The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin is back on winter hours but certainly not slow on activity after a busy summer.
School museum tours started up again in September and the museum is already planning for its annual Cowboy Christmas and Christmas tea, says museum president Sheila Wyse in her fall newsletter.
Museum hours from Sept. 1 to May 31 are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays
Wyse says the museum was busy over the summer with visitors from around B.C., Canada, and many parts of Europe.
“I always enjoy reading through the guest book and seeing that our museum has been part of the holidays for so many people,” Wyse says.
The museum’s annual general meeting is coming up Monday, Nov. 4 starting at 2 p.m. in the museum.
The meeting includes reports on the year’s activities and the election of directors.
Wyse encourages all members and those interested in joining the society to attend the meeting. She says it is important to have a good turnout at the agm as grant organizations will only continue to support the museum if there is support from the community.
“All positions on the museum board are up for election at the agm,” Wyse says. “If you are interested in joining our board and would like more information about the commitment please feel free to contact me by email at: wyse@shaw.ca or call me at home at 250-392-7215.
On Nov. 16 the museum will be back in the Gibraltar Room for its popular annual Cowboy Trade and Craft Fair, including the entertaining afternoon Open Mic.
“In the evening join us for the Cowboy Christmas Concert,” Wyse says. “This year we welcome entertainers Ed Peekeekoot, our own Frank Gleeson, and cowboy singer Ed Wahl. Tickets are available at the museum and will be sold during the afternoon of the craft fair as well.
The popular Christmas Tea and Bake Sale takes place Saturday, Dec. 7.
“We’ll be asking for your support again for the bake sale table,” Wyse says. “The lunch is very well-attended and many people buy their Christmas baking at the sale.
108 Hills Health Ranch has donated two nights at the resort plus a $125 voucher for use in their restaurant as the prize for the museum’s fundraising raffle. Raffle tickets are available at the museum and will be sold also at the Christmas Craft Fair and Concert and at the Christmas Tea. The draw will be Dec. 7 at the tea.
In other news Wyse and museum director Ruth Walters hosted a table at the Cariboo Welcome Fair held at TRU on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Wyse says many visitors stopped by the table to learn more about the museum, purchase a raffle ticket, and pick up our brochures.
Also, Marjorie Schuk won the museum’s door prize for Art Walk 2013.