Colder temperatures did not deter 100 people from participating in a Take Back the Night walk in Williams Lake Thursday, Oct. 26.
It was -5.8 C as walkers and cyclists prepared to depart from Spirit Square on Oliver Street at 6:30 p.m.
From Oliver Street the group rode and strolled along Oliver Street up to Seventh Avenue.
Participants were encouraged to dress for a witch theme, which some did. Bicycles and people were also decorated with lights or carred glow sticks.
A sign held by one walker read “Stop Violent Against Women.”
The walk ended in Boitanio Park where Cariboo Chilcotin’s Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) branch had a table set up with hot chocolate and treats, as well as information on help for people who been victims of violence.
There was also hot food sold on site and some live music.
Performers Nicholas Carrier, Matt Granlund, Dena Baumann and Sienna McCarvill shared their talents, playing and singing on a make-shift stage in the lower west corner of the park.
A collaboration with CMHA and Streets for All Williams Lake, who encouraged people to participate on bikes as part of Go By Bike Weeks, the event also had help from Citizens on Patrol volunteers who helped stop traffic along the route to ensure everyone’s safety.
Penny Stavast, director of anti-violence programs at CMHA, could be seen smiling throughout the evening.
“This was a great turnout,” she said before the music got started.
READ MORE: Human trafficking, sexual assault a real threat in Cariboo: anti-violence director
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