A popular summer tradition in downtown Vernon is being brought back for another year.

The historic downtown mural tours are returning twice a week, starting July 11, put on by the Museum and Archives of Vernon (MVA).

Rain or shine, a trio of guides will lead groups on foot throughout the downtown core, as they comment on the history of the city through the details of the many beautiful works of art.

鈥淲e are so pleased to bring the tours back for another summer,鈥� said head of archives Gwyneth Evans. 鈥淓specially since the museum building is closed right now as we undergo some much-needed renovations, they provide us with an opportunity to continue connecting with our community.鈥�

Vernon has 28 murals, with 27 of them being completed by muralist Michelle Loughery, beginning in 1998 when she approached the Downtown Vernon Association (DVA) with the idea of a youth engagement and downtown revitalization initiative.

The murals are all based off of historical photographs from the MVA.

鈥淚 think us Vernonites can sometimes take the murals for granted, since we pass by them everyday as we are rushing from one thing to another,鈥� said Evans. 鈥淏ut when you take a moment to slow down and look at them closely, and learn just who the people staring back at you are, you develop a greater appreciation for our city鈥檚 historic roots, as well as the efforts that went in to creating these murals.鈥�

Late in 2022, council approved spending of up to $100,000 to go towards the revitalization of 24 of the 28 murals located around the city.

Tours take place every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. and Friday morning at 9 a.m. The hour and a half tours are close to five kilometres in length and must be pre-booked. Purchase tickets at . Prices range from $10-$15 a person.

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bowen.assman@vernonmorningstar.com
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