Barkerville’s special event lineup for the summer is about to start with the popular Dominion Day Celebration on July 1st and will feature a parade at noon followed by games for all ages.
Canada’s very first Dominion Day celebration was held in Barkerville as a fervent display of support for Canadian confederation three years before British Columbia joined in 1871.
Just past midnight on July 1, 1868, the Dominion of Canada’s first anniversary, Barkerville citizens launched their own version of a 21-gun salute. Cannons were in short supply, so black powder charges were detonated between stacked anvils, providing a loud and raucous start to Canada’s inaugural birthday party. A full slate of activities followed throughout the day and long into the evening, capped off with a fireworks display.
The very next year Cariboo’s “new” Canadian Flag, with its iconic beaver and wreath, was raised in the dead of night to the top of a newly constructed flagpole. The next day began with the now traditional anvil chorus and the ensuing celebrations were legendary.
Extensive historical research suggests that Barkerville began celebrating Dominion Day (Canada Day) eleven years before it was officially recognized.
To learn more about Barkerville’s Dominion Day Celebration, visit https://www.barkerville.ca/dominion-day/