The third annual Copper & Fire event at the B.C. Museum of Mining in Britannia Beach on Sunday (Aug. 14) attracted almost double the number of visitors over the previous year, according to organizers.
"I was really pleased with the turnout," said museum director Kirstin Clausen. "We had about 600 people who came out and a tremendous amount were local people. It is gratifying to have so many locals come to the event, because we want area residents to feel the museum has something to offer them."
Copper & Fire featured booths of artisans demonstrating different techniques for using mining products in art. Glass blowers, blacksmiths, painters, jewelers, potters and metalworkers all gave workshops and live demonstrations of their crafts. Yukon Dan, 1998 Silver Medalist from the World Gold Panning Championships was also on hand giving tips at the museum's gold panning troughs, and various area musicians entertained throughout the sunny day. There was also a face-painting booth for children and concessions.
"We really don't want this to be seen as a crafts fair," said Clausen. "You really get to see how artists are inspired by mine products like copper and clay."
In addition to the fascinating live demonstrations and music, the event also included the regular tour of the mining facility, inside and out - all for half the normal price of a museum ticket.
"We really see this as a value-added event," said Clausen.
She said the event was conceived out of a need to create something unique for the museum that would attract both tourists and locals alike.
"It started three years ago because we decided we needed a signature event," she said. "We needed to carve out something that we could hang mining on - that would help people explore mining and its heritage in a fun way," she said. "We can see how Copper & Fire will have some staying power and has a personality that is unique from other events."
This year, Clausen said artisans and musicians were given honourariums for their efforts at Copper & Fire, thanks to a grant from [email protected]
