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Billy Barker Days Society gets set for 44th annual festival

Quesnel’s unique summer festival is back
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Billy Buttons from years past. Contributed photo

Liz-Anne Eyford

Observer Contributor

Ready to rise again, the Billy Barker Days team has been in full-steam-ahead mode since last summer. For the first time in its history, the 2017 Billy Barker Days Festival was cancelled due to wildfires. There were huge stresses on the City of Quesnel and the many who fought, tracked, reported and then directed and sheltered those who were affected by the fires around us. With regret, the festival was cancelled, which might be likened to putting the brakes on a determined rhinoceros. Imagine all of the pieces that had been so carefully planned that now had to be put on hold.

The society and many volunteers want everyone to know that the dust has been shaken off and all are ready to be part of another great celebration. The 2018 version of B.C.’s largest free family festival will be the 44th edition. Always held on the third full weekend in July, festivities will span four days, from July 19 to 22.

All the usuals will be available for your enjoyment, some presented by the BB Days Society and others running independently. Take in the parade and the rodeo. The Stock Car Races will share the track with the Crash to Pass crew. There is something for everyone, and a ton of entertainment coming your way.

Selena Weiers, the new president, assures us that the ever-so-important sponsors are again showing incredible generosity. As well, city workers are doing their best to put a shine on the city, but the Reid Street reconstruction has caused a few changes. Most notable might be the move of the Gold Dust Mall from Reid Street to the West Fraser Centre parking lot by the arenas.

The BB Days office is now open for business. Blanche is the office manager and she can help you get forms for the parade or a program, or maybe a Billy Button. The website is frequently updated, so check Billybarkerdays.ca for more information.

As you enjoy the weekend and all that it has to offer, take a minute to thank those in the yellow shirts. These people have donated their time and expertise to make our unique festival such a success.

Invite your family and friends and be part of the 44th Billy Barker Days Festival!

This is the first in a series of three articles in the lead up to Billy Barker Days. Stay tuned for more. Quesnel’s annual Billy Barker Days Festival takes place July 19-22, 2018.

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