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News Release

Updated: November 28, 2022

The Shuswap Trails Party Returns for 2023!

The Shuswap, British Columbia, Secwepemc Territory – Planning for the beloved Shuswap Trails Party is once again underway, so save the date for the first Friday in February. Those coveted Shuswap Trail Party tickets are set to arrive December 07, just in time to continue giving the gift of trails this Christmas!

17 years ago, regional leadership launched the what-if idea of Shuswap communities working together to support each other in the creation of trails and pathways. To help fund the effort they created what has become a sell-out celebration of trails right in the middle of winter. Regional partners came together around the idea that together we were stronger and both the Shuswap Trail Alliance and the annual Shuswap Trails Party were born.

"Those trail party tickets lay down the foundation for us to support regional partners and projects throughout the year," says Shuswap Trail Alliance Board Chair, Scott McKee, noting they sell out by word-of-mouth weeks before the event. Every dollar raised is then leveraged through grants and partnerships to support trail projects throughout the Shuswap.

Thanks to funding in 2022, trails projects were completed at Sorrento/Blind Bay, South Canoe, Eagle Pass, Mara Lookout, and Salmon Arm. Funds also supported new partnerships, local government partners, volunteers, more trail signs, improvements to existing trails, planning for the future, and further restoration efforts.

“It involves the leadership of many committed people throughout the Shuswap,” acknowledges McKee, pointing to the collaboration between Secwepemc, provincial, and local government leadership, stewardship organizations, industry, community sectors, and trail user groups. The Shuswap Trail Alliance also gratefully acknowledges the support of the Province of British Columbia.

This year's Shuswap Trail Party fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, February 3rd, 2023, and features the Legendary Lake Monsters with DJ Partico's Patrick Ryley keeping the dance floor packed, locally made appies, and a 50/50.

“The silent auction was so streamlined hat that we have decided to keep the silent auction online again in 2023”, says STA Executive Director Jen Bellhouse. “The silent auction will feature unique Shuswap experiences and the online format will again include enhanced opportunities to feature local businesses, item photographs, and website links to encourage people to support local businesses”.

Tickets to the Shuswap Trails Party & Fundraiser will be available exclusively at Skookum Cycle & Ski in Salmon Arm, as of December 07 (Tickets $50, cash or cheque only). Reserve tables also available for $100 donation plus a group of 10 tickets purchased.

To make a cash or auction donation contact Sylvia at auction@shuswaptrails.com or phone 250-832-3435. For information on the Shuswap Trail Alliance, regional partners, projects, and how to contribute, visit www.shuswaptrails.com.