The third annual Walhaschindig celebration, taking place on June 16, will feature entertainment, music, kids’ events, concessions, a 50/50 draw, and more, including the unveiling of a cenotaph commemorating the many Walhachin men who went away to fight—and in some cases die—in World War I.
The event will start at 10 a.m. with the unveiling of the newly-commissioned cenotaph, which honours the more than 100 men—settlers, First Nations, and Chinese—who left the community to fight in World War I. Their departure was one factor that led to the decline of Walhachin, but until now there has been no cenotaph to commemorate them.
The memorial was spearheaded by Gold Country Communities Society, and supported by New Pathways to Gold and the province of British Columbia, through the “British Columbia / Canada 150: Celebrating B.C. Communities and their Contributions to Canada” grant program. Members of Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps 347 Avenger will be there as an honour guard, along with dignitaries and a special guest: the great-niece of Lt. Gordon Flowerdew, the Walhachin soldier who died in action in 1918 and was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his bravery. Barbara Roden, who researched and wrote the material for the cenotaph, will be emceeing the unveiling.
Music starts at 10:30 a.m., with a line-up including Old Time Fiddlers, Margit Sky Project, Brown Eyed Molly, and the Sage Sound Singers. The food concessions will open at 11 a.m., with the first 50 fathers getting free hamburgers in honour of Father’s Day on June 17. There will also be free popcorn for children (until the popcorn runs out). Among the food and treats on offer will be bannock, hamburgers and hot dogs, pie and ice cream, and cinnamon rolls.
Kids can explore the Walhachin fire truck, get their faces painted, and enjoy Uncle Chris the Clown. Henna Hands by Deva will be also be there.
Walhaschindig celebrates the community of Walhachin, and event organizer Assu Nydam says that the name came about casually three years ago, then seemed to stick. “People notice it, and it gets lots of name recognition,” he notes, adding that the event attracts 300 to 400 people each year. Admission is by donation, with funds raised going to benefit the Walhachin Museum, housed in the Soldiers Memorial Hall, and keep both open.
The museum and hall are currently open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every Saturday at 10 a.m. there is a free drop-in coffee and tea session for anyone passing by.
Nydam says the event was moved from May to June in order to take advantage of warmer weather. “There are lots of outdoor activities, and we thought we’d make it more special by holding it on Father’s Day weekend. There are lots of activities for the whole family, and we’re pet-friendly.” Walhaschindig concludes at around 5 p.m.
Commemorative T-shirts and hats are available, with order forms at the event. Nydam says they are still looking for volunteers to help with the parking and at the front desk: “We can always use lots of people.” Anyone who would like to volunteer, or who wants more information, can contact Nydam at (250) 318-6100, or by email at assu@nydam.net. Details are also on the 3rd Annual Walhaschindig Facebook page.