The 108 Mile Heritage Site is once again prepping for a season that promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Ghost hunts, a heritage market and a new canteen are just some of the new features the 100 Mile &District Historical Society have promised and they say they have more new ideas in the works.
“We found, as a board, that the Heritage Site is a beautiful spot and we want to share it with people,” says Ulli Vogler, the board president. “It was too quiet around here. We want to have more people coming to the site and enjoying the visit and guided tours.”
Alongside their museum, free guided tours and the gift shop that was opened last year, the Heritage Site is hoping to continue to increase visits to the park. Vogler estimates that in the past three years the site has easily tripled both their donations and visitors.
Ghost hunts of the buildings started in April, with the next one set for May 20. Led by Dave Scott from Spaced Out Radio, participants are taken on a tour of the site by the paranormal expert. Reportedly, the buildings are a hot-spot for the paranormal. The first event of the season was sold out and future hunts (happening monthly) promise to be equally as popular.
New to the site this year, the Historical Society is putting together a Heritage Market to take place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to start May 27 and run until Sept. 9.
“The heritage market will include everything our farmers have, all kinds of produce, canning, baking, chocolate. Everything you can create in the Cariboo,” says Vogler, adding that anything made locally is welcome. Currently, the site is looking for vendors, offering space for $10.
Carol’s Canteen will also be parking at the Heritage Site for the summer featuring a new wrap to blend in with the surrounding decor. Vogler says she is excited to be able to offer food on site throughout the year.
The board is also in the process of planning their annual Canada Day celebrations. The site will be helping with the weekend-long Canada 150 celebrations, as well as holding their traditional party at the site. Vogler says people can expect a kids’ corner, face painting, pony rides, cake and live performances throughout the day at the site.
The site has also received a Canada 150 grant that they will be using to renovate some of the buildings - adding power and heating to some buildings as well as upgrading the roofs on others.
In preparation for the season, the Historical Society is in the process of hiring three interns for the summer, as well as making sure the site is in good shape for their opening on May 19.
Just following the opening, MP Cathy McLeod will be visiting the site for tea on May 20 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Anyone is welcome.
Vogler says she’s excited for the opening of the season and hopes that the Heritage Site continues to attract new visitors and locals alike. She says she welcomes suggestions from the community about new activities for the site.
“We just want to make sure that people don’t lose their interest in history,” she says.
“I think people realize how important it is to know our history and not lose it.”