The Lone Butte-Horse Lake Community Association is prepared to host Lone Butte Rocks this Sunday.
The 2025 edition of Lone Butte Rocks - a good ol' country style family event - will run between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on July 13 at the outdoor grounds of the Lone Butte Community Hall and the historic Water Tower Park rest station. Jenny Bakken, who is a director and lead coordinator for Lone Butte Rocks with the Lone Butte-Horse Lake Community Association, said they will have various activities running throughout the day.
These include a tractor ride, hose spraying and hose roll-out competitions put on by the Lone Butte Volunteer Fire Department, a dunk tank, as well as a craft market with over 35 vendors, raffle prizes, axe throwing bouncy castles, country kids games, kids roping lessons (which Bakken helps to sponsor) as well as face painting.
"I've heard that there are kids that attend the event that just do not get off the hay ride - and it's been extremely popular," Bakken said. "We're going into the third year of offering that tractor and hay wagon ride that I remember as a kid going on and didn't have any for the longest time - so I think that's been popular."
There will also be music played by Tracey Lynn as well as Jody Evans, an equine liberty demonstration, a boot scootin' boogie line dancing and barn dancing put on by Revelry Arts, as well as hula hooping with Barefoot Britt.
"I would say that we've brought back some good country, games and entertainment, including an all-day section for kids to participate in a gunnysack race, a three-legged race, and an egg and spoon race," Bakken noted.
Additionally, at the Water Tower Heritage Site, there will be a shooting gallery, as well as a garage sale and an open house.
Bakken is anticipating a large turnout for this year's iteration of Lone Butte Rocks.
"Last year, I did a quick headcount of over 300 in the early afternoon. I'd say there were probably at least 400 people that came through the gates on that day. I would expect the same this year," she said.
Bakken remembers the event quite well as a guest. Since moving to Lone Butte in 2004, Bakken has attended Lone Butte Rocks every year she can and is impressed with how the community comes together and makes such a fun event supporting local businesses.
"One time - actually, a couple of times, I rode my horse to the event and put signs on the side of my horse blanket that said Lone Butte Rock, with balloons. That was fun," Bakken reminisced.
Bakken says that it is important for events like Lone Butte Rocks to keep going, because "why wouldn't it be?"
"I think the Cariboo has a reputation of being friendly. Community events allow the neighbours and locals to connect. That's why it's important. It's a connection," Bakken said.
She noted that while the event is popular, they never stop looking for more volunteers to help organize everything.
"There are so many things that set up this event on the day of the morning and then take down in the afternoon. But the preparation up to the event also requires volunteers," Bakken said, adding she and two others have been in it for the long haul to prepare.
"We need help - for example, just emptying garbage cans, or giving the lady at the front gate who's handing out brochures a break to go to the bathroom," elaborated Bakken. "Attending the bouncy castle, helping the coordinator Diane, who does the kids' fun games and races all day, and give her a break or take over part of the day. We can use help all the time."
Bakken said those who want to volunteer should call the Lone Butte Community Hall at 778-444-3022 or visit their website at lonebuttecommunityhall.ca, where phone numbers and email addresses are there for people who want to get involved.
