Plans are in full swing for this year’s Williams Lake Dry Grad, which will take place on Friday, June 14, at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. Over 270 graduates from Lake City Secondary, the TRU Trades Program, Skyline, Cariboo Adventist Academy, Alexis Creek, and local distance learning programs are expected to take part in the festivities.
The evening kicks off with the annual Dry Grad Parade, with staging beginning at 4:30 p.m. along 2nd Avenue in front of the City Works Yard, street closures at 5:00 p.m., and the parade start scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
The route begins near the School District 27 office and winds through town past landmarks such as Cariboo Place, giving residents plenty of opportunities to cheer on the grads. The Williams Lake Gymnastics Club will be assisting with barricades and traffic control.
Following the parade, graduates will head to the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex for an all-night celebration lasting until 3:00 a.m. This year’s theme, “Moonlight Masquerade,” promises to transform Rink 2 into a magical, memory-making venue. Grads will be welcomed into an enchanting atmosphere where moonlight and music set the tone for the evening.
The décor and lighting will offer a sense of escape and celebration, perfect for marking the end of the high school journey, and lounge areas and photo backdrops will provide the perfect setting for capturing unforgettable moments with friends.
Entertainment will include a mechanical bull, obstacle courses, laser tag, jousting, poker tables, lawn games, airbrush tattoos, mocktails, and more. Food will be served throughout the night, and every graduate will leave with a keepsake gift. The festivities will culminate in two $1,500 cash prize draws for grads still in attendance at the end of the night.
This massive community effort is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, volunteers, and families.
Fundraising events this year included a bingo night hosted by Williams Lake First Nation, a beer and burger night at The Point, a car wash at Cariboo GM, and contributions from businesses like BC Liquor Store, Shero Fashion Shed, and Save-On-Foods.
Additional funds were raised through a community raffle and other initiatives. Organizers extend their sincere thanks to the many individuals and organizations who have donated time, money, and resources to ensure grads can celebrate safely and in style.
