Events to celebrate the long weekend near Kamloops
KAMLOOPS – This long weekend is dominated by biking enthusiasts and agricultural events, but it’s also the last weekend to squeeze in some time with the family before the kids go back to school.
For those camping this long weekend you can finally enjoy campfires after the ban was lifted in the Kamloops Fire Centre this week. For everyone else there is a variety of events within Kamloops or just a short drive away to keep you busy this Labour Day weekend.
Sept. 2 to 6: Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede in Armstrong
The annual exhibition is running in Armstrong this week. This year’s theme is Udderly Awesome! Party ‘till the cows come home and attractions include food, live music, carnival games and rides and, of course, rodeo events.
Sept. 4 to 7: North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo
The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo runs Friday through Monday in Barriere and is jam packed with events from sun up to sun set. Rodeo events include chuckwagon and chariot races and Western dressage. Along with 4H club competitions and horsemanship demonstrations, highlights include a parade at noon and cabaret dance at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Sept. 4 to 7: Gold Country Cache for Gold geocaching events
The third annual geocaching event includes games, special events, prizes and even a chance to win a real gold bar. Geocaching enthusiasts begin their four day journey in Caboose Park in Lytton, followed by Ashcroft Park in Ashcroft, the Logan Lake Disc Park, wrapping up in Rotary Park in Merritt on Monday.
Sept. 4 to 6: Lytton River Festival
The Lytton River Festival is a celebration of the Interior Salish First Nations and their connection to the Thompson and Fraser Rivers. The festival features games, artisan and art displays and entertainment including Battle of the Birds, a Western Canada Theatre production. Showing Sunday at 2:30 p.m., the play is based on a traditional Nlakap’amux story about domestic violence.
Sept. 4 to 6: Knouff Lake Resort Lure a Cure Fishing Derby
The third annual Lure a Cure Fishing Derby is part of Run for the Cure; a fundraiser for the B.C. Children’s Hospital and B.C. Prostate Foundation. There are seven prizes for the weekend with five going to the top catches. The Paddle Wheelers Lion’s Club will also host a pancake breakfast at the resort on Saturday and Sunday.
Sept. 5 to 6: Nicola Fall Fair
The Nicola Fall Fair runs Saturday and Sunday in Merritt. This is a traditional agricultural event features livestock exhibitions and antique farm equipment displays.
Sept. 5 to 7 Sun Peaks Pedal Fest
Sun Peaks Resort launches its inaugural Peaks Pedal Fest; a celebration of everything cycling. There are four different events on the schedule including a local craft beer tasting to wrap up the weekend.
The first event of Pedal Fest begins Saturday with Seek and Enjoy Poker Ride and Sunday features Yeah Bru! Classic Dual Slalom Race and the Kids Foot Down Derby.
Sunday will also be the last farmers' market of the season at Sun Peaks.
Sept. 6: Walk in the Park ultramarathon
The Interior's longest running ultramarathon takes to Kenna Cartwright Park on Sunday. Racers will endure 18, 36 or 54 kilometre races through the hills as they take over the Kamloops park.
Sept. 7: Labour Day Picnic
The Kamloops and District Labour Council will be hosting its annual Labour Day Picnic at McDonald Park on Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The picnic will include local musicians, kids activities, giveaways and displays.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Dana Reynolds at dreynolds@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
