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What’s going on for Billy Barker Days

Quesnel’s annual festival will be here in no time
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Big River, a Johnny Cash tribute band, will play LeBourdais Park during Billy Barker Days. Contributed photo

Liz-Anne Eyford

Observer Contributor

How fortunate are we that most of our unique festival is free!

The 44th annual Billy Barker Days festival is almost here. For those brave enough (and smart enough!) to stay in town for the weekend, there is plenty for you to do and see.

GOLD DUST MALL

Thursday, July 19 to Sunday, July 22, in the West Fraser Centre parking lot. Local vendors will show their wares for browsers and shoppers alike.

MIDWAY/SHOOTING STARS AMUSEMENTS

Thursday, July 19 to Sunday, July 22 in LeBourdais Park. Try out all the rides set up in the park!

QUEST FOR TRIVIAL GOLD

Test your Billy Barker Days knowledge with our trivia quest. http://billybarkerdays.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Trivia-Pursuit-2018.pdf

All entries must be handed into the office by Sunday July 22 at 4 p.m.

SELFIES WITH BILLY

Take a selfie with our mascot Billy during the festival and have a chance to win an original caricature drawing of your photo, courtesy of Lee-Anne Chisholm Artworks!

Post your selfie to the Billy Barker Days Society Facebook page #billybarkerdays #selfieswithbilly.

Extra points if you are dressed up in festival attire! A winner will be chosen on Sunday, July 22 by sponsor judge Lee-Anne.

AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST

Take photos and submit one for any of these categories: LeBourdais Park, Kids, Billy, Parade, Nature/Landscape.

Entries must be emailed to office@billybarkerdays.ca by 4 p.m. on July 22.

BILLY BUTTONS PRIZE DRAW

Sponsored by the Billy Barker Casino Hotel & Billy Barker Days Society. Get your souvenir button at the Souvenir Booth, from any Billy Barker Days Society member, or at the Billy Barker Days Office. Each purchase will have a number entered into a draw for a chance to win a $1,000, $500 and $300 gold nugget.

The draw will be held July 22, 2018, at 5:45 p.m. at LeBourdais Park Stage.

SENIORS’ DAY IN THE PARK

Sponsored by the Billy Barker Days Society on Thursday, July 19 in LeBourdais Park. Quesnel’s seniors are invited for free light lunch and entertainment, courtesy of the Society.

GYMKHANA & MIDNIGHT BARREL RACE

Thursday, July 19 at 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Quesnel Rodeo Club in Alex Fraser Park. Check out this new free event at the rodeo grounds.

CRASH TO PASS – BOB WILSON MEMORIAL RACE

Thursday, July 19. An action-packed event at Quesnel’s Gold Pan Speedway on Racing Road. Drivers must hit to pass. The main event goes until there’s just one car left running. Time trials begin at 5 p.m. with crashing starting at 6 p.m.

KIDS’ DAY IN THE PARK

Sponsored by the Billy Barker Days Society on Friday, July 20, this event in LeBourdais Park has excellent activities for children of all ages, including crafts, games and stage entertainment.

STAGE HEADLINERS 2018

Friday, July 20 at 7:30

Big River – Johnny Cash tribute

David James and Big River are often described as one of the most authentic Johnny Cash tribute shows touring today.

Saturday, July 21 at 7:30

Ettinger

Ettinger is a cover band based out of Vancouver who take pride in performing songs as close to the original as possible while at the same time putting on an exciting and interactive show.

53rd ANNUAL QUESNEL RODEO

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 20-22. Take in all the fun of the rodeo at Alex Fraser Park as novice and seasoned riders show off their skills. Tickets available at Circle “S” Western Wear on Reid Street downtown and Hub International Insurance on Rita Road in South Quesnel.

PARADE

Saturday, July 21 at 10 a.m. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the parade’s many floats, bands, old cars and trucks, dignitaries and Miss Quesnel ambassadors as they pass along the parade route. Remember the Wet Zone in front of the fire hall! Check out this year’s route here.

TEDDY BEAR CLINIC/TOOTH BOOTH

Sponsored by the Billy Barker Days Society on Sunday, July 22 in LeBourdais Park. Children can bring their favourite teddy bears for a check up with local doctors and dentists.

AND there is much MORE! Eat pancakes or perogies, be in or watch the parade, dress up or dress down. Drink lots of lemonade. Check the program or the print edition of the Observer for more information. And please remember to thank the performers and organizers and yellow shirts. Let’s hope for great weather and good spirits for the whole weekend, and don’t forget the nightly laser show at 10:15 p.m.

READ MORE: Billy Barker Days Society gets set for 44th annual festival

READ MORE: Billy Barker Days to feature dazzling light show



editor@quesnelobserver.com

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