Happy Hans
Happy Hans is one of Kimberley’s most recognizable ambassadors, a cheerful symbol of our community’s warmth, hospitality, and Bavarian charm.
The Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce proudly manages the Happy Hans mascot, ensuring his continued presence at local events, parades, and community celebrations. From JulyFest to Platzl appearances, Happy Hans helps carry forward the welcoming spirit that has long defined our city
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The character of Happy Hans was inspired by Chester “Happy Hans” Righton, Kimberley’s original “town greeter.” After retiring from Cominco in the 1970s, Chester became a local icon for his warm welcomes, Bavarian attire, and devotion to community pride. Following his passing in 1983, the mascot was created to preserve and share that joyful legacy with new generations.
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Today, Happy Hans remains a symbol of Kimberley’s community spirit.
Fundraising for a New Costume
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.
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With the financial support of the City of Kimberley through the 2025-2027 Resort Development Strategy, $10,000 in funding has already been raised towards the replacement cost. With a total cost of $15,000, the Chamber has committed to fundraising the remaining amount with community support. Proceeds from the Cuckoo Clock, also managed by the Chamber, have already been set aside to support. We are however looking to raise an additional $2,500 in funding and could use your help!
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If able, a contribution of any size would go a long way in helping keep Happy Hans alive for generations to come!
The History of Chester Righton - Happy Hans
​​Article by PETER FAULKNER - 1983
A man who came to be the essential image of the modern city of Kimberley and its Bavarian theme passed away yesterday.
Chester Righton.
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The man with the great white beard and Bavarian style hat festooned with souvenir pins from places throughout the world is remembered as Kimberley’s official greeter. He served his community well in his years, especially after he retired from Cominco. He was adopted as the city’s favourite son, a role he cherished.Chester’s last official duty was to make a presentation at the special evening held in honour of retiring hockey star Aurel Beaudin only three weeks ago.
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It was fitting too, for he was a Dynamiter booster through and through for as long as he lived in Kimberley. Fans will think about this when the team takes to the ice on Friday evening less one of their great supporters. He was known occasionally as Happy Hans, especially when he went on trips to other centres as part of the promotions carried out to attract tourists to the region. With his Bavarian suit and hat and that white beard, he very much resembled the character which adorns official letterheads and other materials which are dispatched from here.
The last tribute paid to Kimberley’s official greeter came from Kimberley’s official writer Jack Kavanagh in this newspaper on February 24. Jack covered the story of his life and said of him: “Chester belonged to Kimberley’s royalty for he was Kimberley’s most genuinely colourful character, and went far beyond his regular duties promoting the city. His performance never wavered for he was consistent, conscientious, and dedicated and always operated with so much style and class.”
Chester reached every level of community life and as a result of his stature, word spread quickly yesterday that we no longer had our official greeter. This is an age when people move from place to place – in and out of a neighbourhood without being known at all. That a town can identify with so familiar a man that he was everyone’s neighbour is a fitting tribute.
And another thing….
In an age when many of us have little time to think of our neighbours, life moves by a little too fast for our liking. We say goodbye more often than we like. It’s kind of nice that Chester is remembered as the man who made saying “hello, welcome to Kimberley” as his full time job.
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Kimberley’s official greeter, Chester Righton.​​
Thank you to the Kimberley Heritage Museum & Marie Stang for helping to share this story.
