For the first time, British Columbia is marking a statutory holiday deep in the heart of winter.
Family Day in B.C. is on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, and Fort Steele Heritage Town is inviting all and sundry to celebrate the long weekend on a golden winter's day on the premises.
On Sunday, Feb. 10, a full slate of events is planned at Fort Steele, starting at 11 a.m. The ever popular sleigh rides will be happening through those vintage streets (by donation, and weather permitting), and the spacious outdoor skating rink will be open.
A family-style lunch will be served at the International Hotel, and hot apple cider and fresh baked goods at the Lambi House.
The International Hotel is also the site of Valentine cookie decorating ($2 each), in advance of another special day coming up later in the week.
There will be bonfires, and much more.
Not everyone is aware that Fort Steele is open all year round — here's a good opportunity to take in the joy of a Canadian winter.
Admission is by donation.
First Family Day
On January 10, 2011, while running for the leadership of the BC Liberal Party, Christy Clark proposed establishing a Family Day holiday on the third Monday of February. Clark subsequently became premier; the Speech from the Throne, delivered on October 3, 2011, said that BC would observe its first Family Day on February 18, 2013.
In 2012, a two-week consultation process was held in order to determine if British Columbians preferred the holiday to fall on the second or third Monday in February.[13] On May 28, 2012, it was announced that Family Day would be observed on the second Monday in February each year, starting February 11, 2013.