Plein Air events
Even if you’re not an artist, you can still enjoy several of the events going on during the Plein Air Paint-out event in Ashcroft this weekend.
On Saturday, June 8 local historian Barbara Roden will be leading a walking tour of Ashcroft starting at 8:45 a.m., looking at various heritage buildings and sites, and at 10:30 a.m. artist Marina Papais will be leading a walking tour that will take in some of the many glass mosaics and artworks downtown. Both tours start at St. Alban’s church on Brink Street, and are open to all.
The Ashcroft Museum will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. (admission by donation), and local artists Jo Petty and Heidi Alther are throwing open their studios for anyone who would like to visit. Alther’s studio is open all day on June 8 in the Rolgear building across from Safety Mart; call Petty at (250) 457-0997 to arrange a visit.
Finally, on Sunday, June 9 drop by St. Alban’s to view the wet art show and sale and see what the nearly 30 artists taking part in the weekend have created. Many of the works will be available for purchase.
Cache Creek drag races
Head up to the drag strip at Campbell Hill (off Highway 1 between Cache Creek and Ashcroft) for drag race action on the weekend of June 7–9. Races take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and there will be food trucks on site all weekend.
Spectator entry is $10 per person (children under 13 are free if accompanied by an adult). There’s no charge for parking, but spectators should bring their own lawn chairs.
For more information visit the Cache Creek Drag Racers Facebook page or email info@bcdragit.ca.
Casino night
The Ashcroft HUB’s upcoming Casino Night is now open to everyone! The event is taking place on Friday, June 14 from 7 to 10 p.m., and will include casino games, drinks and appetizers, a 50/50 draw, a pay bar, and some great prizes, including a two-night stay at Sundance Guest Ranch, two Kumsheen Rafting tickets, two tickets to the Pipe Mountain Coaster in Revelstoke, and more.
Tickets are $20 each; for more information contact the HUB office, or purchase tickets online at https://bit.ly/3UZMTBL. The deadline for registration is June 7; if not enough tickets are sold by that date, the event will be postponed.
Gospel in the Garden
The popular Gospel in the Garden event is returning to Ashcroft through mid-October starting on Saturday, June 8 from 3 to 4 p.m. It takes place on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
The free, one-hour family music event is held in the beautiful art garden on Railway Avenue across from the Heritage Park. Christian music is provided by volunteer bands and musicians, with seating and songbooks provided, and all are welcome to come along and let your heart sing.
Early Years playgroups
Ashcroft Early Years Provider is holding playgroups for children aged 0 to 6 years and their parents/caregivers from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on June 7, 14, 17, and 21 (in Room 2 at the Ashcroft HUB), and from noon to 1 p.m. on June 15 and 29 (parent/tot swim at the Ashcroft pool). There will also be a park play session from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on June 28. Outdoor activities are weather-dependent, and other fun outings are in the works; check the Ashcroft Early Years Provider Facebook page for more details.
This free, drop-in program gives children the opportunity to learn through play, and parents/caregivers a chance to meet others and build connections. Healthy snacks are provided.
Legion pool tournament
The Ashcroft Legion on Brink Street is holding a pool tournament on Sunday, June 9 starting at 2 p.m. If there are fewer than eight entries it will be a double elimination; if there are more than eight entries it will be single elimination. There will be a cash prize for first place.
The entry fee is $10 per person, and pre-registration is recommended; call (250) 453-2423.
Grad car parade
Get ready for the car parade featuring the grads from Desert Sands Community School in Ashcroft. The grads will be parading through town, dressed in their finery, starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 at the Heritage Park on Railway Avenue. Come on out and cheer them on as they celebrate this major milestone and get ready to start the next phase of their lives.
Youth game night in Clinton
High Bar First Nation is holding a Youth Game Night every second Friday at the High Bar Church in Clinton (1401 Cariboo Highway), and everyone is welcome.
The free sessions include board games, snacks, and hang out time, and run from 3 to 5 p.m. The final two sessions of the spring are on Friday, June 14 and Friday, June 28. For more information call Keisha Fletcher at (250) 459-2117 or email projectcoordinator@hbfn.ca.
Legion quiz night
Everyone is welcome at the next Quiz Night at the Ashcroft Legion on Brink Street, taking place on Tuesday, June 17 starting at 6:30 p.m. There will be a prize for the first place winners, so come on down and put your trivia skills to the test.
Neon dance party
Celebrate the end of the school year with a Neon Dance Party at the Ashcroft HUB on Friday, June 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dig out your brightest neon-coloured clothes and enjoy music and a concession; admission is $2 ($10 for admission and 10 concession tickets), and adults are free!
For more information contact the HUB at ashcrofthub@gmail.com or call (250) 453-9177.
Ashcroft community barbecue
Residents are invited to a celebration of rural life at its best from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at the Ashcroft pool park. Bring your own lawn chair and come out for free burgers and hot dogs, juice, and water; there will also be bouncy castles for the kids, live music, free swimming for all at the pool from noon to 3 p.m., and more.
Community organizations are invited to set up a table (for free) to build community awareness about your group and possibly recruit some new members. To book a table, call (250) 453-9161.
Repair café
Volunteers from the 100 Mile Repair Café are coming to the 70 Mile Community Hall (2545 N. Bonaparte Road) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. The aim of the Repair Café is to reduce the waste that gets sent to landfill or incineration, and to change society’s “throw away” mind-set.
You can bring broken household items such as small kitchen appliances, small electronics (no cellphones or laptops), and small power tools and get them repaired (if possible) for free; you can also get advice or seek inspiration. For more information email 100milerepaircafe@gmail.com or visit the 100 Mile Repair Cafe Facebook page.
Clinton Canada Day
Are you a crafter or a local business who would like to participate in Clinton’s Canada Day celebrations? You’re invited to bring your table to Reg Conn Park on July 1. For more information about being a vendor, contact Trina at cdc@village.clinton.bc.ca or call (250) 459-2261.
Vendors wanted: 70 Mile
The 70 Mile Community Club is holding a country craft fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 6 at the 70 Mile Community Hall, and vendor registration has been extended. Indoor table rental is $20, while outdoor garage sale space is available for $10.
Potential vendors should contact Ken Huber (250-945-9914, email seventymileclub@outlook.com) to register.
Alexandra Lodge artisan market
Be sure to mark your calendar now for the vintage artisan market coming up at the historic Alexandra Lodge near Spuzzum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. In addition to vintage wares and work by local artists, the market will feature a vintage car and motorcycle show, food vendors, oddities, a paranormal “meet and greet”, and restoration tours of the historic building (by donation).
For more information check out The Historic Alexandra Lodge Facebook page or call 1-778-773-6690.