When she was called to stage to kick off the 8th Annual Quesnel Gold Show’s Gold Panning Showdown on Saturday (April 13), Acting Mayor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg said she was looking forward to win — at least against one person.
Against all the odds, the first time gold panner came out first of the group of 11 competitors, earning herself a cape and crown.
READ MORE: Quesnel Gold Show to feature celebrity panning showdown and more
All the competitors were given a gold pan to take part in the competition, except three more competitive panners, who were given shovels and a dust pan to test their skills. The competitors were timed, and those who lost any gold while panning had an additional two minutes added to their time for each one.
Rick Wittner, the president of the Cariboo Mining Association came second, panning with a metal shovel, and Russell Crick came in third.
Last place competitor Kim McKillop, who also panned for gold with a shovel, earned a towel for her tears.
Jackie Sarginson, the secretary-treasurer of the Cariboo Mining Association, was the events MC. She poked fun at the competitors, warmed up the crowd for the showdown and gave some useful tips to some of the newer competitors.
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