July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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Cars! Cars! Cars!
Today was day 2 of my excellent adventure visiting friendly and scenic Dawson Creek B.C.
It also happened to be the big show day for the Mile Zero Summer Car Cruise Shine and Show Event where a huge variety of cars are all spiffied, polished and showing off all up and down all along the streets in Dawson Creek's charming downtown core.
I sipped coffee and admired the yellow beauty of the expanse of Canola fields in sight from my hotel at the Super 8 on Alaska Way before strolling my way over to check out the action downtown.
The Summer Cruise Event is really an annual event in July not to be missed, even for the somewhat reluctant car enthusiast such as myself! I amazed myself by spending about 4 hours perusing up and down the quaint streets snapping pictures of cars, engines, soaking up the atmosphere and chatting with the friendly folks, many of whom were folks whom I'd met the previous day around town. There were folks of all ages ranging from stroller age right up to those who may have been strolling down memory lane. There were folks dressed from conservatively to the not-so-much conservative crowd. What great blending of people and such a fun atmosphere all happening right under the absolutely stunning hanging baskets and nifty metal cut outs which feature local images which are attached to the light posts that line the streets.
What a gem the show was - the smell of barbecue fare as well as great music wafting through the air and the people filled sunny streets lined with astounding and fascinating examples of the hard work and just plain pure love that has been poured in to these vehicles.
Once again, an event not to be missed. Maybe you'll get a chance one day to come and experience the super town and if you plan it right, take in this annual event.
July 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
It all started off innocently enough with a lovely sunny morning stroll through peaceful streets to indulge my senses at the weekly Farmer's Market. For those of you who are wondering, the market is held Saturdays at 8am to 12:30pm from May to October at the Co-Op Mall on 103 Ave and 8th St, a short distance to drive or walk from the well equipped and very friendly NAR Visitor Centre.
The Market was every bit as eclectic as I had hoped and as I approached I was excited to see a variety of locally made goodies including everything from tie-die shirts and dresses to fresh rhubarb to hand tied fishing flies. The selection in the additional covered area was equally as eclectic and I managed to have some great chats with some of the vendors, even convincing a few to just maybe come and visit my home turf of the Yukon. Just an added bonus.
After I had spent all my hard earned cash on such irresistible items such as locally homemade Bumbleberry Jam, Black Current Syrup and some funky one of a kind jewelry that can only be bought at a street market, I decided to wend my way to points beyond.
I walked through the serene streets lined with the most beautiful hanging baskets I have ever seen over to the Alaska House on the corner of 102 Ave and 10th St - the intersection containing the historic Mile Zero monument, I spent well over an hour in the Alaska House including watching a captivating film about the awe inspiring construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942. The film was above and beyond anything I have seen until now and I surprisingly learned a few things that I had not realized even after living for 20 years on the Alaska Highway in the Yukon Territory myself.
This is almost when I became a star - albeit a temporary one!
The missing link right now for this entry is the fact the 15th Annual Summer Cruise-Show and Shine Event for original, restored classic and will-be classic cars from all over BC and Alberta is happening this weekend. There are some very proud owners and sweet looking rides circulating through town all shined up and in immaculate condition. The weekend event is a must-do for everyone whether one considers themselves an enthusiast or not. The town of Dawson Creek and the Mile Zero Cruisers have definitely created an event that will last for years to come.
The Summer Cruise folks were having a scavenger hunt throughout town for what I'm assuming must be great fun due to the enthusiasm and smiles on the faces of everyone I saw participating. This is when my modeling career began!
One task for teams was to find tourists, get their names, hometowns, give a pin to and take a picture with said tourist - each team needing to find four tourists each to participate! Well, I decided to jump head first into the persona of volunteer-tourist-for-pose. I had a large stash of Yukon logo pins handily in my bag and as the pics snapped, appropriate scavenger hunt forms filled out - the pins were flying back and forth between us and I'm wondering honestly who had more fun - the great folks I met or myself - I'm thinking me!
I'm out of alloted words - so hang on for the rest of my adventures in beautiful, friendly Dawson Creek!!!