Prince George city councillor Tim Bennett is showing strong support for Mr. PG, the city’s mascot. In a bid to promote Mr. PG, Bennett shared a photo of himself standing by the roadside monument, holding a fried drumstick with a big smile. The photo is a recreation of a card he received from a child years ago, praising both chicken and Mr. PG. Bennett acknowledges Mr. PG as the ultimate symbol of awesomeness.
Standing tall at the junction of highways 16 and 97, Mr. PG’s popularity extends far beyond the north. Bennett noted that Mr. PG socks are highly sought after, even outside Prince George, with many pairs given away during travels to various cities. This widespread recognition has turned into a form of advocacy for the north and British Columbia as a whole.
According to Bennett, Mr. PG has become a key ambassador for Prince George, especially during challenging times in the forestry sector. Meanwhile, another significant attraction in the north is Barkerville, an integral part of B.C.’s history. Stewart Cawood, a long-time employee at Barkerville Historic Town and Park, emphasized how Barkerville reflects the province’s identity and historical roots.
Barkerville’s immersive displays on the gold rush era now prominently showcase Indigenous narratives, highlighting the diverse cultural contributions to British Columbia’s history. Cawood pointed out that the drive north on Highway 1 and the mile houses on Highway 97 owe their existence to Barkerville’s historical significance.
The ongoing competition to find B.C.’s Best Roadside Attraction features a matchup between Mr. PG and Barkerville in the northern finals. Readers can vote on their favorite attraction until Thursday evening, with the winner set to be crowned before Labour Day. Both Mr. PG and Barkerville stand as iconic symbols representing the rich heritage and cultural diversity of British Columbia.