Northeast NEWS
May, 23 2013
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e c n e i r e p x
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this summer! •
Fort Nelson
Fun Guide
2013
Choose your
destination
Charlie Lake Hudson’s Hope
•
St. John ••Fort Taylor • Dawson Creek
•
Chetwynd
•••
Rolla
Pouce Coupe
•
Tumbler Ridge
Where the sun NEVER SETS
Floatplane Base Muncho Lake
OP EN
HO
TE YE L AR RO UN D
on fun
Welcome to the Northern Rockies Lodge
Chalets RV Park Sauna
Hotel Dining Room
Virginia Falls
MçÄ «Ê L » , B.C, 250-776-3481 800-663-5269 www.northernrockieslodge.com
Book Online with Access Code “NENEWS” to receive a 5% Room Discount! HÊã ½ * Lʦ C ®ÄÝ * RV P Ù» * F½ùF½ù-IÄ F®Ý«®Ä¦ * OçãÖÊÝã C ®ÄÝ * N « ÄÄ® N ã½. P Ù» TÊçÙÝ * S Ä® F½®¦«ãÝ * L® Ù R®ò Ù HÊãÝÖÙ®Ä¦Ý * M ã®Ä¦Ý * W ®Ä¦Ý * CÊÙÖÊÙ ã GÙÊçÖÝ
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»Fort St. John
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May 23, 2013
Northeast NEWS
The largest city in the northeast, is also known as the Energetic City. Fort St. John is home to more than 19,000 residents. Majority of the population is made up of young adults and families, so there’s something for everyone. It also offers a real sense of community, which is felt by visitors and local citizens.
Fish Creek Forests
Located adjacent to Northern Lights College, Fish Creek Forests offers three types of trails: Anatomy Trail, which is wheelchair accessible, is about a 20 minute walk. The Silviculture Trail provides natural and cultural history as you walk amongst the tall trees; it takes about 30 minutes to walk it. Lastly the multi-purpose trail, which is 4,284 metres in length and is about 2 and a half hour stroll.
International Air Show
The 2013 International Air Show will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, CF-18 Demo Team, Dan Buchanan (paraplegic hang glider), Jerzy Strzyz, Harmon Rockets (Ken Fowler and Eric Hansen), Kent Pietsch, Dave Mathieson, Pete McLeod and The AV8FX Team. This dynamic show is sure to captivate your attention and fuel your excitement. The Air Show will take place at the North Peace Regional Airport on Jul. 27 and 28. Bring the whole family
540 Highway #2, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 0A4 (250) 782-3700 • Fax (250) 782-3772
For reservations call 1-866-782-3577 www.PomeroyInnAndSuites.com
stock up…
North Peace Fall Fair 2012 for a day of entertainment. Admission: Adult advance: $15, Adult at gate: $20, Adult weekend pass: $25, Senior/student advance: $10, Senior/student at gate: $15, Senior/student weekend pass (purchase online only): $15, Child advance/ gate (Saturday only): $5, KGrade 6 (Sunday only): Free pass, see www.fsjairshow. com for more details.
Come on over to PriceSmart Foods and stock up for camping and barbecuing this summer!
Canada Day and Classic Car Show
On July 1 Celebrate Canada Day with an energetic bunch at Centennial Park. There will be an annual parade, live music, children’s games, fire works and more. Cruise through the main centre of Fort St. John by Centennial Park to see beautifully restored classic cars.
Culture Crawl
Store Hours 7am - 10pm
10345 100th Street, Fort St. John, BC • Guest Services: 250-785-2985
Step outside and experience the artistic side of Fort St. John. For the month of June various artists will have their work on display inside business windows along 100 Avenue and 100 Street. There will be an Art Walk brochure available at the North Peace Cultural Centre where you can find which specific artists are placed in which business’ window. On Jun. 8 they will be hosting studio tours where eight passengers will board a bus and be taken to 12 different studios around town. There will be two or three departure times. Refer to the brochure to find out more. Admission: Free.
North Peace Fall Fair
Tractor pulls, horse pulls, a talent show, pet shows and a dance is everything you
Popcorn making at the North Peace Fall Fair 2012 need to put together a summer fall fair. Oh, don’t forget ice cream, fresh lemonade, buttery popcorn and an assortment of vendors. There will be so much fun you won’t want to leave, and you won’t have to because family camping is also available. The Fall Fair is located 21 km north of Fort St. John on Rose Prairie Rd from Aug. 16 to 18.
»Dawson Creek
Northeast NEWS
Home to Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway this city sees hundreds of visitors each year set to travel up the highway to Alaska. Those wishing to stay in the community will find the city has lots of amenities to offer including the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre with a rock wall, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and water slide. The city also has walking trails, tennis courts, a skateboard park, a seniors’ outdoor activity centre and Rotary Lake, free to use a man-made lake.
May 23, 2013
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g n i v r a C l a n o i t a n Inter Chetwynd’s 9th Annual
6pm m a 8 • June 6 -8 th • 8am - 1pm June 9 th • 2pm 9 une J e v r a C k Quic th
th
Walter Wright Pioneer Village Open for the season on June 1, the village is a portrayal of what Dawson Creek was like before the highway was built. It includes a fire hall, church, barn, trapper’s cabin and many other shops and houses. The village also has old farming equipment on display. The village will celebrate their official opening with a jamboree June 21-23.
2013 Art Walk Local artists will have the opportunity to showcase their work from June 24 to Aug. 15. The Art Gallery’s annual Art Walk will take place in several participating downtown businesses.
Mile 0 Summer Cruise and Shine July 12-14 the city will be filled with restored antique and classic cars. This annual event attracts car enthusiasts of all kinds, a road rally, BBQ and special offers by participating local
Pioneer village businesses usually occur during this event.
Super Star National Reining Horse Show This four-day event will occur July 25-28 at the Lakota Centre. It’s free for all attendees and is sure to showcase some of the Nation’s best.
Garden Tour and Tea On July 28, tea and plant lovers alike can enjoy local gardens with this annual tour and tea event hosted by the South Peace Horticultural Society. Tickets are sold day-of at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery.
91st Annual Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede This
exhibition
Aug.7-11 really can’t be missed. It’s one of the biggest rodeos in Canada and features activities for the whole family including a Kiddies’ Parade, the Fair Parade, professional chuck wagon races, professional rodeo events, agricultural exhibits, craft competitions, live entertainment, dances, great food and of course the midway.
Encana Events Centre Though only opened for five years this facility has hosted big-name acts such as KISS, Hedley, Brooks and Dunn, Eric Church, Alan Jackson, Reba and the Beach Boys. This summer audiences can anticipate performances by MegaDeth and Black Label Society on July 27 and Celtic Thunder on Sept. 11.
hosted
Carver’s Names: Chris Foltz, USA Tomas Vrba, Slovakia Ryan Anderson, USA Paul Frenette, Canada Tommy Craggs, UK Jeff Samudosky, USA Steven Kenzora, Canada Ken Braun Jr, USA Jordan Anderson, USA Stephanie Huber, Germany Hikaru Kodama, Japan Hiromu Kurita, Japan
For More Information Contact: manager@chetwyndchamber.ca Annual Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede
Or Go To These Websites: chetwyndchainsawchampionship.com or: chetwyndchamber.ca
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Northeast NEWS
May 23, 2013
The Northern Rockies Lodge Story The original Highland Glen Lodge was built by the Scottish immigrants Jim and Betty Grant in the early 1950’s. As World War II veterans Jim and Betty were able to obtain the deed to the property just days be-fore the region was turned into Muncho Lake Provincial Park. After the Grants retired in the mid 1970’s the property was purchased by Mr. Zimmermann who operated it in absentia. Urs and Marianne Schildknecht immigrated
to Canada in 1979 as a young couple from Switzerland. Urs has the flying bug. After obtaining his commercial pilot’s licence in Switzerland his first job took him to Libya to fly a Pilatus Turbo Porter in the oilfields of North Africa. This taught him a great deal about operating airplanes in harsh climates and allowed the Schildknechts to save money to start their own charter business on April fool’s Day in Fort Liard, NWT, in 1981. Marianne and Urs
The Grainery
Artisan & Gift Shop formerly Northern Treasures
A great place to buy that “One-of-a-kind Peace Country Items”
Located at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery Summer Hours: 8am-5pm 7 days a week
Dawson Creek Art Gallery
lived for 5 years in this remote community while the Liard Highway was being built. The experience of witnessing the transformation of a community which was only accessible by air to road access was remarkable. Urs and Marianne made many good friends in the local community and frequently unusual situations developed. One of Urs’ favourite campfire stories goes this way: Father Mary, the local priest, needed to get his driver’s license. Urs practiced with Father on and around the airstrip and when it came time for Father to drive to Fort Nelson for the first time in his new pickup truck Urs felt that he should accompany the new driver. The oversized tires on Father Mary’s truck were ideal for the rough surface of the Liard Highway. One half hour out of the community with no traffic on the desolate road the illustrious party discovered a flat tire. Their situation went from bad to worse when they realized
the car jack supplied by Ford did not lift the vehicle high enough to allow oversize tires to be removed. Northerners know how to help themselves and in no time a small hole was dug in the gravel road with the tire iron underneath the flat. Consequently Father Mary and Urs were responsible for the very first pothole in the new Liard Highway… The business changed from providing air transportation to/from Fort Liard to providing floatplane service to Nahanni National Park and Virginia Falls. In 1986 Urs and Marianne heard that the Highland Glen Lodge on Muncho Lake was for sale. This unique property would make an ideal base for their floatplanes to continue flying into the Nahanni and to access the vast unspoiled wilderness of the fish and game rich northern Rocky Mountains. Marianne and Urs purchased the Highland Glen Lodge late in 1988 and soon realized that the existing buildings no lon-
Kids Summer Art Classes
fort of his floatplanes. Marianne and Urs have two sons, Daniel and Michael. The boys attended their first years of school in Toad River, but driving the 40 miles to and from school daily was too far. The boys were brought to Vancouver to finish High School. Daniel is in a 3 year chef apprenticeship at Hotel Restaurant Steinmattli in Adelboden, Switzerland. Michael is attending high school in North Vancouver. Marianne and Urs thrive on taking on the challenges of operating in the North and turning them into opportunities. They would like to thank their countless guests over the last 32+ years for helping make Northern Rockies Lodge one of the most successful businesses on the Alaska Highway. Urs and Marianne look forward to sharing their paradise on Muncho Lake with their friends and guests for many more years to come!
»Fort Nelson
Summer Member Exhibition featuring local artists Historical Photos of the Making of the Alaska Highway
For more information about these programs please visit our website at www.dcartgallery.ca or call 250-782-2601
ger met the expectations of many Alaska Highway travellers. The paving of the Alaska Highway was completed in 1992. Vast improvements to the highway conditions changed the travel patterns and soon Alaska Highway travellers discovered they can easily drive in a day’s journey from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Grande Prairie or Whitehorse to Muncho Lake thereby eliminating an overnight stay at either Watson Lake or Fort Nelson. Taking advantage of this unique opportunity Marianne and Urs decided to build the new 14’000 square foot Northern Rockies Lodge in 1995 which is to this day the largest year round hotel and RV operation outside of any town on the ALCAN. Urs’ passion for flying in the beautiful and remote country is as strong as ever. He loves showing his guests the beauty of Nahanni National Park and the northern Rocky Mountains from the com-
Fort Nelson is a booming city. Home to over 5,000 residents, it boasts a wealth of natural attractions. It is the largest Northern Rock Regional Municipality and is the only town incorporated in the Northern Rockies Regional District. It sits in the midst of beautiful scenery on the 300 Mile Road of the Alaska Highway. The average summer temperature is 17C.
SAND SENSATIONS BC JULY 27-August 2 Peace Island Park, Taylor BC N FAM EW TH IS ILY CO YEAR MPE TITIO N
Fort Nelson Heritage Museum
Entering the museum is like entering a time machine and going back to the turn of the 20th Century. If you’re a car junkie you better not miss this. The theme of the museum is Transportation. There is an array of collections, from antique cars and trucks to hundreds of donated license plates. Other collector items that could be seen here are mineral samples to antique hand tools and even a stuffed albino moose head; all kept under the museum’s roof. It is open from mid-May to September from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Admission: Adults $5, Children and Seniors $3 and Families $10.
Fort Nelson’s Great Outdoors
Information: fsjarts.org 250-787-2781
There’s an abundance of guided tours and outfitter lodges in and around Fort Nelson. If you’re an avid
hunter, camper, horse back rider or sight seer you won’t be short of an adventure. Check any of these lodges: Scoop Lake Outfitters, Northern Rockies Lodge, Stone Mountain Safaris Lodge, Folding Mounting Outfitters, Tuchodi Rivers Outfitters or Tetsa River Recreational.
Liard Hotsprings Lodge
Liard Hotsprings Lodge and RV park is located on Mile 497 on the Alaska Highway on the way to the Yukon border, 305 km northwest of Fort Nelson. This attraction is a yearround destination and a “must see”. The water temperatures range from 42C to 52C year round. If the summer heat is already enough for you, Liard Hosprings is also home to over 100 bird species. Admission: Per person $5, Children 12 and under $3, Families $10.
Canada Day Parade
On Jul. 1 celebrate this national holiday with a parade (11 a.m.), live music (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.), volleyball tournament (2 p.m.) and a carnival with barbecue (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at Art Fraser Park. If you would like to participate in the volleyball tournament register with your team of six before Jun. 22. The best part? It’s all free!
»Chetwynd
Northeast NEWS
May 23, 2012
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For a town of approximately 3,100 residents, Chetwynd has a lot to offer its residents all year round. Facilities such as the Chetwynd and District Recreation Centre offers a climbing wall, walking track, a squash court, skateboard park, swimming pool and in the winter months an ice rink and curling sheets. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and hiking in the nearby Moberly Lake Provincial Park and Gwillim Lake Provincial Park. Residents and visitors can enjoy the local playgrounds at Crown Park, Fit Park, Recreation Centre Park, Cedar Park are among a few.
Jr. Adventure Race On June 2, Peace Christian School will present their annual Jr. Adventure Race. Children in grades three to seven will compete in teams of three navigating through a marked course that includes biking ten kilometres, hiking five kilometres and canoeing two kilometres.
Last year’s carvings at the Chetwynd Chainsaw Carving Championships course in this year’s Sr. Adventure Race to be held on June 16. Organizers at Peace Christian School predict is will take teams five to eight hours to complete the courses which includes biking 30-40km, running for 12km, and canoeing eight kilometres.
Canada Day
Chetwynd Chainsaw Carving Championships
July 1 Chetwynd will be celebrating the Nation’s birthday at 11a.m. with a parade with floats created by local residents and businesses. Cake and refreshments will be served at the recreation centre afterwards and Canadians can enjoy a free swim at the pool 10a.m. to 4p.m. Family activities will be commencing from 12:30p.m. to 2p.m. and fireworks at Rotary Park will begin at
This annual event will celebrate its ninth year June 6-9 at the Chetwynd and District Recreation Centre. 12 carvers from around the world will compete in this year’s championship, turning huge pieces of wood into pieces of art. Visitors can enjoy the over 100 different carvings 500 Highway #2 from previous years’ comDawson Creek, BC petitions.
dusk.
Chetwynd Half Marathon Runner and joggers are welcome to participate in this approximately 22km course Sept. 1 starting at 10a.m.
Little Prairie Heritage Museum Located west of Chetwynd off the Hart Highway this museum is ready to open it’s doors to visitors July 1. The public is welcome to peruse through the old buildings, view old farm equipment, and browse through old newspapers.
BEST WESTERN Dawson Creek Inn V1G 0A4
Sr. Adventure Race Competitors in teams of three will choose their
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Lone Wolf Golf Club Earlybird Golf before 8 am 7 days a week Only $20 for 18 Holes!
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Northeast NEWS
May 23, 2013
780.539.7688 Toll Free 1-866-202-2202
Hudson’s Hope
May 23, 2013
Northeast NEWS
Page B7
The district of Hudson’s Hope is located between Fort St. John (90 km west) and Chetwynd (66 km north), the third oldest community in all of British Columbia. It was originally a Hudson’s Bay Company Trading Post in 1805. While driving into the district, it’s hard to keep your eyes on the road with the stunning scenery that presents itself adjacent to the winding roads that lead into Hudson’s Hope. Views of the Peace River and the rolling hills are magnetic; there are a few pullout areas where you can catch the view. The average July temperature is 15C. Hudson’s Hope is “The Land of Dinosaurs and Dams�.
Hudson’s Hope Museum
In 1942 the Museum building was the Hudson’s Bay store, today it’s a place to learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the region by checking out the dino tracks and fossils in the museum. But that’s not it, it also carries a wide variety of collector items such as World War memorabilia, Aboriginal collections, historic photographs from the W.A.C. Bennett dam construction and much more! Visit the trapper’s cabin and pioneer home while you’re at it. It’s open from the end of May to mid-September from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. Admission: by donation.
W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Peace Canyon Dam
Visit the dam visitor’s centre while you’re in Hudson’s Hope. Peace Canyon Dam is 5 km southwest of the district and W.A.C. Bennett Dam is 21 km west of Hudson’s Hope. W.A.C. Bennett Dam looks over the Williston Lake. Both dam visitor centres are open until May 3. W.A.C. Bennett Dam’s hours of operation are Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Peace Canyon Dam is open from Wednesday to Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both are closed on Tuesday. Peace Canyon Dam’s admission is free. W.A.C Bennett Dam admission: Adults $6, Senior and Youth (6-17) $15, Children under 5 free, Families (2 adults and 2 youth) $15 plus taxes on all admission.
Swimming pool
The public swimming pool is an outdoor activity for the whole family. This year the pool staff will be brining back some activities like aqua fit, family swim and teen swim nights.
Camping
Get acquainted with Hudson’s Hope by staying at one of the four municipal campgrounds and/or two RV parks, all within 24 km from the centre of the town. King Gething Park ($15 a night) is at the south entrance of Hudson’s Hope, from here you can walk to the local grocery store, lay out a picnic, visit the Museum, Visitor Centre or Beattie Park. For a more scenic and outdoors-y atmosphere
spend a couple of nights at Alwin Holland Park ($15 a night). It is on the Peace River 2 m south of the district. Inside the park is the historic cabin of pioneer Reginald “Uncle Dudly� Shaw. Dinosaur Lake Campground is 4 m south of Hudson’s Hope and was named for the fossils and dinosaur footprints that were covered from the flooding for the Peace Canyon Dam. There are lots to see and do at this campsite from wildlife, hiking trails and fishing ($15 a night). Cameron Lake Campground is 15 m south of Hudson’s Hope and offers a relaxing, good time and great swimming spots. There are no motorized vessels allowed so enjoy nature at its finest. ($15 a night). All the campgrounds are open until September. The two RV parks are Dupont RV and Trailer Park and Lynx Creek RV Park and Campground.
Take the scenic hudson’s hope loop:
Enjoy a variety of scenic camping options:
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» Charlie Lake
Northeast NEWS
May 23, 2013
This peaceful getaway is just 10 minutes north of Fort St. John and home to 2,250 residents in the area. It’s situated just off the Alaska Highway. Charlie Lake is part of the Peace River Regional District.
Boating
Get out and catch some Walleye, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch when you take off at Charlie Lake’s boat launch in the southeast area. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the Charlie Lake General Store as well as tackle, live bait, gas and diesel.
Before Going Camping… stop at Wal-Mart for all your Camping and Outdoor Needs!
Jackfish Dundees Pub
Come on in and enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the popular Jackfish Dundees Pub placed right beside Charlie Lake. There are all sorts of items on the menu that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. When the sun’s shining grab a table on the patio and soak up the view and refreshing bevies.
Lake Point Golf and Country Club
Lake Point is ideal for northern golfers. Located on the shore of Charlie Lake, it boasts as one of the best-kept greens in the northeast. They will also be hosting an Oilmen’s Tournament and club championship in June and the Junior Open in July.
Beatton Provincial Park
This park makes a great location for camping. With 320 hectares of parkland and placed right along Charlie Lake, there are endless activities offered here. From canoeing, cycling, fishing, hiking, or windsurfing—you can catch them all.
9007 96A Street Fort St. John (250) 261-5544
Celebrate the Moment
Located 15 km northeast of Dawson Creek A warm friendly atmosphere Established in 1920
250.759.9901 • Box 61, Rolla BC
Walk on the Wild Side with Sand Sensations BC July 27-Aug 2 By Sue Popesku Submitted article Playing in the sand in the summer brings images of long vacations and faraway places. However, the Fort St. John Arts Council and District of Taylor has brought the ultimate sand experience to our own backyard. Even the big boys are coming to play in our sandbox. Sand Sensations BC adds a new family competition to the week of sand, fun and sun at Peace Island Park at the crossroads of the Taylor Bridge and the Peace River. The first Sand Sensations BC was a hit last year with thousands of people stopping in to see the progress of building amazing artwork out of sand. This year 6 international sand
sculptors are making their design plans with the theme of Walk on the Wild Side. The 2013 theme was selected out of many drawings and ideas from the students of Taylor Elementary School. Building sand castles will take on a new meaning when families have an opportunity to create their own sculptures with the help and advice of the professionals. The Family Competition, which opens the Sand Festival, takes place 10-2pm on July 27. Sand forms will already be prepared for each family who has registered. Sand sculpting starts with building forms out of wood. Watering and tamping down the sand to compress it is the secret to a long lasting sculpture. Many tiers can be added as needed for the design of the sculpture. The carver begins at the top and works down, removing the wooden forms in the process. The “pound up” of the sand begins a week before the Festival.
Thousands of tons of sand is required. Nels Ostero Ltd. Of Taylor donated over 150,000 tons of sand last year and more will be required this year. The sand comes directly from the banks of the Peace River in Taylor and Poor Boy Trucking transported it, truck load by truck load. No sifting is required and nothing is added to the sand. Last year’s carver were amazing at the strength of our sand since all the sculptures weathered the winter. The sand on the seacoast does not have the clay element that makes our sand so desirable for carving. Sand Sensations begins Saturday, July 27 and culminates with a final celebration Friday, August 2. Admission is free. Return often to monitor the progress of the professional sculptors and enjoy the hospitality tent, music, and children’s activities. Families can enter the contest by contacting the Fort St. John Community Arts Council at 250-7872781 or info@fsjarts.org
»Tumbler Ridge
Northeast NEWS
May 23, 2013
Page B9
Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society photo
Sunset Point on the Murray Canyon Overlook trail
Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society photo
Upper Flatbead Trail This town is an ideal destination for the outdoor and nature enthusiast. Located only 120km from Dawson Creek, this town of approximately 2,500 enjoys the view and recreational activities the outdoors provides and all on the backdrop of the Murray River, Wolverine River, Flatbed Creek, Mount Bergeron and Quintette Mountain. The natural beauty of this small town has made it a go-
to destination for visitors wanting to experience the great outdoors. For those more accustomed to the indoors this community does have a swimming pool and climbing wall in their recreation centre.
Dinosaur Discovery Gallery During July and August the Peace Region Paleontology Research Centre’s Dinosaur Discovery Gallery is opened seven days a week from 9a.m.- 5p.m. The gallery offers exhibits showcasing approximately 1,500 dinosaur fossils and bones found in and near Tumbler Ridge. The gallery also offers educational programs and three different Dinosaur Trackway Tours, one of which is the Wolverine lantern night tour, where hikers are lead by lantern to look at dinosaur footprints in the wilderness.
Hiking Trails Tumbler Ridge’s Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society maintains 25 hiking trails in Tumbler Ridge. The trails vary in length, terrain, and fitness level providing a wide range of four season activities. Many of these trails pass waterfalls, which the area is becoming known for, including the highest waterfall in Northern B.C., Bergeron Falls at 100 meters high.
Grizfest This two-day festival draws in music lovers from all across the region, taking place this year Aug. 3-4 in the field beside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The festival is a family friendly event usually offering a small midway for small children and a variety of vendors. This year confirmed performers include George Canyon, Alyssa Reid, Kira Isabella and Dragonette.
Down with Webster at Grizfest
2013 Emperor’s Challenge This half marathon reached
its registration capacity of 800 racers on Mar. 22 this year and will take place on Aug. 10. Registration for the two and four kilometre kids races, that will also be held on Aug. 10, is still open and is open to children aged 14 and under.
Jet Boat Tour to Kinuseo Falls
Call Lorne or Maureen 250-242-4174 or 250-242-8111
moslog@pris.ca
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»Rolla
Northeast NEWS
May 23, 2013
The farming community of Rolla is over 100 years old. Located approximately 23km northeast of Dawson Creek, it has managed to maintain the small town charm that only comes with a small population; approximately 300 people. The mainly flat countryside makes an especially lovely drive down Rolla Rd.
The Rolla Pub This local watering hole is a favourite of Rolla residents and non-locals alike. This unique bar is covered floor to ceiling in photos, art, plaques, toys, antiques, and a mishmash of other countless memorabilia. If you stay long enough bar owner, Patty, may even take your picture to be added to her rotating digital collection. The bar is one of the oldest buildings in Rolla, originally established as one of the first hotels in the settlement.
Sweetwater 905 Arts Festival This three-day arts festival is taking place over Father’s Day weekend from June 14-16 at the Mattson’s family farm. This celebration of local and national artists brings together music, poetry, film, and an array of visual arts. Children’s games, crafts and activities, including pony rides and an ice cream making demonstration will also take place. Camping is available onsite.
Twin Peaks and this hulahooper perform at the 2012 Sweetwater 905 Arts Festival.
The Steve Brockley band perform at the Rolla Pub.
The Sweetwater 905 Festival also hosts children’s performers.
ÂťTaylor
Northeast NEWS
May 23, 2013
Page B11
Taylor is a small, quaint community nestled at the bottom of the Peace River Hills at Mile 36 of the Alaska Highway. This little community made its mark after appearing in the CBC show Village On A Diet. It may cover only an area of six miles square feet, but it boasts many events in the summer time.
Rocky Mountain Fort Museum
This time capsule sanctuary have original artifacts from the original North West Company Fort, the first non-native settlement founded in 1796. Browse through examples of different animals that kept the fur trade going on. The Rocky Mountain Fort is located in Peace Island Park.
Peace Island Park
Bring the entire family to the park with 39 sites and 60 services sites in the new expansion area. It’s an affordable campground with fees from $15 to $50. There are serviced, non-serviced and group sites. Or if you just want to enjoy it for a day, take a stroll through the walking trails, check out the horseshoe pits, historic Rocky Mountain forts, playgrounds, shelter with cookhouse, water pump, fire wood and boat launch. Opens in May and closes depending on the weather.
Lone Wolf Golf Club
One of Taylor’s newest additions is the Lone Wolf Golf Club located at the northeast corner of Taylor. It’s an 18hole, par 72-championship course that sits along a green landscape with a heated driving range. Whether you’re heading out to take a swing, or just finished a full day of golfing the licensed lounge is ready to accommodate you. Seven TV’s, a covered patio and barbecue area, are sure to heat things up. There are power carts and equipment rentals available. Book a lesson, become a member or visit for the day, the choice is yours!
Spirit of the Peace Powwow
Join the beauty of a First Nation celebration. The 7th An-
Spirit of the Peace Powwow 2012 nual Traditional Spirit of the Peace Powwow is for everyone’s enjoyment. Take part in a drum contest and tasting Native cuisine. Set your eyes on the Native art vendors and talented dancers or let the Thundering Spirit Singers fill your ears as they will be this year’s host drum. Bring a folding chair or camp outside. Don’t miss out on Friday, Jun. 14 to Sunday, Jun. 16. A free shuttle bus will be available on the last day until the following Tuesday, taking people to and from the powwow, which will be held at the Taylor Ice Centre, from the co-op mall starting. Admission: Free.
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41st Annual Gold Panning Championships
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Watch as top-level gold-panners dish out the gems this summer. The weekend also has activities like arts and crafts fair, children’s games and activities, steak, barbecue, pancake breakfast and more. The event takes place from Aug. 2 to 4.
2nd Annual Sand Sensation
The only professional sand sculpting event in the Peace region. The theme this year is a ‘Walk on the Wild Side.’ Six professional carvers from around the world will begin molding and carving life-size sculptures from July 17 to 26. They will be on display at Peace Island Park from July 27 to whenever the weather allows. Join the fun and learn how to become a professional sculptor yourself during a professional guided tips and tricks workshop on July 26. A family carving competition is on July 27, and judging and closing ceremonies is on Aug. 2. Admission: Free
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ART IN THE PARK JULY 1 Centennial Park FORT ST. JOHN
Sand Sensation BC 2012
Sand Sensation BC 2012
Spirit of the Peace Powwow 2012
CONTACT: info@fsjarts.org 250-787-2781
CELEBRATE CANADA DAY THE CREATIVE WAY
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»Pouce Coupe
May 23, 2013
Located only 10 km south of the city centre of Dawson Creek, this small village of approximately 750 residents is referred to as the ‘pioneer capital’ of the Peace Region. While utilizing some facilities nearby Dawson Creek residents are content to keep its unique village characteristics. Travelling in and out of Alberta, the village is hard to miss with Highway 2 running straight through the main street.
Pouce Coupe Museum Filled with everyday items from an early settler’s life, visitors can enjoy Pouce Coupe Museum’s all four buildings (Heritage House, Trapper’s Cabin, Caboose and the original NAR Train Station) seven days a week. Some artifacts on display date back to 1889 when settlers first homesteaded the area. The museum is officially open during the
BILL’S BOOKS & BARGAINS 10611-101 AVE., FORT ST. JOHN
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Northeast NEWS
summer tourist season,
Pouce Coupe Park Just outside of the village is Pouce Coupe Park, welcoming visitors from May 1 to usually the end of October weather permitting. The park boasts 40 private campsites (29 with full power) all with fire pits, and room for both RV and tent camping. Visitors can enjoy three shower facilities, a playground, bandstand, horseshoe pits, and kitchen.
Canada Day Celebration July 1 the Village of Pouce Coupe will host its annual Canada Day Parade starting at 10a.m. The public is encouraged to enter floats starting at 49th Avenue. A celebration at the Pouce Coupe Regional Park follows the parade with a BBQ Beef Pit Roast, entertainment and fireworks.