The cherry trees are in bloom and the daffodils are popping up signalling the start of Spring!  Harrison Hot Springs is great place to take a break close to home.  The Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa has a fantastic family package during the school break periods;
Check it out online at http://www.harrisonresort.com/VacationPackage_Family.aspx

The Circle Farm Tour is also a must do while in town; stop by Farm House Cheeses for hand-made artisan cheeses, Canadian Hazelnuts for candy coated treats, Limbert Mountain Farm for fresh herbs, tea blends and specialty foods and at the Back Porch the coffee pot is always on to try their latest blend.   

The Agassiz Leisure Services Department has planned a special family show for Thursday March 11 at the Fitness/Activity Centre.  It is a comedic, theatrical story of a family of Trolls living in a Canadian forest.  The Trollson’s events have toured Canada coast to coast and the area is fortunate to have them perform locally.  This is a free event starting at 1 pm.  For more information call 604-796-8891.

On March 13 the Pine Leaf Boys come to town.  This Louisiana based band will provide high energy cajun music in the intimate setting of the Harrison Memorial Hall.  Tickets are $20 and the concert starts at 8pm.  Call 604-796-3664 or visit www.harrisonfestival.com

Got your olympic souvenir yet?  Stop into the Harrison Visitor Center; we have a great selection of 2010 pins.

Unfortunately we have not heard from Mr Colbert regarding our Sasquatch Search invitation.  We will keep the invitation open and hope he can visit Harrison Hot Springs if his schedule permits or at a later date. 

Our Sasquatch expert, Bill Miller, will be on site at the Richmond Ozone at the BC Street Vancouver, Coast & Mountains booth Feb 23 from 5 - 8 pm and Feb 26 from 3 - 5 pm.  Be sure to stop by and learn about this elusive creature.  Also tune into the Jack FM 96.9 morning radio show on Feb 23 to hear Bill. 

The Acadian group Vishten are bringing their brand of traditional music to Harrison Hot Springs on February 13.  Made up of third generation Acadians from Prince Edward Island, their sound incorporates elements of the new ways while retaining and staying true to the essential Acadian spirit and their roots. 
Treat yourself for Valentine’s Day.  Harrison Memorial Hall, 8pm,  tickets $20

www.harrisonfestival.com

Local food growers and processors, The Farm House Cheeses, Limbert Mtn Farm and Chantilly Ice Cream will be featured on the Food Network’s new hit series “Pitching In” on February 8 at 7pm PST.  The show is hosted by “Iron Chef” Lynn Crawford of Restaurant Makeover fame.  In the Agassiz Harrison episode Chef Crawford learns the art of making cheese starting with the basics of animal husbandry, getting up early to feed and milk the cows and goats, cleaning the stalls and finishing the creation of fresh artisan cheeses. She then visits the Limbert herb farm to harvest the herbs and vegetables she uses to create a feast.  She also co-creates a fresh vanilla goats milk ice cream at Chantilly’s to finish the meal.  Be sure to check this out - you will soon realize fresh and local is truly the best!  www.foodnetwork.ca

Tourism Harrison will be participating in BC Street in the Richmond Ozone as part of the Olympic celebrations.  Be sure to stop by and visit us in the Vancouver Coast & Mountains Tourism Booth.  Each day in the booth interactive activities are planned.  Tourism Harrison will be sampling many of the Circle Farm Tour products including hazelnuts from Canadian Hazelnuts, cheese from Farm House Natural Cheeses and coffee from the Back Porch.  Also on selected days, Sasquatch Researcher/Investigator Bill Miller will be on hand to share his knowledge of the elusive creature which has been reported to be seen in our area.  

BC Street is open noon - 11 pm on Saturday and Sundays and 3 - 11 pm on weekdays from February 12 - 28.  Be sure to stop by and visit us!

As mentioned earlier the Torch Relay will be coming through Harrison Hot Springs on Sunday February 7.  The time has been confirmed for 11:07 am.  Spectators are recommended to be at the Harrison Plaza by 10:30am.  The AESS Jazz Band will be performing in the Plaza and First Nations dancers from Chehalis will be on hand for a welcome dance.  The torch bearers will be running from the Visitor Centre to the Plaza and then Memorial Hall.  At the Memorial Hall cake and refreshments will be served and a performance by Sand Northrup, aka the One Woman Circus, will take place.

Keep your eyes out for the elusive Sasquatch, rumour has it he was seen in the area lately and is expected to make an appearance! 

Congratulations to Debra Amrein-Boyes! 

The owner and cheesemaker of Farm House Natural Cheeses has just been named the Canadian nominee for her Recipe book - 200 Easy Homemade Cheese Recipes - From Cheddar and Brie to Butter and Yogurt.  Her book will represent Canada in its category at the prestigious World Gourmand Cookbook Award in Paris on Feb 11.

Looking to start your ‘relaxing’ trip to Harrison as soon as you get on the road? or looking for alternative route in and out of the valley. Did you know Highway 7, the Lougheed Hwy is dubbed the ‘Scenic 7′? and it takes you to Harrison Hot Springs. With a new website just launched why not check out this route the next time you are travelling the valley. And enjoy the scenery and great communities along the way.  www.scenic7bc.com

Come into the Harrison Hot Springs Visitor Centre and pick up the two new 2010 publications and start planning your vacation.

The Harrison Hot Springs Offical 2010 Visitor Guide, has a full listing of accommodations in the area, plus activities, and ‘things to do’ ideas.

The Ticket to Explore booklet has been expanded this year to include more of those great coupons. With over 25 businesses participating, pick yours up today and start enjoying the local area. Visit tourismharrison.com for a sneek peak at the list of participates. Don’t forget the Ticket to Explore also has events listings and trail information.