Thousands take to the streets for Olympic anniversary party Facebook, people

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Thousands take to the streets for Olympic anniversary party


In a blinding snowstorm, thousands flocked to Granville Street’s entertainment district Saturday night for a patriotic street party to remember the Winter Olympics.

The “Gold medal street celebration party,” which was not authorized by the City of Vancouver gained momentum on Facebook after more than 12,000 people earlier in the week indicated they would attend the evening celebration.

In the Facebook posting, revellers were told if they behave during the street party the impromptu festivities could end up being an annual event.

“We ask that everyone please be respectful do not leave garbage on our streets, and respect the property of others and help us to ensure this remains a positive peaceful celebration,” the posting of Facebook said.

The promo for the so-called “Gold medal street celebration party” by Tom and Gary’s Decentralized Dance party asked the party goers to wear elaborate costumes and bring boom boxes.

Sean Weatherill, 18, and Evan Gilbert, 18, of Richmond got word of the party on Facebook and put on their Canadian jersies and draped themselves with Canadian flags to relive the pandemonium of last year when Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in the hockey finals.

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Revelers party on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver February 26, 2011, one year after Canada won the 2010 Winter Olympic gold medal hockey game.

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“This is such a good atmosphere,” said Weatherill, a midget hockey player.

Gilbert said he was watching the Facebook page about the party and he knew it would be packed on Granville. “This shows that given the opportunity Vancouver can act responsibly,” he said.

Gilbert recalled how last year, “I was in downtown Vancouver in shorts and shortsleeves” and this time he was in boots and a heavy jacket fighting off the cold from the evening storm.

Both friends said the celebration party should be an annual event.

“This shows the city we are ready to have fun with an event like this,” said Weatherill.

Harry Badial, 22, a student at BCIT was wearing his Canada jersey and walking Granville with five friends soaking up all the Olympic atmosphere. “We weren’t expecting this many people,” he said of the crowd estimated to be close to 20,000 people.

“It’s reliving the Olympics,”

he said. “This was the place to be during the Olympics last year.”

Well before the crowds emerged into the entertaient district Vancouver police blocked off Granville to let the crowd move along the roadway.

There were dozens of arrests. Police dealt with a host of liquor-related problems with some of the partiers so intoxicated they were taken away to sober up.