A couple weeks ago I wrote about climbing Observation Mountain, and without a doubt it was the most reader feedback I’ve ever received on a column. Many of you reached out either by email or in person with trail suggestions and anecdotes about your own hiking experiences. Many more of you offered to take me on your favourite trail sometime.
That got me thinking, as we head into the summer months, about all of the things to do in Grand Forks this summer. While I moved here last April, I feel as though this will be my first true summer in Grand Forks. Last year I was preoccupied with moving, and then moving again, furnishing an apartment and getting settled in a brand new job. I didn’t venture far that summer – my regular life alone was overwhelming enough.
But this summer I have a bit more time on my hands. I’ve figured out one of Grand Forks’ most beloved summer (and all the time) activities – hiking – so now I’m asking: what else would you consider a quintessentially summer Grand Forks experience? What about B.C. as a whole?
Growing up, there were a few things that signaled summer was upon us. One of my favourites was outdoor theatre – every summer the local theatre group would host free shows every Friday night of Shakespeare’s classic plays. Bring a lawn chair and a blanket and you were set. My favourite was always A Midsummer Night’s Dream – they tried to keep to Shakespeare’s comedies, for the younger kids. No Hamlet to be seen.
The other thing that always signaled summer was the beginning of my summer job, the worst job I’ve ever had: at a snack bar.
In my hometown there was one, very large and heavily utilized park. It had all the usual trappings: petting zoo, barn tours, paddle boats, etc etc. I used to love going there as a kid, and one summer I got hired. Nothing says “high school summer job” like a polyester polo shirt and a visor.
On paper it was a pretty good job. I had a minimum of 25 hours a week, but often more, I worked with a staff nearly entirely my age, and my best friend also worked there. Seems I was set up for a fantastic summer – minus the whole snack bar thing. I now know there is nothing more unpleasant on this earth than working a deep fryer in 35 degree heat. The second most unpleasant thing is spilling a slushie all over said (neon green) polyester polo shirt – and still having to finish out the shift. It was hot, sticky, and I always came home smelling like French fries.
All of that is to say, I’m really looking forward to my summer here in Grand Forks. What suggestions do you have to make the most of the summer? What activities should I make sure not to miss?