Drink and feast your way through the offerings of the Oliver Osoyoos wine country at the fourth annual Uncork the Sun event.
The popular fundraiser attracts crowds from all over the South Okanagan and afar to taste local wines, beers and culinary creations of local chefs and vendors.
This year’s event takes place August 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Oliver Community Park.
“It will be a pleasure to showcase the products of the wineries of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country at this annual event that draws both locals and visitors,” Jennifer Busmann, OOWA executive director, said in a press release. “There is no better way to celebrate summer in the Wine Capital of Canada and support the Oliver Sunshine Festival than attending a fun, interactive wine tasting event like this one.”
Tickets for Uncork the Sun are $30 for adults, $15 for students, children under eight are free. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, five tasting tickets and entertainment. Tasting tickets can be used for beverage or food. Each additional tasting is $1.
While sipping locally produced wines and brews, participants can rock out to the music of well-known Summerland band Jack and Jill.
The rock and roll cover band play a variety of favourites ranging from Janis Joplin and No Doubt to Miranda Lambert and Queen.
“This is a great event for families,” Carol Sheridan, organizer of the event, said in a press release. “There is so much green space to run and play around in and just a really relaxed night for all ages. Plan to bring chairs or a blanket, taste some food and wine, and dance!”
Money raised at the event goes towards the Oliver Roots and Fruits Expo, an all-day, free, family-friendly event held on Saturday, August 19.
The expo is a celebration of Oliver’s agriculture and heritage and kicks off with a parade in downtown at 10:30 a.m.
After the parade head to the Oliver Community Park and enjoy a day of activities for young and old.
Start the day by dining in the Multicultural Food Village, or pay a visit to the agriculture and heritage exhibits before taking a ride in the barrel train.
Make sure to sign up for the pie eating contest or if you have the skills enter your pie in the baking contest instead. And don’t forget your oddly shaped vegetable for the strange vegetable contest.
There will be live entertainment throughout the day with headliner and BC Country Music Association Country Club Act of the Year the Chris Buck Band taking the stage in the evening.
The Sunshine Festival also includes events on Thursday, August 17, Music in the Park with Darlene Ketchum Jazz Quartet from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 20, heritage walking tour starting at 9 a.m. from the visitor’s centre and Church in the Park from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
A limited number of tickets are available for the Unocork the Sun event. Tickets can be bought in advance at the Oliver Visitor Centre, at the Oliver Community Centre, at www.oliverosoyoos.com or at the gate while they last.