It’s hard to believe that there are only a few days left in the spring legislative session here in Victoria. 

While I always enjoy advocating on behalf of my constituents in the Legislature, nothing brings me greater joy than returning to the Nicola Valley to spend time in the beautiful communities that I represent, seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

Summer in the Nicola Valley is a particularly enjoyable time. Our region offers fantastic weather and entertaining events that bring our communities together in celebration.

During the summer months, we welcome visitors to our communities from near and far.

Some come from neighbouring towns to meet up with old friends, while others come from across the country to discover what our region has to offer.

What makes our local summer events particularly special is their deep connection to our region’s cowboy and ranching heritage. 

First Nations groups and early pioneers worked together to establish the ranching-based communities that continue to thrive to this day.

The cowboy spirit is still alive and well in Merritt. After all, we are the “country music capital of Canada,” and we celebrate this heritage through many of our summer festivities.

The biggest example is the Rockin’ River Country Music Festival, which will bring award-winning country artists such as Sam Hunt and Dean Brody to Merritt this July.

Make sure to mark this festival on your calendar, as well as the many other events taking place in our city throughout the summer.

  • May 21 and 22, June 4 – Merritt Stock Car Association Speedway Races
  • June 5 – Kids Try It Triathlon
  • June 12 – Merritt Country Run
  • June 18 – First Nations Traditional Games
  • July 8 to 11 – Bass Coast Music Festival
  • July 28 to 31 – Rockin’ River Music Festival

I hope you’ll get out to enjoy some of these events, to celebrate the best that the Nicola Valley has to offer!

Jackie Tegart is the MLA for Fraser-Nicola