From Alex Fraser Park to Carson Elementary School, the Stagecoach from Barkerville will be rolling as the alternate transport for the Olympic Torch Relay. The route passes the College of New Caledonia and travels through the Johnson subdivision.
“When we discovered we were going to be a celebration community, we knew we wanted to be as inclusive as possible,” Mayor Mary Sjostrom said.
“We are so proud to have such good neighbours as Wells and Barkerville and are equally proud that they will be one of the showcase moments in our community’s Torch Relay.”
The coach is a reproduction of the original mud wagons that Barnard’s Express ran on the Cariboo Wagon Road from Yale to Barkerville from 1865 until around 1906. It was the longest stagecoach run in North America. The teamster for the day will be Wayne Stordahl and his wife Lee will be helping with the horses.
Carrying the Torch on the Stagecoach will be Lois Herrick from the District of Wells. Lois Herrick is a long time Wells resident and volunteer.
“The District of Wells is very happy to have Lois Herrick representing the community in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay,” Mayor Jay Vermette said.
“We are honoured to have a participant from our community take place in this historic event, and it is especially fitting that she will be carrying the torch on the Barkerville stagecoach.”
Neil Vant, Chair of the Barkerville Heritage Trust added “The Barkerville Heritage Trust is very pleased and honoured that our Authentic Stage Coach reminiscent of the Cariboo Waggon Road Days is taking part in this memorable event.”
Alex Fraser Park is home to the rodeo grounds and equine facilities for the City of Quesnel and the Cariboo Regional District and plays an important role in the agricultural community.
The Stagecoach travelling from the Park with torchbearer Lois Herrick will be another inspiring moment along the Torch Relay route.