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Weekends continue to excite in Big Valley

This past Sunday, Big Valley welcomed over 400 Girl Guides and their leaders who travelled on the train to visit us.

BIG VALLEY BULLETIN -- This past Sunday, Big Valley welcomed over 400 Girl Guides and their leaders who travelled on the train to visit us. After participating in a scavenger hunt amongst our buildings and artifacts, they visited the venues and shops on Main Street, enjoying ice cream and fudge treats. This Friday, July 15, we expect another 180+ Girl Guides to be among the regular train passengers visiting Big Valley.

On Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17, Big Valley’s annual Live Steam Days take place. Situated on the grassy area across from McAllister Motors will be numerous small steam engines chugging away plus all kinds of antique cars and trucks from Big Valley and the surrounding area. Included in this showcase you will find Rod Miller’s small steam engines and train whistle as well as Bill Smiley’s Ice Cream Maker. This is a treat not only for visiting train passengers but for everyone in the village and area, so be sure to come on down to check out the remarkable exhibits and demonstrations.

The 13th annual Hivernant Métis Days comes to Big Valley on the weekend of July 29, 30 and 31. Organized by the Hivernant Métis Cultural Society, this annual three-day family event is a great opportunity to discover Métis history and culture. On Friday at 4 p.m., come meet the train as it arrives in Big Valley proudly flying the Métis flags. Enjoy traditional dancing, musicians and storytelling at Big Valley’s Jubilee Hall or check out the trapper’s camp and teepees and visit the vendors offering traditional aboriginal crafts.

Saturday’s activities begin with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by the 10 a.m. opening ceremony at the Jubilee Hall. Enjoy horse drawn Red River Cart rides, try your hand at sash weaving, beading, capote and drum making or fiddle lessons or take part in the bannock making contest and the children’s games and crafts. There will be a supper and dance beginning at 5:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the Voyager games begin at 8:30 a.m., the church service is at 10:00 a.m. and there will be a talent contest from 12 noon till 4 p.m. featuring jigging, singing, fiddling and prizes. Come to Big Valley to experience Métis history, culture, music, crafts and dance at this fun, family friendly weekend. For more information contact at Marlene Lanz (403) 815-6720, 1-800-267-5844, visit the website at www.hivernantmetisculturesociety.net or email mlanz@shaw.ca.