Sooke Bi-Centennial Festivities

The Sooke Bi-Centennial Festival celebrated 200 years since Spanish arrival in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. During Lorna’s term, Sooke hosted the 1991 visit of the Spanish naval training schooner Juan Sebastian de Elcano. Sooke’s legendary generosity of spirit was demonstrated by the welcoming banquet for the officers and cadets, held at Sooke Community Hall, and hosted entirely by volunteers. Among the celebrated guests were Antonio Jose Fournier, Spain’s Ambassador to Canada, and Captain Pedro LaPique, who are shown here presenting Lorna with a gift for Sooke. This gift, a replica ship’s cannon, can be seen today in the display cabinet in the District of Sooke Council Chamber.