Barkerville is reviving its ‘Shoulder Season’ by opening in early May for the first time since COVID.
The Historic Town will begin its Main Season of living history programming, the 100 Days of Barkerville, from May 31 to September 7.
The main exhibits and shops will have an early launch during May Long Weekend on May 16.
Stewart Cawood, Manager of Public Programming and Media, says it’s a fun time for people to get “a little taste” of the town on a more relaxing day without rushing to see each exhibit.
“You can take your time to go check out what’s available,” says Cawood. “The stores do have more room so that you can go in and shop in a more peaceful setting.”
Main exhibits such as the Nickel Hotel Museum, and the Lee Chaw Store Museum will be available to the public, alongside a few shops and restaurants during Shoulder Season. Cawood says an exact list of what will be available is still being curated.
Barkerville’s Shoulder Season has been out of the norm of the historic town for a few years, after taking a step back during the slower tourist months to protect the main 100 Days.
“We scaled back to the ‘100 Days of Barkerville’ for the last three years, we didn’t want to risk our finances and endanger our main season,” says Cawood. “We’re in a position right now where we will be able to welcome people back, but in a more scaled-back capacity for this year.”
The classic events such as the Living History Interpretation actors, and shows at the Theatre Royal performed daily will be in full swing come opening day on May 31.
A series of special summer events such as Dominion Day on July 1, followed by the Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration on August 16 are planned.
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, a long-standing fan favourite, will make a return on August 23.
– Files from Teryn Midzain, My Cariboo Now staff
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