Click here for more one red paperclip articles

	e-mail
	comment

Jim Sadler, owner of the Yahk General Store, with Jeffrey Cooper, photojournalist. —photo courtesy Jeffrey Cooper

Ever since the offer to trade an all-inclusive trip to Yahk for a snowmobile was accepted by Kyle MacDonald, a mix of humour and excitement has been stirring amongst the residents of Yahk.

SnoRiders West had the opportunity to interview a couple of Yahkites and get their reactions to Kyle MacDonald, the paperclip guy.

What is your reaction to the story?
My general reaction is of humour. It would be cool to have the nation look at a rural community in Canada trying to stay alive.—Delta Fay Cruickshank, owner of Yahk’Tiques antiques and collectibles and resident of Yahk for nearly six years.

I think the story is pretty cool. The snowmobiling trip is an awesome thing to do in Yahk, it’s well worth the trade. —Jim Sadler, owner of the Yahk General Store.

What reactions have you heard from other residents of Yahk?
Some people said that it is cool to have Yahk in the national news, it is the best possible advertising we could get. —Cruickshank

Most people from Yahk feel that our little town is a hidden jewel . . . and we really want to show the area off. —Sadler

Do you think this story is good promotion for Yahk?
It is the best possible advertising we could get.—Cruickshank

This story is great recognition for Yahk. I would imagine that the name Yahk has been mentioned in the media more with this story than in the past 10 years.—Sadler

Will Kyle enjoy his stay in Yahk?
Why wouldn’t he? Here in our area, all summer long we hear from the tourists what a great place it is and how lucky we are to live here. —Cruickshank

Kyle will definetly enjoy his stay here in Yahk, smowmobiling is so much fun and the scenery is beautiful here.—Sadler

What will he enjoy most?
Ifhe’s into snowmobiling and likes good old-fashioned hospitality and those who love to have a good time, why not?—Cruickshank

He’ll enjoy the wildlife, sledding and a big warm bonfire with drinks at the end of the day—Sadler

Have you seen any other famous people come through town?
We have had Mark Fuhrman of the O.J. Simpson trial, Rob Neidermayer’s wife and child and some members of the Calgary Flames. I imagine tons of famous people have been through our area because it is the only southern route through B.C. and is only 12 minutes from the U.S. border. —Cruickshank

What would you like to say to Kyle MacDonald?
Yahk is a great place away from the big box stores and consumerism. It is a life of living closer to nature and it offers a chance to be more self-sufficient, resourceful and a lot more laid back. —Cruickshank

Kyle, I bet your plan was to hold off on the house until one became available here in Yahk. There is property for sale nearby! —Sadler

With such a positive reaction from the residents of Yahk, Kyle MacDonald is sure to enjoy his adventure in Yahk, B.C.

e-mail this article to a friend

comment on this article