Friends of Olalla Society members participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday as the community dedicated signage placed at either end of the tiny Hwy 3A hamlet.

Residents of the Village of Olalla now have yet another reason to be proud of their home community. Signage placed at the north and south boundaries of the tiny hamlet was dedicated Saturday morning, announcing Olalla’s presence on Hwy 3A between Kaleden and Keremeos. About 20 Olalla residents and friends attended the dedication, including Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Area G director Angelique Wood.

“Saturday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was an emotionally uplifting experience, witnessing the accomplishments of local residents,” explained Area G Director Angelique Wood.

The berm and sign project is the handiwork of the Friends of Olalla society. The project design links a mountain goat, the Similkameen River and slides of rock seen in the surrounding mountainside.

“The Friends of Olalla have worked hard as a group to improve their community,” said Wood. “A non-partisan, inclusive and open group, they recognize their diverse opinions and interests but act on common goals from a grassroots perspective.

“In my mind, this is a model of engaged citizenry and I am proud that such activity is taking place in Area G of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen.”

The sign project is just one of several the Friends of Olalla Society is undertaking. It has designs on a community centre; documenting the community’s history; and providing for community involvement through an arts project.

Olalla is located about 8 km east of Keremeos on Hwy 3A.