Barkerville is closed for the tourist season, but the historic site will open its gates for the Christmas spirit. Come to the Cariboo gold rush museum town a fortnight before Christmas - where else but a land out of time would use the "fortnight" as a mark on the calendar - to hitch a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh for some seasonal carols and Victorian-era fun.
From Saturday through Monday, Barkerville's snowy streets will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises to be bustling with special yuletide events.
Internationally acclaimed western music group The Hanson Family will be fresh off the ol' Cariboo Road and snugly inside Barkerville for this Christmas arch through time. These singing stars from Oregon will be live at the vintage Methodist Church for a series of performances out of the wild west Christmas songbook.
"If you're spending a day or the whole weekend with us, there is something extra special at Barkerville's Old-Fashioned Christmas this year," said Ed Coleman, Barkerville's chief executive officer. He added that "the beautiful harmonies and vocal arrangements of the Hanson Family have gained them recognition in the music world as well as the honour of winning, among other awards, the 2014 Western Music Association's Crescendo Award, the 2013 Kamloops Cowboy Festival's Rising Star Showcase, the 2006 Western Music Association Marilyn Tuttle 'Best of the Best' Harmony Award, and the 2005 WMA Youth Yodeler of the Year. They have entertained at the Alaska State Fair, Pendleton Roundup, Paramount Theater in Seattle, New York City Center Theater in New York, and hundreds of other events and venues across the US and Canada."
The Hanson Family will perform at the church at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and at noon Monday. A minimum donation of $5 gets you into the warm embrace of their live harmonies.
Theirs is not the only attraction on the wintery walks through Barkerville that weekend.
"Barkerville in December is a totally unique holiday destination," said Coleman, "And, with our onsite bed-and-breakfasts booking overnight stays for the weekend, families and friends can experience a one-of-a-kind immersive stay in a truly historic setting."
Daytime visitors and overnight guests can sip some tasty apple cider while shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts and carefully crafted Christmas decorations at the Mason And Daly General Merchants, C. Strouss And Company Dry Goods, and McPherson's Watchmakers And Jewelry Store.
The Cameron And Ames Blacksmith Shop will be offering up hand-forged treasures and authentic lumps of coal for those with unusual "naughty and nice" lists to consider, and McMahon's Confectionary is sure to satisfy the sweet tooth of the most carefully hung stocking.
The Goldfield Bakery will have soup and sandwiches available for lunch, as well as traditional Christmas goodies to take home.
A stop by the Wendle House is sure to whet the appetite with an atmosphere of Victorian cookery and fireside conversation.
Visitors are encouraged to wander among a variety of Barkerville's beautiful museum displays.
Take a history-filled guided tour of the snow-laden main street, attend Sunday services at St. Saviour's Anglican Church, and have a photo taken with Father Christmas himself in the Enchanted Forest.
Admission into this snowy slip through time is by donation - either money or non-perishable food items - with proceeds going to the Wells Legion holiday hamper program.
For more information on Barkerville's Old-Fashioned Victorian Christmas, please contact Judy Mooring at 1-888-994-3332, ext. 29 or visit www.barkerville.ca/events.htm.
