To the Editor,

A very large group has traveled for the past 20 years to Lillooet for the May long weekend and camped in the town and area anywhere from three days to 10 days.

We purchase all our groceries, fuel and other incidentals from the local merchants every year, leaving behind a minimum of $200 each week.

Now this may not seem like much; however, in a town that is struggling to keep its head above water, it should not be taken lightly.

This year, 20 units traveled to Lillooet, some arriving as early as Monday, May 14 and all the others arriving in stages ‘til the 22nd. Upon arriving only to find that the Hydro campsite was closed and the town campsite was closed, some of the units are far too large to fit in the site across the river.

For many years, Mr. George Frantzen was there to welcome us and make us feel at home. He will be missed.

Luckily, we knew some of the local residents and they arranged for us to find a place to park. My point is that I reckon we spent something like $4,000 during the period we were in town and we feel the town does not want to cater to tourists.

I respectfully recommend that in future you see to it that all the facilities are ready for such a predominantly busy weekend, and welcome the business to Lillooet.

Sincerely,

Shirley Wares,

100 Mile House