Category: Arts and Culture


Bass Coast

 

Moon over Bass Coast festival in Merritt
Photo KDG

Some sources say the festival on the weekend was successful. The event ended yesterday late afternoon and was the 9th annual.

A worker said that the full moon was so bright that he did not need his flashlight.

On this Day : July 11 th 1893

The first cultured pearl is obtained by one of Japan’s eventual top 10 inventors, Mikimoto  Kokichi.

TGIF- Cool off at a close beach

 

Have a great weekend save power by gong to the beach

The beaches in British Columbia are guaranteed to satisfy every type of beach lover. Kayaking, surfing and sailing are all popular on the shores of the Salish Sea. These activities are all accessible to residents of BC’s largest city, Vancouver. BC hosts many breathtaking ocean beaches on its mainland as well as its islands (Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, Haida Gwaii). From long sandy beaches to aquamarine waters, some areas of this province can make you feel like you are on holiday in the tropics.

There are many warm freshwater lakes in inland BC. These lakes feature stunning scenery and are perfect for recreational water use. Both sandy and rocky beaches can be found. You’ll find breathtaking views of BC’s mountainous regions, including the Canadian Rockies and Coast Mountains.

Water temperatures can be cool in the ocean and the province’s northern lakes. Nevertheless, hot temperatures in July and August mean that being by the water offers some much needed refreshment. Many of the province’s beaches also offer pristine natural areas and sparkling clean water, the pinnacle of a perfect beach experience.

Some of BC’s best known lakes include:
Okanagan Lake: known for its warm waters and sunny days.
Joffre Lakes: glacier lakes famous for their turquoise waters which are surrounded by beautiful glacial-capped mountains.
Sasamat lake: a beautiful, white sandy beach and one of the warmest lakes you’ll find in the province. Source Swim Guide.org

 

Editors Note: An air quality alert was issued for the Nicola Valley July 8th 9:26 AM

On this Day: July 7th 1916

The New Zealand  Labour Party is formed in Wellington NZ.

 

 

 

What’s in a dog ?


The Dog Show happened in Merritt they had seven class’s the Karelian Bear Dog won best working dog.( used by the US Ranger service for dealing with bears) source.

 

Canine Review

File photo KDG, Van absent this year!

 

 

 

On this Day: June 6th 1933

The first  Drive Inn Theater opens in the US.

Bass Coast

 

Merritt Music Festival VIP press

The press box at the entrance to the music festival grounds now used by many organizers in Merritt ,File Photo KDG

 

There were a couple of young men picking up tables from the arena downtown on Tuesday. They are setting up for the July 7th Bass  Coast concert here in Merritt.
The electronic music festival is for  millennials according to the two . They then qualified that there is a mix of ages and people who attend.
This is the 9th annual for the concert held on the music festival site south of Merritt.

The artists include: 1800 Haightstreet, Electric Café, and Abstrakt  Sonance and others.
On this Day: July 5th 1954
The BBC broadcasts its first TV program.

Art walk July 4-31 2017

Art displayed at the Baillie house
File Photo. KDG

Local Art
The local Chamber is having its annual Art Walk again this summer. Starting on July fourth and running the length of July, local artists are having their art in local business places.

A limited number of  bracelets will be available on the 4rth for 5 dollars at the Chamber office on Voght street. A bead will be at participating business’s, complete the bracelet and you can enter a draw.

Local Gale Simpsons art is available for viewing at the Merritt Desert  Lobby Inn at this writing.

On this Day: June 27th 1750
General Wolfe begins his assault on French Canada.

TGIF$1.14.9 a liter

A fuel truck delivers gasoline to a service station
File Photo KDG

Gasoline is down another cent a liter here this week.  A good test weekend is coming this Sunday will be getting to near 40 degrees followed by 30 degree weather for the week ahead. Summer driving is apon us however grade schools last day of instruction is June 29th and June 30th an administration day.  Summer driving may increase after as a result. All 5 service stations in Merritt are the same price at this writing.

 

 

 

On this Day: June 23rd 1946

The Vancouver Island earthquake shakes the west coast of Canada.

 

 

 

 

The last National Aboriginal Day

Dr.Eugene Atleos speaks to staff members and interested public at the , NVIT Speakers series
He is now a former grand chief.
File Photo KDG

June 21st National Aboriginal Day this year will be its last observance as sources say next year it will be National Indigenous Peoples Day.

What’s the difference besides a lot of printing changes.

Aboriginal, a group of first people’s Indigenous a collective term for first people’s, so you should not have to struggle with Metis, Indian , First Nations, Native should all apply without offence to Indigenous.

Canada according to Former PM John Diefenbaker was not to be hyphenated Irish Canadian etc however indigenous will go some way in relieving aboriginals PP

 

On this day: June 21st 1957

Canada gets its first female member of the Cabinet as Ellen Fairclough is sworn in.

 

World Refugee Day


 File Photo KDG

No it’s not everyone going to space. It is the observation of the world-wide trauma of refugees and the events that cause them.

About 70 million people in the world today are refugees. Earthquakes, volcanos, and other natural disasters are responsible for many , refugees from strife remain the most actionable and preventable to this day.

The asylum program in Canada works to provide refugee protection to people in Canada who:

  • have a well-founded fear of persecution or
  • are at risk of torture, or cruel or unusual punishment in their home countries

Not everyone is eligible to seek asylum. For example, people are not eligible to make a claim if they have:

  • been convicted of serious criminal offences or
  • had previous refugee claims denied by Canada.: Source Government of Canada

On this Day: June 20th 1982

The asteriod Eureka is found.

 

TGIF-Hot dog

Down town core of Merritt, File Photo KDG

 

Tina Vesper is selling hotdogs in front of the Royal Bank. She operated a truck concessionary some years ago and would travel to public events such as baseball games.
The step up to the bank has been vacant of vendors since Manuel gave up his stand a number of years ago. Manuel had a union job at the local saw mill and did it as a form of self expression /enjoyment.

The Royal bank, Merritt branch is at the corner of Garcia and Quilchena in Merritt British Columbia Canada. Tina says Saturday she will be at the Home building supply corner of Voght and Coldwater. She has also set up shop at the Spirit Square and the Saturday farmers market.

 

On this Day: June 16th 1963

The first women in Space Soviet Valentina Tereshkova.

Happy Flag Day:

Norgaard flag

The flag the flies atop the hill entering Merritt from the west highway 8, it is kept by the ready mix company that owns the land and gravel pit. File Photo KDG

Canada got its flag from the minority government of Lester Person in the 1960s. Replacing the red ensign with a Union Jack in the corner it was the result of  a poll sent out with a  3 choice question  to all Canadians. the choice of a single maple leaf  was widely excepted and is an example of successful consultation around the world.

The record of parliament does not reflect this acceptance as closure on the debate was necessary. The fact that many personal preferences of politicians such as the “Pearson Pennant” were not taken may be in part the reason for public  acceptance.

Prime Minister  made June 15th 1996 flag day after coming to office in the 1993 election.

Editors note: There are many people of good will and make fine choices for parliament however there is a saying that patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel,( worst case)  combine that with  nationalism and you may have trouble,you be the judge…

After sitting 210 days, an extended parliamentary session ends in December 1964 as the House of Commons votes for closure on the flag debate. The motion, introduced by the ruling Liberal party, puts an end to a wild session of name-calling and intricate political manoeuvering. Opposition leader John Diefenbaker says closure is bad for the parliamentary system and accuses Pearson of trying to impose his flag on the people. New Democratic Party leader Tommy Douglas says he’s glad to see an end to the Progressive Conservative filibuster, although the Liberals are to blame because they pushed for the maple leaf flag. Liberal member of Parliament John Matheson says the new design’s use of the national colours of red and white, rather than blue, is more “correct” for Canada because blue harks back to the Queen.        Source CBC

 

On this Day: June 15th 1996

Flag day is proclaimed ..

 

Golf-Fourteen holes

Markey93
keeps his eye on the ball
at the Nicola Valley Golf and Golf and Country Club in Merritt
File Photo KDG

Water on the local links have deterred golfers this spring. Some came out when 4 holes of 9 were available now 7 of 9 are available because of water and fairway damage.

About 700 feet of rock rip rap were placed on the Nicola River bank on the north side of the links as well as some turf replacement in a coincidence that BC Hydro had buried electric cable and services last winter .

The seniors tournament for this Friday has been rescheduled for September 15th, the 75 dollar entry fee ( includes a prime rib ) stays the same. Carts an additional 15 dollars.

A 600 membership fee for new members is still being offered. The people on the links today were enjoying the course even though some of the esthetics were less then perfect. All trees remain standing and in glorious bloom.

On this Day: June 13th 1898

The Yukon territory of Canada is formed with Dawson as its Capital.

The true north strong and free…Photo KDG:

The Coopers grocery store is charging 4 cents for grocery bags, the good news is that the price of the reusable ones is down to 99 cents. IF they sell lots that way does that make it the same on the good old environment…
No more copper pennies made in Canada so enjoy the Maple leaf photo as you think on your better ecological footprint.

On this Day: June 2nd 1855

The Barnum circus begins to tour the United States.