A hearty Pioneer Breakfast from 9 to noon kicks off Father’s Day celebrations at the Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens on June 19.
The Grist Mill Heritage Club are putting together some music in the gardens and old time family games in the esplanade by the mill and Keremeos Creek. Featured are tug’o war, sack races and wheelbarrow races from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
A new Grist Mill Foundation has been formed so that fund-raising can happen through a Registered Charity. The Grist Mill Heritage Club has joined with The Grist Mill Foundation and will continue to work to preserve the “heritage treasure” which is The Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens.
Grist Mill Foundation Chair is John Millar and Secretary Treasurer is Dave Cursons
So far in 2011 attendance by visitors has been good despite this Spring’s rainy weather. A parade of tours, school day trips and tours from out of country are booked. As always, American, Canadian as well as regional and local attendance is expected. Eurotourists, especially German, frequent the heritage site each summer.
The Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens are open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Besides the old mill itself, displays of artifact in the setting of beautiful heritage gardens there is a gift shop and tea room. Admission is $5 (adults), $4 for seniors and students, under five years, free.
Volunteers with the Grist Mill Heritage Club have contributed to past success with Father’s Day, Canada Day, BC Heritage Day, Labor Day and the annual Apple Day Celebration on Thanksgiving Weekend. The annual club $25 membership includes a seasons pass.
New Grist Mill Heritage Club memberships are welcome and are available at the grist mill or by calling 250-499-5417. Volunteer opportunities abound.
Similkameen Wineries Association has been a major supporter The Grist Mill Heritage Club. As well, support is ongoing from Similkameen Country, The South Similkameen Museum Society, Valu Plus Foods, The Village of Keremeos, Me ‘n Bok Bok’s Pizza, the Similkameen Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society and Regional District Area “G”.
Contact the Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens for more information at: 250-499-2888 Email: info@OldMillGardens.ca Website: www.oldmillgardens.ca
-Dave Cursons