed Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Songs, poetry, dance and a tribute to the first local woman Freeman were among the highlights of International Women's Day in Langley.

About 135 people turned out for the special celebration held at the Township civic facility on March 4, an impressive turn out for the first-ever event, said organizer Sarwan Singh Randhawa, a community librarian and host from Muriel Arnason Library.

Petrina Arnason, the daughter of the late Muriel Arnason, offered some thoughts about women and the importance of following ones dreams, along with some anecdotal stories about her mother.

A short movie was also shown on Arnason, the former councillor who was the first women elected in the Township of Langley, and the first woman to receive the Freeman status.

The evening also featured presentations from: Alana Bergstrome of the Bahai's of Langley, Judi "The Manners Lady," Dance Trance's Mackenzie Wyght and Tanya Crawford, International Poets Association's Ariadnes Sawyer, and Langley author Jane Hall – one of the first women Mounties.

"Participants and guests alike were pleased to take part in such a lively and entertaining local event," Singh Randhawa said. "The library received very encouraging feedback."

Among the comments: "I thought that the speakers were excellent! I hope that this becomes an annual event that grows in attendance and creates a greater understanding of the important roles that women play in our society. Thanks for all your hard work in creating such a successful event!"

Another participant wrote: "WOW – I am so glad I was there to hear Jane Hall, thanks Jane for speaking so well about life on the front lines of Canadian feminism." According to another attendee, "It was such an honour to be part of the program, and I am very grateful to Sarwan for organizing the event. I have been telling everyone what an outstanding evening it was."

Based on the turnout and positive feedback from participants and guests, library manager David Thiessen said the library is eager to build upon this year's success next year.