Hello,

For generations, Happy Hans has been a symbol of Kimberley’s warmth, hospitality, and charm, a joyful reminder of what makes our community so special. But after more than 20 years of bringing smiles to festivals, parades, and community events, the beloved Happy Hans mascot costume has reached the end of its life. The Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce is launching this fundraiser to help replace the costume and ensure that the spirit of Happy Hans continues to greet residents and visitors for decades to come.

The story of Happy Hans begins with Chester “Happy Hans” Righton. After retiring from Cominco in the 1970s, Chester took it upon himself to become Kimberley’s official greeter during the town’s transformation into the Bavarian City of the Rockies. Dressed in a Bavarian hat adorned with souvenir pins and a great white beard, Chester became Kimberley’s ambassador and was always ready with a warm hello.

Whether cheering for the Dynamiters, attending community events, or representing the town abroad, he carried the heart of Kimberley wherever he went. As local writer Jack Kavanagh once said, “Chester belonged to Kimberley’s royalty… consistent, conscientious, and dedicated, always operating with so much style and class.”

After Chester’s passing in 1983, his legacy lived on through the creation of the Happy Hans mascot. For over two decades, the mascot has appeared at JulyFest, the Platzl, community parades, and school events, keeping Chester’s welcoming spirit alive for new generations.

However, after years of wear and tear, the Happy Hans costume is showing its age and must be replaced. A new custom-built mascot suit, designed to withstand weather and years of community use, will cost several thousand dollars. The Chamber of Commerce is seeking the community’s support to fund this project.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will help preserve a cherished part of Kimberley’s identity. Donations will go directly toward the design, production, and maintenance of the new costume. Together, we can honour Chester Righton’s incredible legacy and ensure that the next generation continues to hear that cheerful “hello” from Happy Hans at community events for years to come.

Thank you,

Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce