Though the first day of summer is still a month away, the Victoria Day holiday weekend is at our doorstep, and for many, acts as the unofficial kickoff to a fun, more active season after weeks spent avoiding the rain.
And, no doubt, there are many people who have already opened their doors and hit the road to enjoy it to the fullest.
For those choosing to stay close to home, there is no shortage of places to go and things to do – here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling.
One of the area’s longest-running and most well-known affairs this long weekend is the always-popular Cloverdale Rodeo, which runs through Monday at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
Chock full of rides, cowboys, cotton candy, music, rodeo competitions and more, it’s an event that offers something for everyone – country music fans or not.
If sports are more up your alley, the White Rock Tritons would no doubt appreciate a boost from fans when they kick off the weekend tonight (Friday) with a doubleheader against the Whalley Chiefs at South Surrey Athletic Park. The first game gets underway at 5 p.m.
If something a little more formal is more up your alley, Historic Stewart Farm has a royal lineup planned for Sunday, to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday – the whole reason behind this extended break. Details on all of these options and more are included in the pages of today’s Peace Arch News.
And no matter how you choose to spend your time – whether you’re having a three-day ‘stay-cation’ or kicking off the camping season – there’s one thing to remember: keep it safe.
It’s easy in the excitement of a holiday – yes, even one as simple as an extra day off – to get caught up in a moment and take unnecessary risks. So, stick with commonsense – don’t answer that friend’s call to your cellphone while driving, just because you’ve made big plans and can’t wait to talk about them; and don’t go jumping into some refreshing lake water without considering the possible dangers lurking beneath the surface, such as large rocks.
As well, it’s also the unofficial start of the province’s “forest fire season” as hot, dry weather begins to dominate many B.C. locales. In some parts of the Interior, an open-fire prohibition has already been declared, but campfire bans or not, it is important to exercise extreme caution, now and into the future.
Remembering a few little things can be all that’s needed to ensure a long weekend is a good one for all.