The 49th Annual Billy Barker Days has started for this weekend.
Senior’s Day kicked off the weekend with a free light lunch and beverages, handed out by the new 2025 Quesnel Ambassadors. It is the new Ambassador’s first public event after being crowned last weekend.
Seniors also get to ride all the rides, organized and brought by Shooting Star Amusements, for free today until 3 p.m.
“It’s a great turnout each and every year,” says Lynne Wright, Secretary of the Billy Barker Days Society.
Billy Barker Days has special events lined up throughout the weekend of July 17 to July 20.
Tomorrow[Friday], is Kids Day. With what Wright calls a “raft load” of activities and games for the kids to enjoy in the early morning. Kids will also be able to ride the carnival rides for free on Friday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Teen Time is making it’s second annual appearance at Billy Barker Days this year, from 4 until 7 p.m. on Friday.
Taking to the Lebourdais Stage are several local and out of town bands and performers, gracing the crowds all day until the headliners make their appearance.
Thursday night, opening night, will be headlined by the Milltown Philosphers.
On Friday, American Woman, a Guess Who tribute band will headline the main stage at LeBourdais Park.
Then on Saturday, Totally Twain, a Shania Twain tribute performer and group will command Lebourdais’ stage.
All performances are at 7:30 p.m.
The amusement park rides will run from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. from Thursday until Saturday. Then from 12 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The Billy Barker Days Parade will begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Parade Route can be found on the Billy Barker Days’ website.
The Gold Dust Mall has returned and taken over two blocks of Quesnel’s downtown Reid Street. The 50/50 draw will start to be collected at 4:30 p.m. at LeBourdais Park, and be drawn on stage at 9:45 p.m. each night.
There is also a Drone Lights Show Saturday and Sunday night. Starting at 10:15 and going until 11 pm, each of the nights.
The Annual Crash to Pass Race is on Thursday night, and the Wescar Race will be on Saturday.
The Quesnel Rodeo is back, celebrating it’s 58th annual showing. The rodeo starts on Friday with it’s opening ceremony, and runs through Saturday, with the Champions decided on Sunday.
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