An incredible project dedicated to Princeton’s Air Cadet Squadron 217 saw completion this past Saturday with the official dedication and release of 420 Eva Nichole.
The wind vane, a T-33 Jet now marks the entrance of the Princeton Airport.
This project from start to finish took approximately two and a half years to complete with much appreciation for the assistance of many individuals and businesses.
Roy Harker along with friends; Hank Rabe and Gord Walker (instrumental in the project) were given thanks by the Town of Princeton for their work and dedication.
Honour Guard for the dedication was provided by members of the Princeton Legion Branch #56; Doreen Poulsen, Jean Lindsay, Wayne Terepocki, Chuck Whitlock, Bernadette Kelleher and Legion president, Jim Turner.
Sgt. Jay Harker, Mayor Frank Armitage and Legion Ambassador Candidate Destiny Earle revealed the dedication plaque, the donor silhouettes and assisted Roy Harker in the ribbon cutting ceremony.
People who went up to visit the site prior to the dedication and during were invited to write a message to be placed within the time capsule set in the nose of the T-33 by Sgt. Jay Harker.
Roy Harker’s granddaughter Nichole was raised up to reveal the nose art designed in her honour. (Eva Nichole)
Beginning the thank-you’s, Harker began first and foremost by thanking his wife Myra and then Hank Rabe, Gord Walker and Burke Bullington.
A special thanks was given to Kelowna Flight Craft for saving the jet from the scrap yard and to Captain Dave Eccott for giving the T-33 to Harker and his crew.
The Town of Princeton, Dave Woodruff and the Airport Committee are very much appreciated for the support extended.
Supplies and product for the plane were provided with thanks to; Envirogreen, Princeton Redi-Mix, Dana Stevens, Terry Wright, Mac’s Auto Parts, Image Emporium, Rolo Ceccon, Burke Bullington, Mike Grgich, Gerry Leduc, Jerry McKay, John Bey, FortisBC (Princeton crew), Dawn Gardner, Weyerhaeuser and Penticton Powder Coat.
Wayne Bamford is appreciated for sharing his talent with painting of the T-33.
Financial contributions from the following are greatly appreciated; Jim Byrne, John Allison, Ken Huff, Marg Rabe, Garry Harker, Legion Branch #56, Hank Rabe, Gord Walker, Len Harker, Russell Biagioni and Glen Sellers.
Thanks as well, were given to Mac Lind Logging and operator Reed Lind, for placement of the T-33.
Final landscaping work was done with the help of Hank Rabe, Roy Harker, Dana Stevens and John Haigh.
To complete the dedication, emcee Councillor Jason Earle asked Gord Walker and his granddaughter Kate, to “release 420 Eva Nichole.”
420 Eva Nichole now ‘flies high and proud’ in honour of Squadron 217 and welcomes visitors to the Princeton Airport.