The event that started off as Cariboo Sam Days in 1988 turns 30 this year; and from June 9 to 11, Cache Creek will be rolling back the years and celebrating Graffiti Days.
Graffiti Days committee chair Bill Elliott has been a part of the event since its inception. Along with Ben Roy, Clayton Cassidy, and Norm Brezina, they came up with the idea of Cariboo Sam Days, which celebrated the area’s western and gold rush heritage. However, when the Eagle Motorplex opened in 1989, the men noticed that classic cars began to show up in the area.
“We decided we needed to do something,” says Elliott. “We dropped the horses because we were all car guys, and that was more up our alley than horses.”
This year’s 30th annual event kicks off on Friday, June 9 with a family dance at the Cache Creek Community Hall from 6:30 to 9 p.m. There is no admission for the event, which will feature dancing, prizes, a T-shirt cannon, music provided by DJ Tom Moe, and a free concession sponsored by the Village of Cache Creek. Attendees are encouraged to celebrate both Graffiti Days and the Village of Cache Creek’s 50th anniversary of incorporation by dressing in 1950s style.
Friday evening also features a movie in the park, which starts at dusk. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor screening of the classic musical Grease in the Cache Creek park. Admission for the event is free.
There will be an outdoor market and swap meet on both Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. beside Chum’s Restaurant. The Poker Run, which features $300 in prizes, will start at noon at the Cache Creek park. The event is open to any cars made before 1973, and the cost is $5 per hand.
Elliott says that due to the closure of the Eagle Motorplex and the loss of the drag races, logistics make it impossible to have the traditional classic car parade through Ashcroft as in previous years. However, there will be the traditional show and shine event at the Cache Creek park from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, so come down and take in the many classic cars on display. There is no registration needed and no charge to enter a vehicle.
The first 125 vehicles to enter will receive dash plaques, and there will be music, as well as bouncy castles for the younger attendees. A beer garden and barbecue will also be on hand.
The ever-popular smoke show will take place at the Cache Creek Community Hall from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. It is open to all vehicles, and there are no admission or registration fees, so come and take part or cheer on your favourite car.
The annual sock hop dance starts at 9:30 at the Cache Creek Community Hall. 1950s-era dress is encouraged at this adult-only event, which features music from DJ Tom Moe. Tickets are $10 each and must be purchased in advance from the Cariboo Jade Shop, Cache Creek Husky, or during the show and shine on June 8.
New this year is a golf tournament on Sunday, June 9 at the Semlin Valley Golf Course, in celebration of Cache Creek’s 50th anniversary. Tee-off time is 10 a.m., and the cost per person is $30 plus tax, which includes nine holes of golf, a cart, and lunch. Pre-registration is required at the golf club or at www.cachecreek.ca.
For more information about Graffiti Days, call (250) 457-9263, or visit the Facebook page (Cache Creek Graffiti Days). For more information about the golf tournament, call (250) 457-6237.
