When you’re a mining town with no mine, every anniversary is special. But this one is more so because Faro turns 40 on July 1.
The town that lives on its good looks and personality will be feted by Faroites and anyone else who wants to visit.
“There are a lot of free barbecues,” says Daniel Steiner, the community development and grants coordinator. “We’ve ordered lots of food.”
The hotel and the bed and breakfasts are filling up, but there are still rooms available. As well, there is a campsite in town with 60 overflow spots at the Bible Chapel and a few campgrounds outside of town within easy reach of Faro and all that is going on.
For instance, there is a family softball game, family dance, midnight swim, musical jam sessions and bingo.
Steiner says one of the most-anticipated events will be tours of the Faro Mine Complex that will offer a scope of what needs to be done for reclamation as well as an overview of the mine’s evolution.
As well, the Anvil Range Arts Society has decided to move into its own gallery in the legion hall. Its grand opening will be July 1, to honour Faro’s 40th.
Steiner says the idea has been kicked around for three years now and a committee took shape in October. Bi-weekly meetings turned into weekly meetings and it never got more intense than that as “the whole community got involved,” he says. “Everyone from community groups to seniors to school groups.
“We could have waited until the 50th,” says Steiner, “but the time is right now.”
There is something happening every day starting Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday. Information is available at www.faroyukon.ca.
