Summer events and festivals!

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.  He can be reached via email here

It finally feels like summer is here and, while we continue to monitor the flood risk on both the Fraser and Quesnel, we hope that the cool, wet spring will mean a lower risk of wildfires through July and August. With a lower wildfire risk and the COVID restriction regarding public events are behind us, this should mean a more normal summer of fun activities, starting with Canada Day and including Billy Barker Days!

Canada Day celebrations will once again take place at LeBourdais Park, starting at 11 am this Friday, with entertainment running through the early afternoon. The formal Canada Day ceremonies will occur at noon. Throughout these celebrations of our country, there will be lots of fun activities for children: arts and games, the slip and slide on the side hill beside the curling rink, and a bouncy castle. Cupcakes and watermelon will also be available for everyone for free.

The Seniors’ Strawberry Tea will also be held on Canada Day. Those 60 years and older are welcome to attend this tea at the Billy Barker Showroom between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. 

Over the third full weekend in July, the City will once again play host to Billy Baker Days and all the key events that traditionally run over this weekend: the Quesnel Annual Rodeo (55th year), Crash to Pass, the Gold Dust Mall, Billy Barker Days Parade, Amusement Park, Seniors Day in the Park, Kids Day in the Park, Stock Car Racing, and all the stage entertainment and the Laser Show in LeBourdais Park.

Billy Barker Days has long been one of BC’s most family friendly festivals, with all of the LeBourdais Stage events, including the headliners, and the Laser Show being free, Billy Barker Days is accessible fun for everyone. You can help support the Festival now by buying a Billy Button -- and get a chance to win a gold nugget!

During these events its Council’s hope that everyone will make every effort to thank the many volunteers that make these events and festivals possible. It’s been very challenging to keep the volunteer base for these events motivated during the past few years of uncertainty and cancellations, so it’s important that we let all the organizers and volunteers know how much we appreciate them and the work they do to make our community a fun and interesting place to visit and live in. 

Council also hopes that everyone will continue to take the nominal precautions we all need to continue to take to keep everyone healthy: wash your hands often, don’t participate in public events if you have any cold or flu like symptoms, and feel free to wear a mask if that is something you want to do to protect yourself and others.

Let’s enjoy a more “normal” summer together!

Quesnel Canada Day information: bit.ly/3OursDg

Billy Barker Days information: billybarkerdays.ca