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Big Canada Day planned for Penticton

Canada Day events happening around the South Okanagan
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Fireworks over Okanagan Lake in Penticton from 2016 Canada Day. John Poon/Special to the Western News

Canada’s 150th birthday will be one to remember around the South Okanagan.

In Penticton, the Downtown Penticton Association is busy with preparations for the Re/max Canada 150 Music Festival.

From 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. events will by taking place in Gyro Park including live music, market vendors, beer gardens (until 9 p.m.) and ending the evening off with a fireworks show over Okanagan Lake, starting at 10 p.m.

Posted by Penticton Western News on Friday, June 30, 2017

The Re/max Canada 150 Music Festival starts at 8 a.m. (until 1 p.m.) with the annual Quota pancake breakfast fundraiser with proceeds going to OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre, as well as deaf and hard of hearing individuals and the Quota Dental Access program. Family-friendly entertainment in the park will follow including a Scottish caber toss at 10 a.m., Fit Kids demo at 10:15 a.m. bellydancing by Desert Goddesses at 10:30 a.m. and the JEDI Dance Crew at 11:15 a.m.

At 11:45 the official Canada Day kickoff takes place with speeches, the playing of the national anthem and cake served.

At 12:05 p.m. Tracy Kim Bonneau will be on the stage with 150 Indigenous Reflections.

Rock cover band Jack & Jill will then take the stage at 12:30 p.m. They are followed by local country band the Hillside Outlaws at 2:15 p.m.

Tiger Moon, a Canadiana folk duo, perform at 4 p.m.

Brent Tyler and Joshua Smith will get up on the gyro park stage at 5:15 p.m. to bring soul and funk sounds to the crowd.

Alternative rock band Ancient Engines then will play at 6:30 p.m.

Pop, rock group JP Maurice play at 7:45 p.m.

Finishing the evening entertainment is Nankama and Kinshira Fire Troupe, with drumming and fire spinning demonstrations at 9:15 p.m.

Canada Day block party in Naramata

Dress up in your best Canadiana costume for the Naramata Canada 150 block party.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic (no barbecues) and dress up their table to win prizes for best dressed group and best decorated table. A prize will also be awarded to the winner of the Naramata 150 quiz that will take place throughout the evening.

A giant game of snakes and ladders, Canada Day tattoos handed out and a colouring contest will take place for the kids.

The event starts at 6 p.m. with live music from Jack Godwin and Yanti and the Hannigan Boys. Birthday cake will be served by White Apron chef Amanda Perez.

Tables and chairs will be provided on a limited basis. Reserve a spot by emailing naramata-rec@rdos.bc.ca. Organizers ask that you leave your pets at home.

Osoyoos kicks off summer with Cherry Fiesta

The town of Osoyoos celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday with the 69th annual Cherry Fiesta.

The fun begins at 7:30 a.m. on July 1 with a Rotary Pancake Breakfast in the Town Square, followed by the Cherry Fiesta Parade on Main Street at 11 a.m. 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 in various locations at select times.

For more visit: Osoyoos kicks off summer with Cherry Fiesta

Canada Day picnic in Summerland

Spend the day in Memorial Park for a special flag-raising ceremony, cake, games prizes and more.

Summerland is celebrating Canada day with events from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The day kicks off with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by the flag-raising ceremony at 11 a.m. Free cake will be served along with ice cream, pop and a barbecue presented by the Summerland Legion Branch 22 and partners.

Prizes will be handed out for kids games as well there will be a bouncy castle and face-painting.

Community celebration in Oliver

Stop in at the Oliver Community Centre to celebrate Canada Day for the unveiling of a special mosaic, free tennis and a community pool loonie swim.

From 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. a pancake breakfast will be served, admission by donation, where the Oliver Canada 150 mosaic will be unveiled.

The Sage Valley Voices and Oliver Elementary School Canadiana Choir will also perform at the event.

Free tennis is available from 8 to 11 a.m. and swim for $1 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Canada Day events in Okanagan Falls

A day of family activities and music is happening on July 1 in Kenyon and Centennial Park in Okanagan Falls.

Starting at 11 a.m. with opening ceremonies in Kenyon Park, families are invited to join in the fun. A barbecue lunch takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. when the family activity stations open.

A tug of war contest for those 14 years and older will take place at 11:30 a.m. filled by a hula hoop contest for those ages five to 12. That is filled by a jump rope contest for kids ages five to 12, an all ages potato sack race at noon and the pie bake-off (all ages) at 12:30 p.m.

The singing of the national anthem is at 1 p.m. and confederation cupcakes will be handed out at 2 p.m.

The entertainment carries on at Centennial Park at 4: 30 p.m. with the planting of a time capsule then music in the park continues until 8 p.m.

At the seniors centre there will be a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. and drop-in bingo from 1 to 4 p.m.

Organizers ask you bring a non-perishable donation to any of the events you attend to donate to Helping Hand.

Fun events at Pioneer Park in Kaleden

Kaleden Parks and Recreation is hosting July 1 celebrations from 1 to 4 p.m. in Pioneer Park.

The Summerland Pipe and Drum will perform, family craft and activity stations a free family barbecue and a tree-planting dedication honouring Fred king will take place.

Market on the move

The Downtown Community Market in Penticton moves to Gyro Park on July 1, all other dates the market will remain in the same location.

The Penticton Farmers’ Market moves to the 500 and 600 blocks of Main Street on July 1, then back to its regular location.