O’Keefe Ranch ready for new season

Jun 3, 2020 | 3:36 PM

The O’Keefe Ranch has set June 17 as the date for its soft opening.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to trouble not-for-profits leaving many of them wondering if or how they will open again; however, the ranch has rallied once again, and is pushing through with a scheduled soft opening of June 17th,” said a news release from the ranch.

The historic site, located in Spallumcheen, tells the story of early BC Ranching, and aims to preserve the history and culture of the early ranching era for future generations.

From now until June 16, the ranch is allowing the public to access the grounds as a way to just get people outdoors in a safe environment. Donation boxes have been set up around the grounds and cash and online donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated.

On June 17 the ranch will start running mini events which will allow patrons to purchase a ticket on TicketSeller and attend an event at either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Some of the mini events include a self-guided tour with maps and information and a heritage building tour which includes your group’s own interpreter. More mini tours will be made available as they navigate the safety protocols of the pandemic. Some mini-events will be free for season pass holders, but a ticket and registration is still required to ensure the tour does not exceed the maximum tour limits.

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The O’Keefe Ranch has also announced that all 2020 seasons passes will be extended to include the 2021 season. For those who are interested in purchasing a 2020/2021 seasons pass, the ranch is currently offering 20 per cent off the regular price.

The ranch says details of a Cowboy Campfire experience as a replacement for the Cowboy Dinner Show will be announced soon as well as a more in depth animal tour.

Building access will be limited and several buildings will not be able to open this year as the flow of traffic will not allow for safe practices of social distancing.

Bruce Cummings, President and Tim Gibson, Finance and Marketing Manager for O’Keefe Ranch, will be presenting to Vernon City Council on Monday June 8 with an update and suggestions on how the community can assist the ranch through COVID-19.

by Vernon Matters Staff

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