The streets were filled with Olympic spirit when the 2010 flame visited Ladysmith and Chemainus on the weekend.

After passing through the mural town, the torch convoy arrived at Coronation Mall just after 5:30 p.m. on Day 2 of the cross-Canada journey.

Crowds lined the road and cheered as the 10 torchbearers jogged along the route from Davis Road to the First Avenue roundabout. Many spectators showed up in Halloween costumes for the Oct. 31 event.

Charlene Kong found a spot near the start of the route to watch the relay with her husband and daughters.

“The girls wanted to see the torch, so we’re excited about it,” she said.

Also present was Roxanne Harris, who carried a torch through Sydney on Day 1 of the relay. Her father, George Harris, ran in the 1988 relay. She said it was an emotional experience to carry on the family tradition.

“It was spectacular, if that’s even close enough of a word to describe it,” she said.

Chris Iverson, a Chemainus resident who also carried the flame for the 1988 Games, said he learned last week he was selected for the Cedar leg of the relay.

Iverson said he was glad to see the flame pass through Ladysmith, where he grew up.

“It was extra special this time because it was right on my home street,” he said.

A float bearing a traditional Coast Salish canoe led the convoy of torchbearers, police and sponsors. Ladysmith Mayor Rob Hutchins and Stz’uminus Chief Coun. John Elliott rode in the canoe.

A member of the local RCMP detachment also has a big role in the relay. Ladysmith Staff Sgt. Roger Plamondon is on the security team that will guard the flame and an estimated 12,000 torchbearers during the 106-day journey.

Last week, Plamondon flew to Greece with a delegation of Canadian officials to receive the flame and bring it to Victoria for a ceremony at the Legislature.

In Plamondon’s absence, a staff sergeant from Nanaimo is expected to take command of the Ladysmith detachment, Hutchins said. The mayor commended Plamondon, a marathon runner with more than 27 years of experience as a Mountie.

“Obviously we have a calibre of individual serving our community that is needed at a provincial and national level for this period of time, so it’s obviously a good thing,” Hutchins said.

Plamondon could not be reached for comment.

The torch relay ends on Feb. 12 with the lighting of Olympic Cauldron at B.C. Place Stadium.