Happy and committed masters of the mouse and able decipherers of italic gibberish carried the day for Invermere July 12 as it captured the $25,000 Kraft Celebration Tour prize on the strength of 196,673 votes.

Pemberton, located half an hour east of Whistler, with a full-time population of 2,369, compared to Invermere’s 3,400, managed 104,191 votes.

Social media played a vital role in Invermere’s victory.

A Vote for Invermere Facebook page was established by Barb Smith-Larson and web-savvy Columbia Valley residents shared their hearts out – forwarding reminders and information and links for voting. Many people parked themselves in front of computers Friday and embarked on voting sprees.

“By my calculations, I have voted in the Kraft contest at least 2,500 times,” stated Invermere resident Sheila Tutty on Facebook.

“Invermere WON! Wow, such amazing community spirit from all voters. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You all made this happen! :),” Smith-Larson posted on the Vote for Invermere Facebook page.

The funds are going toward the Invermere Rotary Club’s Splash Park project at Kinsmen Beach.

Along with winning the funds, Invermere will host a special edition of SPORTSCENTRE featuring anchors Darren Dutchyshen and Jennifer Hedger when they broadcast live from the community on Monday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m.

“The Rotary Club of Invermere and its local community is a best-in-class example of the difference communities can make when they work together,” said Jack Hewitt, Vice-President, Marketing Insights and Services, Kraft Canada. “We’re very pleased to recognize their passion and contribute to the splash and spray park.”

Invermere’s victory also means Windermere resident, former Dragon’s Den star, philanthropist and entrepreneur Brett Wilson will be forking over $5,000 to the Splash Park, offering the donation as incentive for voters to get clicking.

Pemberton was hoping to raise money for a BMX park project.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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