Alina Stoochnoff, 9, of Krestova was the junior champion at the BC Open Gold Panning Championships in Enderby over the May long weekend.
She received a trophy and gold nugget as prizes. Her grandparents, Marcie and Sam Tomelin of Shoreacres, placed fourth and fifth respectively in the expert category. Last year’s expert champion, Willie Sherstobitoff of Castlegar, placed third this year.
Over 200 competitors took part in the two-day event, which also included novice and intermediate classes.
All those named and other prominent panners will demonstrate the art of gold panning on Saturday and Sunday at the Kootenay Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show at the Castlegar rec complex.