VICTORIA DAY MUSINGS AND MEANDERINGS

Some fun and creative ideas about what to do on this May long weekend

For some, it’s drinking beer and camping; for others, it’s cleaning the yard and gardening: Victoria Day is just around the corner and here are some tips on how to spend the weekend.

This is one holiday that Yukoners have been looking forward to for months and it begins Friday, May 19.

Queen Victoria’s birthday has nothing to do with this (for gardeners, it’s all about the weather). It is a weekend where it is safe to plant an outdoor garden in the Yukon. One has to be quick if one wants to buy broccoli, cauliflower or zucchini babies in town: they often sell out by May long weekend. Time to sink your fingers into black soil and create new life. If you need help, yukongrow.com has a blog with lots of tips on how to get started growing.

CAMPING

Yukoners are eager to get outside and do some camping, and now it’s finally warm enough to sleep in a tent. There are over 50 campgrounds and day-use recreation sites in the Yukon that open May 19. Campgrounds such as Kusuwa Lake are open, but, watch out, there might still be huge puddles of water that you have to drive through. You might not get through if you are driving a small car. People who want to stay close to Whitehorse may choose from the following government campgrounds: the Fox Lake, Lake Laberge, Marsh Lake, Pine Lake, Snafu Lake, Squanga Lake, Tarfu Lake, Twin Lakes and Wolf Creek campgrounds.

It is still cold at night, so bring plenty of warm clothing. And you need a permit for camping. Buy your campground pass now and you can enjoy unlimited access to campgrounds all summer long. For a list of campgrounds, visit yukon. ca/en/find-status-yukon-campgrounds-and-recreation-sites

Yukoners are always eager to get outside and do some camping on the May long weekend

TRAVELLING

Ever wanted to travel to Kamloops? Air North is offering May limited-edition flights to Kamloops during the May long weekend. Enjoy the sunshine and milder temperatures in Kamloops. Visit the farmers market on Saturday. And cafés and restaurants dot the downtown area. Explore Kamloops’ arts and culture scene and learn about Indigenous history. The Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Indigenous culture and language. The Secwépemc Museum offers tours of the Kamloops Indian Residential School that was in operation from 1890 to 1969, when the federal government took over to operate it as a residence for a day school. It was shut down in 1978 and, just recently, the museum started to offer educational tours of the former residential school and also educate visitors about this dark part of Canadian history.

You can email the museum for further inquiry at museum@ttes.ca. And you can visit Kamloops Heritage Railway Park to learn more about the Canadian Railway and steam trains.

If you are ready to be entertained, visit The Effie Arts Collective, on May 20, and watch the stand-up comedy trio: Scott Porteous, Frank Russo and Mike Payne.

“TRAVELLING” INDOORS

What can you do if you don’t have the opportunity to go out of town? On May 21, the Black Travel Summit will offer online live sessions with travel influencers, experts and others, to discuss topics on Black culture and travel. And eventbrite.ca will offer various online events around the May long weekend. Another online event is the Career Fair by Tech Career Fair. It is a virtual Career Fair with fast-growing start-ups and 500 companies in technology in the U.S. and Canada. If you are keen on learning more about a career in the tech industry, this might be something for you.

Enjoy Some Solitude

There are no festivals going on over the May long weekend (and no events at the Yukon Arts Centre), so Whitehorse can feel lonely during the Victoria Day weekend. If you are longing for some alone time, the long weekend is the perfect time to stay in town. If you don’t want to stay indoors the whole time, you can have local amenities “all to yourself.” Popular spots, such as Baked Café or Bean North Coffee Shop, might not be crowded because the masses have left to go camping and adventuring. Nearby mountains, such as Grey Mountain, and the local bike trails provide opportunities to get your share of adventure if you are staying in town. n

The Best Things in Life are… Rescued!

Meet Slugger!

Slugger is a 5-month-old Male husky cross.

Despite his tough name, Slugger is a big baby. He’s got a bit of anxiety so he loves to be around his people. He loves to be picked up and snuggled, and he adores hugs. He’s very chatty and likes to make conversation even when nobody is around.

If you are interested in adopting Slugger please fill out an online application at humanesocietyyukon.ca. If you already have a pre-approved application with us within the last year, call 633-6019 to put your application towards him.

Shelter Hours: Tuesdays - Fridays 12pm-6pm Saturdays - 10am-6pm 126 Tlingit St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6J2 | Tel: 867 633 6019

Annie Canto | My Beautiful Laundry

May 18 – June 24 fri-thurs daily sat & sun matinee James Gunn, 150 MINS

MAY 26 ü Feel free to attend with no obligation, any Toastmaster (TM) meeting. ü You can attend 3 meetings as a guest while deciding to join. ü You can just show up at a meeting before we begin (11:55am).

Do you have a fear of PUBLIC SPEAKING?

Would you like to improve your public speaking skills, build confidence and hone your listening skills?

MAY 26

BEAU IS AFRAID

Ari Aster 179 MINS

WHEN: Thursdays noon to 1pm (meet at 11:50 to noon at door) WHERE Northwestel bldg, Lambert St & 3rd Ave (blue coloured door around back side) QUESTIONS: herbeeking(at)hotmail.com

Foster Families Needed

As most adoptions happen in the city, YARN relies heavily on foster homes in the city when pups are ready for adoption. We look after all the vet appointments and adoption applications.

YARN cannot continue accepting litters, unless it has foster homes to care for them in the city, while they find their homes. We are in need of some great Fosters Families to help our little fur-babies when they arrive in Whitehorse.

If you are interested and able to help in fostering please get in contact with us via our page @YukonAnimalRescueNetwork or send us a message via Facebook messenger or email: cheryl@YukonAnimalRescue.net

Opening and Wash Party: Thursday May 18

Saturday Artist Market

Front Street Picnic Shelter starts Sat May 20, 11-3pm

Yukon Riverside Arts Festival

June 1 - 4, 2023

Gallery Hop/Art Crawl: Thurs June 1, 7-10pm Drag Me North at the Palace Grand: Sat June 3

Tel: (867) 993-5005

Email: kiac@kiac.ca Website: www.kiac.ca

Youth Drop-In Centre

Recreational program for teen-years youth

When: Tuesday to Friday 3pm to 9 pm & Sat 1-9 pm

Ages: 12-18 years old

For more info: See Facebook page for schedule & activities, or email Oliver: obulpitt@bcgyukon.com

AllStars After School Program

An affordable, quality after school program

When: Monday to Friday 3-5:00 pm following the school calendar.

Ages: Ages 6-11 years old

Cost: Tuition fees as follows: $315/month allstars@bgcyukon.com for inquiries

Location: Downtown/Takhini Elementary

Learning Tree Early Years Centre

An affordable, quality, licensed childcare program

When: Monday to Friday 7:30am-5:15pm

Ages: 18 months - 5 years of age

Cost: Tuition fees as follows:

Toddler: $160/month, Preschool: $150/month Emily Howard at 393-2824 ext 206 or eypd@bgcyukon.com

Location: Riverdale