The Cariboo Chilcotin Youth Fiddlers are tuning up in time for some new experiences this summer and fall.
In early July the group will be playing host to another group from Halifax and in exchange at the end of September the Haligonians will be hosting the fiddlers.
Leslie Rowse, whose daughter Olivia plays with the fiddlers, has been exploring the idea of an exchange for several years, but first, in order to access funding, needed to find a similarly sized group.
The group from Halifax will be coming to the area July 7 to 15, and Rowse said they have a number of heritage-themed events planned, including a trip to Barkerville, rafting down the river, a visit to the museum, a day at the Onward Ranch, fishing and some other musical activities.
The group exchange is being funded by Experiences Canada, who themselves are funded through Heritage Canada.
“I hope they will make connections and see the value in the work they are putting into their music lessons, groups and shows they put in, and to feel good about what they are doing and see the diversity across the country,” said Rowse.
“You can’t go much farther east than Nova Scotia, so it will be neat for some who haven’t left the province.”
Around 13 students from Halifax will be making the trip, with 14 youth from the Cariboo Chilcotin heading back the other way in late September.
On July 14, the groups will be hosting a Family Barn Dance in the historic barn at the Onward Ranch. Both groups will perform and collaborate at the event.
Tickets are $5 per person (those five and under are free) and will be on sale at the Open Book. Ahead of the dance, to support the exchange, the group is hosting a “grand in a hand” raffle, with $10 tickets on sale and the winner taking away $1,000. The draw will be held on July 6.