The sound of gold pans and community celebrations will return to Taylor this weekend as the World’s Invitational Gold Panning Championships make their annual return.
The event runs from Friday to Sunday at Peace Island Park, bringing together competitors, families and visitors for three days of activities.
The weekend kicks off with a parade Friday beginning at about 5 p.m. Community members are invited to participate by entering a float, decorated vehicle, quad, piece of equipment, horseback entry or other animal entry.
Parade participants will gather at the Taylor Arena parking lot for marshalling starting at 5 p.m. Entry is free, and those interested in joining can register through the Community Services Hub by calling 250-789-2828.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including an arts-and-crafts fair, bouncy castles, face painting, wagon rides and a bannock-baking competition.
Saturday’s festivities begin at 9 a.m. and continue into the evening, wrapping up with campfire songs and s’mores at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday’s events start with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. before the weekend concludes with an awards presentation at 3 p.m.
