Clinton Annual Ball
Good music, good entertainment, good food, and good company to share it all with: that pretty well sums up the 149th Clinton Annual Ball.
The Clinton Memorial Hall was transformed into an elegant venue for the ball on Saturday, May 21. The theme this year was log houses, and the walls were adorned with log cabin quilts and little log houses. The Master of Ceremonies, Clinton councillor Wayne Marchant, explained that many of the structures that were built as roadhouses during the gold rush were of this type of construction. The purpose was to pay homage to those hardy pioneers who had the foresight to construct sturdy stopping places along the Gold Rush Trail.
Several of the dignitaries and their partners arrived at the hall in the Hat Creek Ranch stagecoach and entered the hall to the haunting strains of the bagpipe, courtesy of piper Kevin MacDonald. Every level of government was represented, with MP Cathy McLeod, MLAs Rich Coleman, Peter Fassbender, Jackie Tegart, Eric Foster, and Darryl Plecas, TNRD Area “E” director Sally Watson, Clinton mayor Jim Rivett, Clinton councillors Diana Guerin, Wayne Marchant, and Susan Swan, and Ashcroft councillor Barbara Roden.
Director Sally Watson had the task of “paying the piper”, while MP Cathy McLeod toasted the Queen. The Ladies Auxiliary to the Legion Branch 194 did their usual lovely job of preparing and, with the assistance of their young helpers, serving up a delicious dinner.
Music by the Evergreen Drifters encouraged guests to get out on the dance floor and kick up their heels. When they took a break, Reni Lind of Historic Hat Creek Ranch outlined the procedure of pouring drinks for miners. It was obvious that any saloon owner who followed his methods got rich on the proceeds of the miners’ hard work.
The dancing continued until 1:00 a.m., with a midnight supper for those who needed fortification after all the dancing they had done.
Congratulations to the Annual Ball Committee and their helpers for another job well done. Now thoughts turn to the 150th annual ball on May 20, 2017. Tickets are already sold out, but a waiting list has been established. Anyone wishing to attend can call Yvette May at 250-459-7725 and ask to be put on the waiting list for tickets if any should become available.
Old Timers’ tea
The Clinton Old Timers’ Tea is a longstanding tradition. It brings friends and neighbours, as well as new and past residents of Clinton, together to enjoy refreshments and memories. There is no charge to attend the tea, which will be held on Friday, May 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Clinton Memorial Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Clinton parade
The Annual Clinton Parade is scheduled to start from the staging area on Cariboo Avenue at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 28. It will proceed on to Hwy. 97 and travel north to McDonald Avenue, then will double back, giving spectators a second view of the parade.
Feed the kids
As in past years, children are welcome to attend the Clinton fire hall after the parade. The fire department members will have free hotdogs and drinks for them.
Clinton May Ball rodeo
This BCRA rodeo will take place beginning at 1:00 p.m. on both Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 at the Clinton Rodeo Grounds just south of the Village of Clinton.
The Clinton 4H Club will hold a steak dinner at the rodeo grounds at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. There will be a beverage garden and live entertainment, followed by the rodeo dance with the band Appaloosa providing the music. The dance begins at 8:00 p.m.
On Sunday, May 29 there will be a pancake breakfast at 9:00 a.m. Rodeo action also begins at 9:00 a.m., with more rodeo activity at 1:00 p.m.
Plan your weekend and come to Clinton for some fun!
