Those visiting the Monashees this Victoria Day long weekend will want to head into Cherryville for a number of activities.
The Vernon Placer Miners’ Club invites everyone who has ever thought about trying to pan for gold to join them this weekend as they celebrate 20 years of sponsoring the B.C. Open Gold Panning Championships at the GoldPanner Campground in Cherryville.
The Cherryville & Area Historical Society will be joining the celebration, as 2012 also commemorates the 150th anniversary of the first gold claim in the area, said Placer Miners’ president, Ernie Erickson.
The B.C. Open Gold Panning Championships is open to all ages.
“Some as young as six, and some as old as dirt!” said Erickson.
There will be lots of activities such as a pan toss, dirt toss, claim staking — all for the low cost of $2. A gold rush, metal detecting and bannock baking are also part of the fun. The flat pan events are $5 and all prizes are gold nuggets.
There will also be a raffle for gold nuggets, a gold panning teddy bear fully dressed in the style of the era, a garden ornament, and a gold necklace. Visitors can also take in the coffee can raffles, silent auction, pancake breakfasts, music in the evening, and a barbecue dinner on Saturday, which costs $13.
“Come and watch some of the best gold panners in the province. We have activities for the whole family. Help us celebrate our history, and have lots of fun,” said Erickson.
The B.C. Open Gold Panning Championships will be held at the GoldPanner Campground on May 18, 19 and 20. The full schedule of events can be found at www.cherryville.net/goldpanning.html.
Located behind Frank’s General Store on Highway 6 at the Sugar Lake turnoff is the Cherryville Farmers’ Market and the Cherryville Artisans’ Shop, which have both opened for the season and have a number of activities planned for this weekend.
A 100 per cent producers market, this Saturday’s farmers’ market will feature organic produce, bedding plants, honey, candles, artisans’ wares, fresh baking and the Mountain Kid’s Creation Fort, along with a performance by musical act Sorella, who will play from 11 a.m. to noon.
The Vernon-based trio features Julie Armitage, Diana Ward, and Ellie Young, playing keyboards, guitar, and stand-up bass, and singing in three-part harmony. Other local musicians will also be entertaining.
Those wishing to be a part of the market, which runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., can contact Heather Fleury at farmersmarket@cherryville.net or call (250) 547-6056.
Also at the site, the Cherryville Artisans’ Association will be showing non-established emerging artists in its Emerging Artist Showcase. The art exhibition will be located under the pergola at the Cherryville Artisans’ Shop in conjunction with the market every Saturday.
“We are hoping to feature a different artist every weekend, and our feature artist on May 19 will be Sol Salisbury,” said Helen Kovacs, with the Cherryville Artisans. “The shop is also full of new artwork. I have been creating new garden art and glass beads and our new potter, Laurel Fredin, has been busy with mugs and new goddess vessels.”
Shop hours are Thursday to Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment anytime. Contact Kovacs at (250) 547-0020 for more information.
–– With files from Debbee Werner, Cherryville.net and Cherryville Publishing and Promotions.
