Brad Richards says, “I am happy to bring the Cup home to where I grew up. It’ll be a great day for everybody.”

In honour of Richards’ return to his home town and his significant achievements, Premier Pat Binns has declared August 3 Brad Richards Day in the province. “Brad Richards is an Island hero - a great athlete and a true gentleman,” said Premier Binns. “It will be an honour for all Islanders to welcome home a man who has done so well and has put his home province on the map.”

The Department of Development and Technology will provide support to the community to help with the event.

On the day of the celebration, traffic into Murray Harbour will be diverted to designated parking areas in the morning. People will be bused into and out of Murray Harbour throughout the day. Car-pooling would greatly help with the parking situation, as space is limited.

Only vendors authorized by the Stanley Cup Day Parade Committee will be permitted in the area. An Island artisan tent, face painting, and clown will be on site along with the sale of water, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, pop, chips, bars, t shirts, golf shirts and pictures.

There will be entertainment all day outside the community center including Cynthia MacLeod and Gordon Belsher, Fiddlers Sons, and MacKenzie Drive.

No lawn chairs will be permitted at the ball field, only along parade route. The community requests that people not ask for autographs, as a large number of people are expected at this event and time will not allow.

This day will happen rain or shine, so please be prepared and have fun.

For more information, Carol White, Brad Richards Stanley Cup Day Committee, at 962-2139 or leave a message at 962-3465.