Weekend events have pretty things and lots of wheels

KAMLOOPS – If you’re into things that look nice or have wheels, the last weekend of August is looking good.

Don’t call it a rock show; the Kamloops Gem and Mineral Show gets underway Friday, Aug. 26 at the McArthur Island Sports Centre and runs until Sunday. Gem and jewellery vendors from across Canada are bringing fossils, minerals, beads and related handmade items. Tickets are $7 for one day or $10 for a three day pass, with seniors or students prices. Children under 12 are free to get in with an adult.

For families into art, Saturday is a good day to head down to the Kamloops Art Gallery. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the gallery will be holding a reception to celebrate the kids who took part in the gallery’s summer art camps. The work of 200 participants will be on display. The reception is followed up by Family Art Saturday, another free family event which includes tours, activities and workshops.

Saturday is also the day all the local fans of squash racing have been looking forward to — Crazy 8cres in Westsyde is hosting zucchini races. Awards will be presented for fastest zucchini, biggest crash and best design. Participants will need $2 for an entry fee. While it’s suggested to bring a car built at home, racing zucchinis will be on sale if you bring your own wheels and design supplies.

If the mayhem of zucchini racing doesn’t do it, the Salmon Arm Demo Derby slams into action Sunday. The 25th edition is dropping the small car class for a truck competition. The first derby starts at 11:30 a.m. at 490 Fifth Ave., the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds, with things wrapping up around 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and free for anyone under 4-years-old.

For those heading to outdoor events, an umbrella might be a good idea. Clouds and showers are predicted for the weekend.

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