There is a reason Myron Olapson has spent the past 13 winter seasons in the Imperial Valley.
“The sunshine of course, but also because everyone is so friendly,” Olapson, a Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, native said. “It’s a little cold right now, but we’re enjoying ourselves.”
Olapson was one of hundreds of snowbirds treated to a complimentary breakfast courtesy of the El Centro Chamber of Commerce at the 27th annual Welcome Back Snowbird Breakfast, on Saturday.
“This is actually my first time coming to this event,” Olapson said. “I think it’s great. The food is good and it gives a chance to meet other people.”
As various snowbirds mingled and waited in line for their hot breakfast, chamber President Randy Taylor was on hand to greet the seasonal residents.
“They enhance and support local business and this is a way to show our appreciation for them,” Taylor said. “I have the best job because I can just come out and shake hands and meet great people.”
Margaret Scott said she enjoyed the booths set up at the breakfast, which gave her the opportunity to see what the Valley had to offer.
“This is our 14th year coming, but it’s always nice to learn something new,” said Scott, a Kelowna, British Columbia, native. “We’re staying at the Sunbeam (Lake RV Resort) and it’s fun to get out here with friends and participate in the community events.”
Due to the snowbirds’ involvement in the community, the chamber is more than happy to welcome them back each year.
“We organize the breakfast every year because the snowbirds are an integral part of the community,” said Darletta Willis, chamber chief executive officer. “We want to make sure they keep coming back.”
Since the arrival of more Canadian snowbirds, Willis said the chamber is doing what it can to make them feel more at home in the Valley.
“We’re trying to incorporate their culture into our activities,” Willis said. “We have drinks and food that they might find back home and we hope they enjoy it and know they are appreciated.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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