Jerry the Moose will be at the 13th annual Wells Gray Birchleg on Saturday, Feb. 19.
“He won’t need to dress up like a Viking. He’s got his own antlers. He won’t need any,” said Ellen Ferguson, one of the organizers.
BC Parks’ mascot will be at the event with Wells Gray area supervisor Mike Rowden, who will bring a cake to serve at the lunch.
The cake will be in honor of 2011 being the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the provincial park system.
“Also, this year we are serving the lunch and doing prize-draws at the newly-renovated Upper Clearwater community hall, which is a great photo opportunity all on its own!” she said.
Ferguson said she would have a display available during the lunch that outlines some of the hall’s history.
A Birchleg is a reenactment of a 55 km cross-country ski trip made by two Viking warriors in 1204 to save the son of their slain king.
Participants dress in Viking costume and ski their choice of three courses in the Wells Gray Birchleg.
A mass start will take place at 10 a.m. at the Murtle River warming hut, which is about 45 minutes drive north of Clearwater.
The mini three km course starts and ends at the warming hut.
The midi 10 km course starts at the warming hut and follows the Blackwater ski trail to Helmcken Falls Lodge.
The maxi 20 km course starts at the warming hut, goes by King hut and follows McLeod Hill trail to finish at Helmcken Falls Lodge.
A shuttle will carry participants from the lodge back to the warming hut so they can get their vehicles. Participants can then drive themselves to the Upper Clearwater Hall for lunch.
A number of draw prizes will be given out plus participants will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction for several fine items.
Early registration forms can be picked up at the lodge or at the Murtle River Nordics website, www.murtlerivernordics.com.
Late registration can be done at the warming hut up until 10 a.m. on the event day.
Wells Gray Birchleg is a non-competitive, fun and family-oriented event.
