Communities up and down the Okanagan valley are getting ready to mark Canada’s 151st birthday.
The biggest party in the valley takes place in Kelowna with a day-long celebration that includes dozens of activities.
The annual free community “Celebrate Canada Day” festival is held in numerous locations in the city’s downtown core including Waterfront Park, Jim Stuart Park, Kerry Park, as well as Prospera Place.
Some of the festival’s key features include live musical performances on numerous stages, a Taste of Canada food fair, the 45th annual Folkfest, a kids’ zone, a massive cake-cutting, and the always popular fireworks display.
Kelowna’s Canada day celebration draws around 60,000 people every year.
Kelowna Transit will have extended hours with buses leaving the Queensway Station 30 minutes after the fireworks end.
Click here for a schedule of activities for July 1.
Penticton is also gearing up for a big party.
The celebration will take place at Gyro Park and kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 8 am.
The breakfast will be followed with a day long lineup of activities.
“We also have a very full day of activities and entertainment planned,” Downtown Penticton Association’s executive director Lynn Allin said. “We’ve got a great line up of musical talent and performances scheduled from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM that will surely delight people of all ages.” There will also be face painting, bouncy castles, a petting zoo and more, all day long. Grab a blanket, water and sunscreen and head downtown to enjoy the day with friends and family.”
The day will end with fireworks over Okanagan Lake starting at dusk (10ish).
For more information about Canada Day activities in Penticton click here.
Osoyoos will celebrate Canada Day with the 70th annual Cherry Fiesta.
The all-day party kicks off with a Rotary Pancake Breakfast in Town Square, followed by the Cherry Fiesta Parade on Main Street.
Throughout the day, the town will be hopping with live entertainment, a beer garden, craft and food vendors, children’s activities on the beach, and a “cherry pit spit” competition
Click here for more information on the schedule of events in Osoyoos.
In the north Okanagan, preparations are also well underway for Canada Day celebrations in Vernon.
The party begins at 10 am in Polson Park with the official opening ceremonies and a cake cutting starting at 1 pm.
“We are excited to announce extreme motocross, ATV rides, a freestyle skateboard competition are back again and new this year will be the first annual bicycle and
scooter decorating contest and parade” North Okanagan Canada Day Society (NOCDS) president president Dave Frost said. “We also have a fantastic line up of stage events as well as food vendors, a dunk tank, mini golf, military display by the BC Dragoons and carnival games presented by Emmanuel Baptist Church.”
Fore more information check out NOCDS’ Facebook page by clicking here.