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Museum opening kicks off a busy 10 days for Clinton

The Old Timers’ Tea, annual parade, and the Clinton Rodeo are all coming up this weekend.
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Clinton Museum opening

Mayor Jim Rivett was on hand to say a few words at the official opening of the Clinton Museum on Friday, May 19.

A small crowd of local residents attended. Rivett stated that the museum is an important part of Clinton’s economy, especially to local businesses. The biggest challenge when you have literally thousands of vehicles going through the village is getting them to stop. The museum does manage to stop a number of them, and these people then check out the local businesses, eat at the local restaurants, etc.

Rolland Higginbottom attended with one pack horse and one saddle horse. In true Cariboo fashion, Mayor Rivett posed on horseback for the opening.

The museum will be open Wednesday through Sunday in May and June, and will be open seven days a week for July and August. When you visit, make sure you check out the new Clinton Hotel display in the government stable.

Clinton’s Western Heritage Week

The Village of Clinton was founded by trappers, hunters, ranchers, and those seeking gold in the northern goldfields. In a tribute to this western heritage, the village holds a Western Heritage Week during the month of May.

It is kicked off with the opening of the museum, and followed by the Clinton Annual Ball. At one time there were events throughout the week, but only a few of these have continued to this day. Businesses are still encouraged to have their premises decorated accordingly, and for their staff to dress in heritage costume through the entire week.

Old Timers Tea

On Friday, May 26 volunteers hold the Old Timers Tea in the Clinton Memorial Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and reminisce with old friends and make some new ones. There is no charge for this event.

Parade

As outlined in my May 11 column, the annual Clinton Parade will be held on Saturday, May 27. The theme this year is “150 Years of Heritage”, and prizes will be awarded in several categories. Come and take part, or stake out a good vantage point to watch the parade go by.

Hotdogs for the kids

Following the parade on May 27, the kids are invited to the fire hall for free hotdogs and drinks. This is something that the members of the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department do every year and the kids look forward to it. It is also a chance for anyone who may be interested in joining the department to check out the facility and ask some questions.

Rodeo action

Then it’s off to the rodeo grounds to the south of Clinton for some exciting rodeo action. Rodeo events include bareback, saddlebronc, tie down roping, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, team roping, barrel racing, junior steer riding, junior breakaway roping, and bull riding. A new event— mini pony bareback riding—has been added this year, with two categories: kids aged six to nine, and youth aged 10 to 13.

The West Coast Thunder Drill Team will also be performing on both days. Action will stop for the 4-H steak dinner on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the rodeo grounds, with Integris Credit Union and Insurance lending a hand to the 4-H members.

The evening is a time to unwind to the music of Appaloosa at the ever-popular rodeo dance at the rodeo grounds. A shuttle bus will run between Clinton and the rodeo grounds all weekend. There will be a concession and beverage garden on site as well.

Sunday morning kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. at the rodeo grounds. Rodeo slack also begins at 9 a.m., and regular rodeo events start up again at 1 p.m.

It is shaping up to be a fun-filled weekend!

by Susan Swan