Billy Barker Days: A golden good time in Quesnel

Billy Barker Days organizers are celebrating the festival's 50th anniversary with four days of activities from July 16 to 19 in the heart of Quesnel. The volunteer-run event offers free entertainment and plenty of family-friendly activities during the...

Billy Barker Days organizers are celebrating the festival's 50th anniversary with four days of activities from July 16 to 19 in the heart of Quesnel. The volunteer-run event offers free entertainment and plenty of family-friendly activities during the Gold Rush-inspired celebration, said Billy Barker Days Society president Shane Rawling. Rawling, who was born and raised in Quesnel, has been involved with the society for about 15 years and is serving as president for the first time.

"And I love everything about it," he said. To mark the festival's 50th anniversary, organizers are inviting many of the people who helped establish Billy Barker Days to a special gathering Thursday evening. Two founding members, Jess Ketchum and Ron Paul, are expected to attend.

Several throwback events are returning this year at the suggestion of former Billy Barker Days Society members, including the Mr. Quesnel contest. Like a traditional pageant, contestants will appear in bathing suits, showcase a talent and answer pageant-style questions. "But there's a twist," Rawling said.

"It's the Vintage Mr. Quesnel contest, so seniors will be the ones participating." The competition will even feature vintage bathing suits reflecting the era in which Billy Barker lived. "I think it's going to be hilarious and entertaining," Rawling said.

The contest is part of Seniors Day, which opens Billy Barker Days on Thursday at Lebourdais Park. Activities begin at 1 p.m. on the main stage. Seniors Day also starts Thursday morning with a free Ferris wheel ride for seniors in memory of Gloria Lazzarin, a former city councillor and longtime community volunteer who traditionally celebrated Billy Barker Days with a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Seniors are also invited to enjoy a light lunch, refreshments and live entertainment throughout the day. Award-winning Elvis tribute artist Steve Elliott headlines performances at 2 and 7 p.m. Kids Day takes place Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children with a Miner's Licence can enjoy games, crafts and live entertainment free of charge. Activities include making toys and crafts, blowing bubbles and helping paint Pulpasaurus.

Pulpasaurus, Rawling explained, is a mythical mascot created years ago by the local pulp mill using wood, wire mesh and pulp paper. Each year, children help repaint the figure as a community art project. "He's definitely a fixture during Billy Barker Days Kids Day in the park," Rawling said.

Billy's Treasure Hunt runs throughout the festival, while entertainment continues on the Friendship Stage and Shooting Star's Midway operates all weekend. "The park is usually packed on Kids Day," Rawling said. "The kids really love it."

Teenagers have their own activities as well. "We started it a few years ago," Rawling said. "It's Teen Time.

We wanted to make sure teens were included because we're a family festival, so there are activities just for them." Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and sunscreen. Children can also enter the Billy Barker colouring contest by picking up a colouring sheet at the Billy Barker Days office, 701 Carson Ave., and returning it by 4 p.m. Friday.

Entries must include the child's name, age and phone number on the back. Saturday begins with the Billy Barker Days Parade through downtown Quesnel at 10 a.m. "We've never allowed candy to be thrown from floats or vehicles because of safety concerns," Rawling said.

"This year we're holding a Candy Parade before the main parade, where participants can hand candy directly to children from wheelbarrows, wagons or baskets." Another returning tradition is the Pet Parade, which will also take place before the main parade, allowing children to show off their pets. "The church service in the park is always very well attended on Sunday morning," Rawling added.

Sunday also features the Teddy Bear Clinic and Tooth Booth from 1 to 3 p.m., where children can bring their favourite stuffed animals for a checkup. Local doctors and dentists will examine the toys, helping young visitors become more comfortable with medical appointments. Shooting Star's Midway will operate Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Another festival highlight is the Billy Button draw.

Festival buttons cost $5 and enter purchasers into draws for gold nuggets valued at $1,000, $500 and $300. The draw takes place Sunday during the festival's closing ceremonies. "As a grand finale, we have a huge drone show Sunday night as soon as it gets dark," Rawling said.

"It replaced our fireworks in 2017 because of the high wildfire risk. The drone show has been really well received, and it's our way of saying thank you to everyone who comes to the festival." Attendance reaches into the thousands each year, although exact numbers are difficult to determine because the event is free and ungated.

"I was selling 50-50 tickets one Saturday afternoon and stopped for a moment to look around," Rawling recalled. "I thought, 'Wow, I'm part of bringing all these people together,' and it was such a good feeling." Rawling said visitors travel from across the province and beyond to attend Billy Barker Days, and everyone is welcome.

The 59th annual Quesnel Rodeo, the 2026 Gold City Classic, will also be part of the celebration. Performances are scheduled for Friday from 7 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Alex Fraser Park rodeo grounds. Crash to Pass returns to Gold Pan Speedway on Thursday.

Time trials begin at 5 p.m., with racing starting at 6 p.m. The main event continues until only one car remains. Downtown businesses are encouraged to decorate storefronts, windows and staff in Billy Barker Days style for a fan-favourite competition.

The Gold Dust Mall Gallery will occupy the 200 and 300 blocks of Reid Street from Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local and BC vendors will offer a wide variety of merchandise and food, while live music will be featured on the Reid Street Stage. The Royal Canadian Legion will serve pancake breakfasts Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon in its banquet hall at 262 Kinchant St. Breakfast includes two pancakes, two sausages and scrambled eggs for $10, while children can enjoy a half portion for $5.

Barbecues follow at noon both days. For more information about Billy Barker Days, visit billybarkerdays.ca.