An array of special and seasonal events takes place this long weekend at the crossroads of summer and a return to school on Tuesday.
Best of all, the weekend forecast is as good as it gets: A mix of sun and cloud today and Sunday, and continuing sunny on Monday.
This is a perfect day to sample the fruits and vegetables of local growers at Kamloops Farmers Market, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon in the 200 block of St. Paul St.
At Sun Peaks Village, the Matthew Good Band headlines a free outdoor concert today that also includes Vince Vaccaro, Wil and Stef Lang. The music runs from 1 p.m. until evening, when Mat Good's band takes the stage.
In Barriere, the 63rd annual North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo runs - and kicks and stomps - through the weekend. A parade begins the fair schedule this morning starting at 11 a.m. The rodeo starts at 1:30 today and Sunday, as a host of other activities take place at the fairgrounds. For details, see www.fallfair-rodeo.com.
It's rodeo time in Armstrong as well as the Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede continues through to Sunday. The gates open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Exhibition halls are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wells Gray World Heritage Year - a series of events in support of TRU's efforts to establish a learning and research centre in the Clearwater Valley - begins today in the provincial park two hours north of Kamloops. Cathie HIckson, a volcanologist, will lead a bus and walking tour of the park. The free tour gathers at TRU at 9:30 a.m. to arrive at the Clearwater information centre to meet others around 11 a.m.
The Lytton River Festival, which runs until Sunday, offers a variety of events, including its infamous "chicken-poop bingo." The festival includes great food, a traditional powwow, whitewater rafting, music, art, games and hikes. For details, see www.riverfestival.ca.
The Kamloops Courthouse Gallery presents the opening of Run Salmon Run, a salute to the Adams River sockeye run by gallery members. A reception runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today. The show continues until Sept. 29.
At Tobiano's Black Iron restaurant, chef George Moutsos is planning a Mexican buffet tonight at 7 p.m. Moutsos has spent the last two years at a Mexican five-star resort, so this promises to be a special meal, accompanied by the fine music of acoustic guitarist Tina Hebner.
A silent auction of artwork and an eclectic mix of other items takes place tonight, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at The Art We Are, 246 Victoria St. The event supports local clay artist and instructor Janet Whitehead in her struggle with cancer.
On Sunday, Walk in the Park, a fitness event in Kenna Cartwright Park, offers 18, 36 and 54-km events. Registration packages are available at Runner's Sole, 250-377-4055.
Amidst all the outdoor activities of the season, it's easy to forget the reason why Labour Day was created in the first place. Originally it was seen as an opportunity for workers to campaign for better wages and working conditions at a time when unions were illegal. While those issues remain important, the original meaning of the holiday has been obscured by the passage of time.
What hasn't changed is the traditional Labour Day Picnic, hosted by Kamloops and District Labour Council at the Rotary Bandshell in Riverside Park. The celebration takes place Monday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's a family-fun-style event, offering hotdogs and pop, entertainment and children's activities.
