Billy Barker Days will be the toast of the summer once again, in Quesnel.
Pandemic effects are past, volunteer drought was slaked, and the huge efforts were put in by volunteers and partner agencies. Like more than 40 times before, the community has come together and the community will feel that spirit that comes from within.
As has become custom, Billy Barker Days will kick off with a tribute to our elders. On Thursday, July 13, “seniors are invited to LeBourdais Park for a free light lunch and beverages, and entertainment. It is our pleasure to treat you to a day of fun and relaxation,” said event organizers.
It will begin with a free Ferris wheel ride. This now annual feature is in honour of Ferris wheel fan Gloria Lazzarin and happens during opening hour. Others may ride the Ferris wheel at the same time, but will pay admission while elders are treated to the joyous circle in the sky.
The list of other Billy Barker Days events is extensive and wide-ranging, testament to the power of volunteerism and community spirit. There are stock car races at Gold Pan Speedway plus Thursday crash-to-pass, the 56th Annual Quesnel Rodeo, geocaching, a pickleball tournament, the midway, a photo booth, word scramble contest, the Gold Dust Mall street vendors, a four-day list of mainstage entertainers, Kids’ Day on July 14, and so much more.
One of the central features is always the Billy Barker Days Parade, which commences on Saturday, July 15 at 10 a.m. Organizers urge everyone to “grab your lawn chairs and come watch the parade. Bring the family to watch floats, bands, vintage cars, dignitaries, and local royalty as they pass through the streets of Quesnel.” The route begins at the corner of Callanan and Shepherd (open field), down Shepherd to Kinchant, then to McNaughton, down Reid Street, quick jog involving McLean-Barlow-Kinchant, then back onto St. Laurent where it ends again on Callanan (adjacent the approach to LeBourdais Park).
For detailed information, visit the Billy Barker Days website at billybarkerdays.ca.
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