Clover the "Spirit" Komode Bear

Image Credit: You Tube

KAMLOOPS – Long weekends are like finding ten dollars on the sidewalk or discovering the raisons in your muffin are actually chocolate chips — it makes the week that much better.

If you’re looking for things to do to make the most of three glorious days away from work or school, look no further.

Bring the whole family to the B.C. Wildlife Park, Saturday, May 16 through Monday May 18. In addition to animal encounters, the park will feature magician Clinton W. Gray and Uncle Chris the clown performing on the amphitheatre. Gray performs twice each day, at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. while Uncle Chris, every day at 1:00 p.m. Also this weekend, kids can take part in paintball target shooting and inflatable castle jumping. Each activity costs two dollars per ticket and are available from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

But for those who come to a wildlife park for the wildlife, there are two Exciting Animal Encounters a day. Grizzly bear feedings happen every noon hour and encounters with birds of prey, every day at 1:30 p.m.

But the star of the show this year is none other than Clover, the Kermode “Spirit” Bear. He moved to Kamloops just over a week ago and is loving his new 2.7 acre home, complete with two pools and glass viewing area. Clover is still new in town and getting used to his surroundings, but staff feel he should be out and about for viewing this weekend.

Those hoping to leave to kids at home and enjoy some more adult entertainment, it is a weekend of arts, entertainment and libations.

From Thursday, May 14 to Saturday, May 16 is the downtown Kamloops’ Spring Festival. This is three days of live art and music. Super Saturday on the main stage includes a fashion show and live performances from Anita Eccleston and Caroline and the Dicks. Artists Evan Christianson and Kelly Norwood will also be creating street art downtown.

Restaurants and merchants will open their doors to visitors this weekend, and if you spend $25 or more at downtown business you will be given a stamp. Five stamps will enter you into a grand prize and weekly draws of downtown merch.

If you’re interested in live music and drinks, Wheelhouse, Johnson Sandwich and Caitlin Goulet will all be playing Friday night at the Blue Grotto, Commodore, and Chances Lounge, respectively. On Saturday, Towers and Trees plays the Grind. Doors open at 8 p.m.

For those who are looking for more of a rush, this long weekend in Kamloops has a lot to offer.

The Kamloops skydivers will host their 48th annual May Meet, May 15 to 18. This event encompasses a weekend of skydiving, camping and eating on site. Jump tickets are $35, with another $30 in event fees.

Stopping by Kamloops Bike Ranch May 17 to 18, FEST series Aggy’s Reunion. This event features high-flying, pro stunt riders on a track with 50 foot gaps and even bigger drops. Live DJs and after parties, promised to follow.

FEST Riders Series

Image Credit: Kamloops Bike Ranch/Facebook