Community events in Cache Creek
The Village of Cache Creek, in partnership with the Ashcroft Literacy Tutor Program, is hosting a series of free and fun social events at the Cache Creek Community Hall. Come by for snacks, refreshments, card and board games, door prizes, and more, and connect with friends and neighbours. There will also be an opportunity to learn about the literacy tutor program and other great community initiatives.
The first event will be on Friday, Jan. 31 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the meeting room in the community hall basement, and further events will take place every other Friday through May 23. Please note that children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Seedy Saturday
The Cache Beautification Society’s 14th annual Seedy Saturday event is taking place on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cache Creek Community Hall. It’s a chance to chase away the winter blues and get ready for spring gardening season, with a seed exchange and seeds for sale, speakers, garden advice, information about pollinators, crafts and baking, vendors, a concession, door prizes and more. Admission is free, so get a head start on your garden and celebrate spring!
Coffee’s On
Coffee’s On sessions take place at the 70 Mile Community Hall every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the next one will be on Feb. 4. The event features coffee, a by-donation lunch, and a chance to get together with others for conversation and camaraderie. Anyone interested in “stepping things up” a bit with crafts, art, card games, and more is encouraged to bring their ideas (and themselves!) to the sessions.
If you are interested in helping out by providing soup, bread, or desserts on specific dates, call Sally at (250) 395-0278.
CADOSA meeting
Want to find out more about the Clinton and District Outdoor Sportsman Association (CADOSA)? All are welcome to attend their regular meetings, which take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the basement of the Clinton Legion. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Suddenly One
The Suddenly One: Building Connections program has returned, and takes place every other Thursday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Ashcroft Library (private meeting room at the back). The next meeting will be on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Suddenly One is for men and women of all ages who suddenly find themselves alone. The event will feature coffee, tea, and conversation, with people able to share their thoughts, stories, and experiences surrounding loss and living alone. There is no agenda; topics and activities are up to the participants, all in an accessible, respectful, and confidential space.
There is no cost to take part, and participants can attend as many or as few sessions as they would like. For more information, email ashcroft.hospice@gmail.com.
Winding Rivers AGM
The Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society is holding its Annual General meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Ashcroft HUB. Anyone who is interested in learning more about WRAPS, or joining, is welcome to attend.
Ice racing (Barnes Lake)
There will be ice racing at Barnes Lake (weather/ice permitting) on Feb. 8–9 and Feb. 22–23, with racing starting around 8 a.m. each day and wrapping up around 3:30 p.m. The event is being put on by Cars on Ice, and locals are welcome to take part (must sign a waiver) or come and watch the action.
You can find out more about Cars on Ice — including types of events, rules, how to register, FAQs, and more — at https://carsonice.ca/.
Bingo and loonie auction
A bingo and loonie auction in support of Akio Pierro’s birthday pow wow (see below) will be held at the Bonaparte quonset building on Thursday, Feb. 13, and all are invited. Doors open at 5 p.m., and bingo starts at 6 p.m.
There will be a concession, a 50/50 draw, and a loonie auction, and any individuals or businesses that would like to donate items for the auction can contact Shaunna Pierro at mzgrizz686@gmail.com or at (250) 457-1686.
Anonymous Art Show
It’s back! The Ashcroft HUB’s Anonymous Art Show has returned for another year, giving artists of all age levels and abilities the opportunity to create original artwork, which is then auctioned off to benefit the HUB.
Canvases (10” by 10”) are $5 each, and available now from the Ashcroft HUB. Completed work must be returned by Friday, Feb. 14, and bidding will run from Feb. 18–28. Works will be displayed in the HUB gym, and online on the Ashcroft Hub Facebook page, where bids can be accepted. For more information, contact the HUB at (250) 453-9177 or email office@ashcrofthub.com.
Loon Lake pie fundraiser
The Loon Lake Community Recreational and Agricultural Society’s popular meat pie fundraiser has returned, offering 5” homemade beef pot pies for $7 each. The pies are ready for the oven, and the last batch sold out in 48 hours, so get your order in fast.
You can order online at www.loonlakecommunity.ca, or by phone at (604) 789-4091. Pies are available until inventory is gone, and will be available for pick-up from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 14 and 15 (Family Day long weekend). Local deliveries can be made by special arrangement.
Cross country ski fun day
The Clinton Snow Jockeys are hosting a cross country ski fun day, sponsored by BC ATV Training. The free event is open to anyone who would like to ski, snowshoe, or walk, and takes place at the Big Bar ski trails on Sunday, Feb. 16 (start time 10 a.m. at the main trailhead on Big Bar Road). There will be fun games and prizes, plus free hot chocolate for all.
Ashcroft funspiel
The Ashcroft and District Curling Club is holding a funspiel on Saturday, Feb. 15. No curling experience is necessary, so it's a great way to try out the sport and have some fun at the same time. There is a $20 per person entry fee, which includes a potluck lunch, and teams will be drawn from a hat.
For more information call Hilda Jones (250-457-7375) or Janet Quesnel (250-457-7026).
Ice racing (Green Lake)
Head to Green Lake on Feb. 15 and 16 for ice racing: you can bring something to race in, or sit by the fire and watch the action. The races are located at Access 2 on the south side of Green Lake, and everyone is welcome to watch the races and enjoy a by-donation barbecue.
Pow wow celebration
All are invited to a birthday pow wow for Bonaparte First Nations’ champion dancer Akio Pierro, who is turning four years old in February. This second annual pow wow for Akio takes place on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Cache Creek Community Hall, and will feature dancing, music, a feast with cake, a raffle, and vendors. Grand entry will be at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Drummers and dancers are invited to come and take part, and vendors are also wanted; there is no charge, but vendors are asked to donate an item to go towards the raffle. For more information, contact Shaunna Pierro at mzgrizz686@gmail.com or call (250) 457-1686.
Clinton bonspiel
Book a spot now for a cash spiel coming up in Clinton from Feb. 21–23. Each team is guaranteed three games (six ends per game) at this fun event for mixed teams (each team must contain at least one member of the opposite sex). The cost is $240 per team; for more information, email curlclinton24@gmail.com.
Spring cleaning sale
Are you doing some spring cleaning, and have some stuff you want to get rid off? The Ashcroft HUB is holding an indoor yard sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. Tables are $10 each on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you want to book a table and sell some items, call the HUB at (250) 453-9177 or email office@ashcrofthub.com.
Shakespeare at TRU
Join Thompson Rivers University’s Actors Workshop Theatre as it celebrates its 40th anniversary season with a production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. The play tells of two identical sets of twins who were separated at birth and then, many years later, find themselves in the same town, leading to multiple hilarious cases of mistaken identity.
Performances are at the Old Main, Black Box Theatre at TRU in Kamloops, from Feb. 26 through March 1 at 7:30 p.m. each night. To purchase tickets, go to https://bit.ly/40Bdjv2.
Kamloops Film Festival
Get ready for the 29th annual Kamloops Film Festival, taking place from March 6–15 at the Paramount Theatre in Kamloops. The festival will feature a captivating line-up of award-winning films from around the world in a variety of genres, including documentaries, comedies, dramas, and Canadian films. The event will also include the Kamloops Independent Short Shorts (KISS) Film Fest, a celebration of the short film format and local filmmakers.
For more information, including how to submit a film to KISS, go to www.thekfs.ca.
Musicians wanted
Desert Daze — the Best Little Fest in the West — will be back for its 15th year in September, and has put out a call for musicians and bands who are interested in taking part.
Desert Daze is a multi-genre music festival that features and promotes local musicians and bands and those from further afield. Anyone interested in performing can fill out a quick and easy application form at https://bit.ly/4haNx7T, but hurry: the deadline for applications is March 15.
Grief support library
Did you know that the Ashcroft and District Hospice Society has a free library of grief support resources for people of all ages? In addition to pamphlets and books, the society also has contact information for organizations that can provide even more resources and support.
The society’s office, at 509 Railway Avenue in Ashcroft, is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For assistance outside office hours, call (778) 207-7575.
Think and thump
With temperatures dropping, outdoor cats will be looking for warm places in which to shelter, and one of the most irresistible and dangerous places for cats is a warm car engine, like the one in a car that has just been parked; even electric vehicles have this risk. Cats can easily access and fit in the space under a vehicle’s hood, and can be killed or injured when the vehicle is started.
The BC SPCA strongly encourages cat guardians to keep their cats indoors. An easy and important check you can do to help keep stray and neighbourhood cats (and wildlife) safe is “think and thump” before you start you car. Tap or lightly bump the hood of your car, which allows time for animals to make their escape. Honk your horn, and wait a few moments to listen for any sounds of movement. You should also check under your car for any cats that might be hiding or sheltering there.
