Tim Bennett, a city councillor from Prince George, is wholeheartedly supporting Mr. PG.
Eager for his city’s mascot to claim victory, he shared a cheerful image of himself in front of the iconic roadside statue, a fried chicken drumstick in hand and a big grin on his face.
This moment mirrors a hand-drawn card he received from a child a few years back, shortly after he departed from his position at Big Brothers Big Sisters. The child had expressed, “Chicken is awesome, Mr. PG is awesome, and you’re awesome.”
Bennett acknowledges his place in this hierarchy — “Mr. PG is the ultimate in awesomeness.”
Prince George city Coun. Tim Bennett poses in front of Mr. PG. (Submitted by Tim Bennett)
Mr. PG stands tall at the intersection of highways 16 and 97. However, Bennett has been pleasantly surprised by how widely Mr. PG’s appeal has spread beyond the northern region.
“Mr. PG socks are incredibly popular,” he noted. “Whenever we go to places like Vancouver, Victoria, or Ottawa, we hand out a lot of pairs.”
This brand recognition has evolved into a unique form of advocacy — not only for the north but for British Columbia as a whole.
“He has truly become a symbol of Prince George, and amidst the ongoing difficulties in the forestry sector, Mr. PG serves as a strong reminder of the foundations upon which Prince George was established,” remarked Bennett.
“I think of the big old smile that he has on his face, and that truly represents the people of B.C.”
There’s more to the narrative in the north, however. Another resource sector is deeply ingrained in B.C.’s heritage. Another advocate.
“Barkerville has existed since before British Columbia was recognized as a province and played a crucial role in shaping this region into what it is today,” stated Stewart Cawood, who has been part of Barkerville Historic Town and Park for two decades.
Barkerville serves as a reminder to British Columbians of “who we are and where we’re headed.”
How the finalists in the Interior and north sections of the Search for B.C.’s Roadside Attraction got to this point. (CBC News)
For instance, the attraction’s immersive experience regarding the gold rush has evolved to highlight the narratives of Indigenous communities “front and centre,” according to Cawood.
“It’s a reminder that individuals from various backgrounds and cultures contributed to the events that unfolded here, and all of these stories are significant.”
Additionally, the routes north along Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon, as well as the many mile houses on Highway 97, owe their existence to Barkerville.
“We’re not merely a roadside attraction; we are the destination that marked the entire journey when that road was constructed in the 1860s,” Cawood emphasized. “Our stories are not confined to this historical site; they are intertwined with all the other narratives of British Columbia’s history.”
Moreover, Barkerville is genuinely a town, according to Cawood. It’s “more than just a place to snap a photo.” Hold on to your drumsticks.
The advocates have made their case. May the finest northern attraction emerge victorious.
It’s bracket time
Following the selection of the best small town, lake, and symbol, the Search for B.C.’s Best Roadside Attraction continues the summer tradition of inviting CBC British Columbia readers to participate in a bracket and have their say on an aspect of the province’s identity.
In today’s contest, Mr. PG competes against Barkerville in the northern finals.
Voting occurs every week in August from Monday to Thursday, with one region represented each voting day.
A champion will be determined from the final four before Labour Day.
Voting will remain open until 8 p.m. PT on Thursday.
