Local seniors can now sign up for the Quesnel Rotary Club’s 56th annual Seniors’ Expedition to Barkerville, which is set for Thursday, Sept. 5.
Organizing committee co-chairs Ron Paull and Cathy Walsh report that signup sheets are now available at both the Quesnel and District Seniors’ Centre and the OAPO Golden Centre.
Each year, the Rotary Club charters two tour buses, plus a third bus for some residents from Dunrovin Park Lodge. Attendees must sign up in advance on a first come, first served basis. If possible, participants are asked to please sign up in person, rather than phoning club members. To ensure all seats are filled, seating will not be confirmed until those who have signed up have been called by phone.
Following an hour of fun and fellowship on the Cariboo Waggon Road, the entourage will be treated to admission to Barkerville and a restaurant lunch, before taking in Mrs. McGinley’s Gold Rush Variety Show at the famed Theatre Royal, according to a press release from the Rotary Club of Quesnel. Following the show, everyone will have time for tea and sweets while enjoying Barkerville’s street entertainment as they poke about the shops and exhibits.
“Of course, a loaf of sourdough bread from Goldfield Bakery will be high on many a shopping list,” notes the Rotary Club.
The day will be capped off with the annual group photo in front of Barkerville’s 150-year-old St. Saviour’s Anglican Church. Buses will arrive back at the Quesnel Legion around 4:30 p.m.
Quesnel Rotary Club president Simon Turner says this annual outing for local seniors is the club’s most important community service project.
“Rotary has been hosting local seniors to Barkerville for over 50 years, and this event continues as a wonderful way for our club to recognize and honour the contributions our seniors have made to the betterment of our great community,” he said in a press release.
Paull says this annual day trip for area seniors is the most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of his many years of Rotary service. He encourages local seniors aged 65 and older who wish to participate to sign up quickly, as all 100 seats on the charter buses will soon be spoken for.
“Our club is committed to continuing this event for seniors,” he said. “Our charity fund, with assistance from a Province of British Columbia gaming grant, pays for the outing, while the charter bus company, Barkerville Historic Town and Park, Barkerville restaurants, Goldfield Bakery and Theatre Royal all give us a break, which we truly appreciate.”
For more information, call Ron Paull at 250-992-8994 or Cathy Walsh at 250-992-7279. Alternately, any Rotary Club member can direct inquiries to the organizing committee.
READ MORE: Rotary Club of Quesnel contributes to many community projects and events and supports youth programs
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