Despite a day of unpredictable weather, lakecity residents turned out in droves to a wide range of events happening across the city.
Early Saturday morning Williams Lake awoke to snow and overcast skies, leading many to fear the prospects of outdoor activities that day. These adverse unseasonable conditions didn’t faze the players of the Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association, however, who kicked off their season, despite the snow covering Esler Fields up by the airport.
Within the lakecity itself, the snow proved to be temporary and melted away under sporadic rainfall and high winds throughout the day. For those who found the weather still too chilly, there were also plenty of indoor events to tend.
At the Elks Hall, the third annual Handmade in the Cariboo artisans market was being held with over 30 unique vendors selling everything from jewellery to live plants. Dozens of lakecity residents crowded the building buying, selling and discussing some wonderful handmade products.
Over at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, the Indoor Rodeo held their second day of competitions, featuring riders and performers from across the rodeo world. For those who missed it on Saturday, Sunday will see another round of the competition and the induction of the newest members of the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Doors open at 12 p.m. for a 1 p.m. start, with beer gardens adjacent in the second arena.
Down at the Stampede grounds themselves, West Coast Amusements was holding a carnival with rides and carnival games of all kinds that people of all ages enjoyed. Despite the bursts of wind, rain and even hail, hundreds still turned out for thrills and challenges. The carnival runs Sunday as well from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., weather and attendance depending.
Vaisakhi was officially celebrated at Williams Lake’s other Sikh temple on Mackenzie Avenue, the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple. Dozens of Sikh and lakecity community members turned out to raise the temple’s flag and officially celebrate the Punjabi New Year.
To close off the night, the Cariboo Festival held its honours concert at the Cariboo Bethel Church, while Thompson Rivers University held its annual TRU Williams Lake Gala.
Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines.