The third annual Ashcroft Wellness and Music Festival last weekend attracted hundreds of people to the Heritage Park on Railway for an event jam-packed with performers, artists, vendors, tours, hikes, yoga, Zumba, and the Kids TRYathlon, which had 57 registered participants this year. Children from as far afield as Vancouver and Kamloops took part, and many of the participants had a chance to brush up on their skills during a Triathlon boot camp the week before. Two lucky participants—one considerably smaller than his prize—won bikes donated by Runners Sole.
The Kids’ Zone proved popular, with crafts, face-painting, Uncle Chris the Clown, and a much appreciated water sprinkler to help youngsters cool off. The main stage at the gazebo played host to musical acts Flat Busted, Ritchie and the Fendermen, the Company B Jazz Band, and Ashcroft favourite Steve Elliott, reprising his tribute to the King, Elvis Presley (and throwing in a little Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash for good measure). New this year was a “healing garden” at the Wellness Centre, where people could go for reflexology or massage; and the sushi-making session was well attended as ever, with those taking part able to take their efforts home with them to enjoy later. The stagecoach from Historic Hat Creek Ranch was on hand to drive people around downtown Ashcroft, making those who rode it appreciate our well-upholstered modern vehicles.
An ecumenical church service on Sunday morning, followed by a gospel music with “Elvis”, drew even more people to the Heritage Park. Once again, the event demonstrated that wellness comes in many forms: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Congratulations to the volunteers who made it all happen!
Barbara Roden