Saturday was a busy day for Shon and Janis Neufeld.
The couple were hosting the grand opening of the new location for Shon’s Bike and Ski Shop, now on Broadway Street.
Before the ribbon cutting ceremony, people were invited to come in and look around. Along the back wall near the office are sections of the original wall hanging up, which date back to when the building was an opera house. There are scrawls on the wood with the dates and titles of three plays which took place over the years. The oldest dates back to 1911.
The store is about double the size of its previous location. The walls were four different clours, red, black, grey, and green. Music played in the background, and prices were up on the wall for things like tune ups, gear readjustments, and more.
This project has been in the works for seven years.
“It wasn’t my intention to open on Broadway,” said Shon. “The building just opened itself up to the opportunity, and we took it.”
Along with the grand opening, there was also a barbeque fundraiser for the Nakusp and Area Bike Society, of which the Neufelds are members.
While they’re thankful for the overwhelming support they’ve received, villagers are equally as happy with the shop.
“It’s great to see something in this town for young people,” said Ieneke Van Houten. “It’s been great for old people, but there’s too many of us, and we are in desperate need of something for the younger crowd.”
Megan Jamison agrees.
“I feel like in this town, there is quite a bit going on in terms of different music and art, things for families, but there’s less for people in their 20s and 30s.”
Janis said the day was about celebrating not only what has become a reality, but celebrating change as well.
“It’s a sign of the change that is happening. Changes are coming to Nakusp, let’s celebrate that this is a symbol of vitality and rebirth and excitement of something great to come.”