While the South Cariboo may be somewhat out-of-reach of big city entertainment, there is enough high-grade, home-grown talent around to satisfy even the heartiest of cultural appetites.
Performing arts is popular with both youths and adults in the community and the deep talent pool spills out into a variety of areas.
The 100 Mile Performing Arts Society taps into this valuable resource every April when it performs its annual musical production.
In the past, the society staged such notables as Annie Get Your Gun, Sound of Music, and in 2011, Annie filled Martin Exeter Hall. The six-day run is always a sellout.
One of the top-rated entertainment events of the year is the Bankers' Variety Show, which happens in late March or early April. Financial institution staff members throw aside their stereo-types and dress as divas and dudes for the most hilarious lip-synching event imaginable.
South Cariboo Idols, a contest which draws out the top local vocal talent each year, starts its new cycle in May. Ten finalists perform at community events throughout the following months until September when the winners are chosen at the South Cariboo Fall Fair in 100 Mile.
Festival of the Arts takes place for two weeks at the end of April and beginning of May. It provides music and speech arts students an environment to perform in, and the public gets an opportunity to appreciate them. The festival closes with a showcase performance of the best talent.
To get a heads-up on fashion and help the local graduating class at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO), folks should attend the annual Grad Fashion Show. It takes place in mid-April.
The South Cariboo Farmers' Market features all kinds of home-grown and handmade local products, as well as baking and hot food that are perfect for a quick and wholesome lunch.
It's located on Highway 97 at the north end of town from May to late September, running every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Clinton Annual Ball, which happens each May in the historic Village of Clinton, takes people back to the 1800s to a celebration where flowing ball gowns and coats, vest and top hats are the dress code. It's the longest running annual celebration event in Canada and tickets are always at a premium.
For those who enjoy theatre, 100 Mile House Junior Secondary always comes out with a quality musical theatre production in the spring and PSO takes its turn in the winter with a great drama. Count on the Fourth Annual Mega Show, featured at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre (SCRC) at the end of April to bring you up to date on all of the popular gizmos, gadgets and building materials.
Kicking off Western Week, in mid-May, is a Beatles tribute concert with Fab Fourever at the SCRC.
On the May 24 long weekend, people in the South Cariboo look forward to a couple of days of rodeo action with both the Little Britches Rodeo and the South Cariboo Rodeo Association Rough Stock Rodeo.
Relay for Life, a huge Canadian Cancer Society fund-raiser held each June in Centennial Park, features non-stop entertainment all day on an outdoor stage.
Canada Day celebrations at the 108 Heritage Site offers more of the same great local talent along with craft booths and activities for children on July 1.
Rev up for the Hot July Nights Car & Bike Show 'n Shine in July, which brings a half mile of chrome and horse power to 100 Mile.
Airport Day at the South Cariboo Regional Airport at 108 Mile in mid-summer is a huge draw with dozens of planes on display and radio-controlled aircraft demos.
Another summertime favourite is the annual Garlic Festival at Lac la Hache, and it features all kinds of things made from the “stinking rose.” It takes place in August, with live entertainment, food and a sea of booths set against the beautiful backdrop of the longest town in the Cariboo.
There's also the huge annual Summer Art Show and Sale at Parkside Art Gallery, where people can browse and buy magnificent artwork created by very talented local artists.
Soak up some First Nations culture and marvel at magnificent dancing and costumes at the Canim Lake Traditional Pow Wow in late August. It's held at the Canim Lake Arbor, which is located on the reserve.
Autumn is welcomed in with an old-fashioned Fall Fair that takes place at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre, and with Cariboo Country Night at Watch Lake, where fans of country music and cowboy poetry can enjoy some top-notch entertainment.
Lac la Hache Oktoberfest is where you will find loads of traditional German fare, live music and a yodeling contest, and at the end of the month.
Halloween Town at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre features a giant family Halloween party complete with an always excellent haunted house, bonfire, ice skating and fireworks to cap the evening off.
Winter doldrums are nearly non-existent in the South Cariboo, with all kinds of small concerts and super fundraising dinners, auction and dances.
Counting down the arrival the jolly fat elf, the grand Santa Claus Parade along Birch Avenue kicks off the Christmas season, and the downtown core is abuzz for the Moonlight Madness sales.
Every month of the year offers something different to see or do in the South Cariboo, no matter where your interests lay, so jump in and enjoy it.
