Festivals and events held throughout the year in and around Clearwater celebrate the community's connection to its rich natural geography.
These include the First Fish Ceremony, the Clearwater Kayak Festival, and the Star Gazing Festival. Other celebrations such as the Becoming Shiloh Music Festival held at the Serenity Performing Arts Centre reflect a dedication to the area's creative community.
The First Fish Ceremony is an interpretive program showcasing the Simpcw First Nation's culture and history, particularly relating to the significance of the Raft River salmon run. Original inhabitants of the North Thompson Valley, the Simpcw First Nation hunted and fished throughout a territory spanning from McLure north to the headwaters of Fraser River, and McBride to Jasper, Alberta south to the headwaters of the Athabasca River.
The First Fish Ceremony features interactive activities and demonstrations by the Simpcw First Nation and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, including traditional pit-oven cooking and games. The ceremony is held at the Simpcw Fish Hatchery located between Barriere and Clearwater.
Clearwater Kayak Festival
At the Clearwater Kayak Festival, which usually takes place in late July or early August, kayakers of all skill levels compete in various races on the Clearwater River. Whitewater events are supplemented by a film festival and live entertainment.
Star Gazing Festival
The Star Gazing Festival, which coincides with the Perseid Meteor Shower, is an educational family-oriented event. An astronomer or teacher is on-site to explain the science behind meteor showers, and binoculars are provided (although participants are asked to bring their own).
Becoming Shiloh Music Festival
The Becoming Shiloh Music Festival is held in August at the Serenity Performing Arts Centre, an outdoor venue overlooking the North Thompson River just north of Clearwater. The festival features bluegrass, gospel, and contemporary music by a variety of artists.
North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo
The North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo is a celebration of agriculture, livestock, western tradition, and community spirit. The event began in 1950 and has since grown to one of the biggest gatherings in the North Thompson Valley. Featuring pony chariot and chuck wagon races, an outdoor logging show, heavy horse pulls, equestrian events, and open livestock and poultry competitions, the North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo spans three days over the Labour Day Weekend at the fairgrounds on Dunn Lake Road in Barriere. The event also includes exhibitions cut flowers, baking, preserves, hobby-craft, art and photography, plus an open-air stage for live music performances.
Drop by the Clearwater Visitor Centre (at the entrance of Wells Gray Provincial Park on Yellowhead Highway 5) for more information about area festivals and events.
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