Family Day is a perfect time to spend time with and reconnect with your loved ones each February.
First introduced to Canada in 1990 when Alberta adopted it, the day has since spread across most of Canada including British Columbia. Celebrated on the third Monday of every February this regional holiday gives families a chance to deepen their bonds over a long weekend.
Here in the South Cariboo this year community groups, businesses and volunteers are all coming together to host a wide range of events and activities for families to do. Whether you want to go skiing, skating or just watch a movie, the opportunity is there.
Outhouse Races
While it is not held on Family Day itself, the Fishing Highway 24 Tourist Association's Outhouse Races on Sunday, Feb. 16 is bound to be a fun time for the whole family. Hosted at the Iron Horse Pub in Lone Butte, the event will see dozens of South Cariboo locals race custom-built outhouses around a course set up behind the pub. Racers will work in teams of three with two members pushing the Outhouse and one riding within.
Awards will be given for the fastest team as well as for the prettiest outhouse. The Fishing Highway 24 Tourist Association will also have a selection of outhouses available for any last-minute teams looking to try their luck. Registration is $10 online via fishinghighway24.com or $15 until 10 a.m. on the race day.
The event begins at 10 a.m. with a breakfast buffet at the Iron Horse on a first come, first served basis. The races begin at 11 a.m. and will run until all age categories have had a chance to participate.
During the race, several snow games for children and spectators will be available to play. Anyone looking for further information can contact the association at info@fishinghighway24.com.
Free Skate
The South Cariboo Rec Centre is opening its doors twice this weekend for the public for free. On Sunday, Feb. 16 the rec centre will be open for its usual free skate from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with anyone looking to skate invited to come and strap on their ice skates. This Free Skate is being sponsored by Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson.
On Family Day itself starting at noon the rec centre is opening up the ice again for a special Family Day Free Skate. This Family Day Free Skate is sponsored by FreshCo 100 Mile.
Please note you must bring your own ice skates and safety gear. The rec centre can be reached at 250-395-1353 for further details.
Family Movie Day
The South Cariboo Theatre, with the support of eXp Realty, is opening up its doors for a free movie matinee this Family Day. All are invited to attend a free screening of Captain America: Brave New World at 1:30 p.m.
Admission is by donation of one non-perishable food item with all proceeds going to Loaves and Fishes. While you're there, feel free to donate to the theatre's own Raise the Roof fundraiser as they seek to raise money to replace their roof.
Fishing Derbies
If you're looking to try your hand at Ice Fishing this weekend, you're spoiled for choice of derbies to enter.
Kicking off on Saturday, Feb. 15 the Deka Lake and District Volunteer Firefighters Society is organizing the 2025 (Little) Deka Lake Ice Fishing Derby and Raffle this Family Day Long Weekend in support of the Deka Lake Volunteer Fire Department. The derby runs from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Access 12 on Deka Lake with prizes being given out in four categories. A raffle will also be run with cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200 for the lucky winners.
Tickets are $10 each at Lone Butte Sporting Goods, Donex Pharmacy & Dept. Store Screemin’ Reel Fly and Tackle and Access 12 on derby day. Anyone with questions can email dekalakevfdsociety@gmail.com or call 250-706-2750.
On Sunday, Feb. 16 the Inaugural 70 Mile House Ice Fishing Derby is set to take place on Green Lake. Tickets are $20 for adults while fishers under the age of 12 can enter for free. The derby begins in the morning and runs until the afternoon, with two weigh-in stations set up, one on South Green Lake and one at North Green Lake. Buying into the derby also gets each participant an entry into a door prize raffle.
Awards will be given out for first and second place in Rainbow Trout and Kokanee categories and for two 'hidden weight' prizes. Following the derby prizes and awards will be given out at Eddy's Bar and Grill during a buffet with a separate entry fee of $25 beginning at 5 p.m.
Finally, on Family Day itself, the Greeny Lake Volunteer Fire Department has come up with the idea of a fishing derby.
The VFD's fishing derby will take place on both Greeny Lake and Timothy Lake beginning at 8 a.m. and finishing at 3 p.m. The cost to register in this derby is just $10 each with children under 12 getting to enter for free.
Registration and weigh-in will take place at the Greeny Lake VFD Fire Hall. There will be cash prizes given out for the longest Rainbow Trout and longest Kokanee.
Free Ski
The 100 Mile House Nordics Ski Society is welcoming families to come up to get a free sample of their ski trails. Throughout Family Day the Nordics is offering a free trail pass for any families who wish to go cross-country skiing. Ski rentals are available at the Nordics' Ski Lodge while the ski trails themselves can be found a few minutes drive south of 100 Mile House down Ainsworth Road off Highway 97.
Family Fun Day
The 108 Mile Ranch Community is coming together this Family Day to offer Family Fun Day at the 108 Mile Community Mile Ranch Community Hall. Organized by members of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association, 108 Mile Lions Club, 100 Mile House Wranglers, Mile High Bounce and 108 ATV Club it will feature several events for families to enjoy both inside and outside the community hall.
This includes ATV rides, street hockey with the 100 Mile House Wranglers, sledding, snowman building, snowball throwing, a family photo booth, a bean bag toss and indoor mini golf. All are welcome to attend and participate free of charge from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17.
