UPDATE: This story was originally post with the incorrect date. The party is Sunday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cadboro-Gyro Park. Warning, the incorrect date will appear in the Friday, June 9, Saanich News. The Saanich News regrets the error.
It’s not easy being a mascot, let alone the biggest face of crime prevention in the Island’s largest municipality.
But Ace pulls it off, and with ease.
The big dog is turning six – that’s 42 in dog years – and he’ll have plenty of friends and fellow mascots on hand for his birthday party at Cadboro-Gyro Park on Sunday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The entire community is invited and, yes, there will be cake. There will also be a bouncy castle, sports equipment, games, prizes to be won, and a variety of local food trucks.
“We’ve got our fingers crossed for Marty the Marmot and Harvey the HarbourCat but we’ve confirmed a couple of his West Shore pals, Rocky the Raccoon [Victoria Shamrocks] and Grizz [Victoria Grizzlies],” said Megan McGibbon of Saanich crime prevention.
It’s not a surprise birthday party, as families especially are encouraged to come and celebrate. Ace, of course, loves children.
“Ace had a good year, he made it to lots of community events, showing up all over, and he likes to see new faces, lots of interaction, so come on out,” McGibbon said.
Ace is named after a national champion Saanich Police dog who served the community from 1992 to 2001. Ace went to doggy heaven in 2003 and is fondly remembered by the men and women of the Saanich Police and his former handler Sgt. Glen MacKenzie.