Summer is always a hectic time for our family because we have back-to-back birthday parties for Molly and Zoe.

Coming up with an affordable and unique venue can be a big challenge, but not if you do a little digging…you never know, you might strike gold.

For Zoe’s 5th birthday in June, we wanted to do something a little different this year that wouldn’t require any entertaining on our part.

After doing some research online for birthday party options here in the Fraser Valley, we decided to book the Gold Fever Party at Fort Langley’s National Historic Site.

Our little red head and 10 of her closest friends were given the ultimate gold prospector experience within the palisade walls of the Fort.

The party started at 10:30 a.m. on a beautiful Sunday morning – our group had the entire site to ourselves that first hour.

After being led to our private party room, which we were given free range to decorate, our own personal historic interpreter arrived to greet the group of wee gold prospectors.

We put up lots of gold balloons, yellow streamers and cupcakes with gold coins and sprinkles to go with the theme. It was definitely a refreshing change from our typical princess parties of the past.

The first stop on the tour was the ‘Big House’ to sign a gold license using ink and a calligraphy pen.

Fortunately, there was also the option to use crayon to sign the document.

En route to the gold panning station, Zoe and her guests had the opportunity to visit and feed the animals, including goats, rabbits and chickens.

After washing their hands, the girls passed through the garden and were given permission to pick fresh berries straight from the vine.

There were plenty of giggles at the gold panning station, and plenty of “gold” nuggets to boot!

“Mommy, I’m rich!” screamed Zoe, showing us her bounty.

No trip to the fort, even a birthday party, would be complete without a visit to the blacksmith workshop.

The birthday girl was given her own piece of metal to take home after the demonstration.

After all that panning and exploring, our group was famished. We headed back to the party room for lunch, cake and presents. Speaking of lunch, party hosts are given free range to use the gas BBQ on site.

Did you know that if there isn’t a fire ban, they’ll let you have a camp fire? Good thing the group left room for roasted marshmellows.

We couldn’t be happier with Zoe’s Gold Fever birthday party at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. Both the kiddies and parents had a real blast to the past. If you’re planning a party for your son or daughter, I highly recommend booking a party at the fort. In addition to the Gold Fever party, there is also both a High Tea and a Royal Engineers theme to choose from.

What: Gold Fever Party at the Fort Langley National Historic Site

Features

• Includes all-day site admission.
• One-hour party includes the following guided activities with Parks Canada interpreter:
  • Try on old-fashioned dress up clothes.
  • Watch a blacksmithing demonstration.
  • Sign a gold license and pan for gold.
• Optional bonfire (roasting sticks provided; bring your own food)
• Download invitations (PDF, 575 KB)

Times 

• Weekends: 10:30 am or 1:30 pm

Cost

• $14.70 (including GST) per child, for a maximum of 15 children. Adult chaperones complimentary.

For more information, visit www.pc.gc.ca

Valley Mom