Forget about the rain.

Forget about the economy.

Forget about Olympic controversy.

All those things were shoved far aside Monday night as Campbell River positively shone for the arrival of the Olympic Torch during the Spirit of the Flame celebrations.

“I tell you Campbell River, you’ve raised the bar huge!” said Mary McNeil, Minister of State for the Olympics. “This has been so uplifting for athletes and other torch bearers to see. This is the scene they’re going to remember.”

An estimated 2,500-3,000 people packed the Tyee Plaza parking lot, cheered wildly and waved their own mini-torches, as Steve Nagle ran through the crowd carrying the Olympic Torch.

“I’ve never seen so many people from Campbell River all in one place,” said Nagle, as he addressed the crowd from the big stage. “We are the spirit of the flame!”

Despite the cold wind and intermittent rain, Nov. 2, 2009, will be remembered as one of the greatest community celebrations in the city. It began with the opening of the new Spirit Square, followed by a parade, Olympic-theme activities, live music and dance performances, the torch run across the city, the lighting of the Spirit Flame, and culminating with fireworks.

“This is day four of the Olympic Torch Relay and it’s remarkable,” said Jim Richards, head of the VANOC Torch Relay. “There’s a wonderful warm and open feeling here...you have the spirit of the flame within you!”

Organizers from Coca-Cola and RBC, the two main sponsors of the cross-country Torch Run, were also awed by the tremendous turnout and support for the events. Several said it was the best community celebration so far and said that Campbell River has set an incredible example for every other community on the 104-day relay.

“I’m very proud right now,” said Michele Babchuk, chair of the city’s torch relay committee.

Babchuk wiped tears of joy from her face as she watched and participated in the celebrations, and so did Mayor Charlie Cornfield after Richards handed him a commemorative torch as a gift to the city.

“It’s hard to explain how I feel right now,” he said. “I’m going to forget about my speech and go to the heart...I told the organizers to not worry about the rain, the people of Campbell River would be here...I’m just so darned proud of everyone.”