It’s time to look back at Salmon Arm’s rich history again as R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum and the Mall at Piccadilly mark Heritage Week from Feb. 15 to 20.
This year the provincial theme is Distinctive Destinations.
“We have, right in our own backyard, a very distinctive destination, R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum,” says general manager Susan Mackie.
“The village, museum and archives are a very exceptional place that offers a unique and authentic experience for visitors to come and explore Salmon Arm’s rich history.”
The 40-acre site is comprised of 14 buildings and includes the original 1910 Haney House. There are 2.5 kilometres of easy walking trails that take visitors through four climate zones where they can see plants original to the property.
The staff and volunteers bring history to life by telling the stories of the community and significant pioneer figures from 1911 to 1930.
Last season 12,424 visitors explored the museum and discovered the five exhibits – The Train Stopped Here, Fish on the Run, The Secwepemc First Nations, The Peterson Brothers Ltd. – Salmon Arm Orcharding Family, and No Irrigation Required – Salmon Arm’s Apple Industry.
A total of 2,623 people enjoyed the popular Villains and Vittles Dinner Theatre and many others experienced the many special events hosted by the village.
This year’s 20th Annual Heritage Week keepsake poster features an image from the museum’s collection.
The Government Wharf in Salmon Arm Bay has been a community gathering place since it was constructed as a private jetty in 1896.
The heritage celebration is going on the road and will be on location at the Mall at Piccadilly from Feb. 18 to 20.
It will include a silent auction made possible by the generous donations of items by local businesses and individuals.
“With the help of the Salmon Arm community, the silent auction has become one of the village’s most successful fundraising events of the season,” says Mackie. “There are more than 100 items being auctioned and bidding closes Saturday, Feb. 20 at 3 p.m.”
That Saturday is a day for the whole family. Jane’s Place is hosting a $5 plus tax pioneer breakfast starting at 8:30 a.m. Part of the proceeds are donated back to the village.
The 20th Annual Best of the Shuswap Pie Baking Contest takes place and winners will walk away with this year’s title, an engraved trophy and dinner theatre tickets for two to the summer production of Villain and Vittles.
Pies must be made the old-fashioned way, from scratch and be apple, fruit or berry. Pies are judged by appearance, authenticity, texture and taste.
Pies can be dropped off at the mall’s centre court from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 20.
“This popular pie contest promises to be lip-smacking tasty and everyone is welcome to participate,” Mackie says.
“After the judging and awards, slices of the pies may be purchased for $2.50 each.”
At noon, the “Best of the Shuswap Pie Auction” will begin. Everyone is welcome to bid on pies that are baked and donated by winning pie contestants from past years and celebrities.
At Family Fun Day, participants will enjoy the craft table, panning for real Haney gold, discovering the exhibit designed especially for Heritage Week by the museum’s curator, see pioneer displays, demonstrations and more.
Proceeds from Heritage Week support the extraordinary projects and educational programs at R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum.
For more information on Heritage Week, the pie-baking contest and other village events, contact R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum by phone at 250-832-5243 or check out the website www.salmonarmmuseum.org.