Plenty of free, fun activities are happening all week long at the District of 100 Mile House Welcome Home 50th Anniversary Celebration, July 18-26.
A Cowboy Concert and Poetry in Centennial Park happens July 20, featuring popular personalities Alan Moberg, Bruce Rolph, Bernadette Ducharme and Jason Ruscheinsky at 7 p.m.
The new Legacy Park, named and built in honour of the District's 50 years of incorporation, will have a grand opening on July 21 at 11 a.m.
District public works foreman Brad Scott says the building of the park, located at Horse Lake Road and Cariboo Trail, is on schedule to be completed this week.
"Everything has been falling into place perfectly."
The park will provide a resting spot for area seniors and others to enjoy the shaded benches, waterfall, arbour, flowers and other features.
A lot of its design is thanks to District gardener Kevin Christenson, who is also a landscape architect, Scott notes.
Then, a Mural Tour takes place at 1 p.m. starting at the South Cariboo Visitor Centre at 155 Airport Rd.
Put on your walking shoes or hop on your scooter and check out the 14 hand-painted, artistic and colourful murals depicting people who have left their own legacy in the broader community.
Later that day (July 21), a Guns & Hoses hockey game will see 100 Mile House Fire-Rescue and RCMP members face off in a lighthearted grudge-match at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre at 7 p.m. It will be preceded by a tailgate party in the parking lot at 5 p.m.
On July 22, the Lumberjack Show provides action-packed excitement with three shows in Centennial Park, at 4:30, 6:30 and 8 p.m.
Kid's Day in the Park kicks off on July 23 at 9:45 a.m. with Kindergym fun and plenty of other activities. A children's parade happens at the tennis courts at 4 p.m., followed by the ever-popular Uncle Chris the Clown at 5 p.m.
Downtown, a Giant Flea Market happens at the 100 Mile Community Hall on July 24, simultaneous to the South Cariboo Farmers' Market just outside, with both running 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Then a huge Party in the Park gets underway at 9:30 a.m. when a Wranglers pancake breakfast hits the pan, with activities, games and entertainment going on all day and into the evening in Centennial Park.
Be sure to catch the cake-cutting and dignitaries' speeches at 1 p.m.
An always-hilarious Duck Race splashes down Bridge Creek on July 25 at 1:30 p.m.
The 50/50 proceeds will be split by the lucky duck-race winner and the 100 Mile House & District Soccer Association.
"Rubber duck" ticket sales are on sale now for $5 each at Action Fitness and the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce office, and tickets will be available at prior anniversary events.
The final anniversary wrap-up will be a pancake breakfast in the park on July 26 at 8 a.m., followed by an open air church service at 9:30.
Bring out the family and friends and enjoy a host of free activities when the District turns 50 in style.
More information on other free events and entertainment taking place at the party is available in various ads and articles in this edition. See page B7 for a schedule of events.