She may be a little long in the tooth, but all these birthdays — 144, to be exact — haven’t taken away from her natural beauty one bit.
In what will no doubt prove to be the largest birthday party in the country this year, as Canadians from coast to coast will be joining to celebrate Canada’s 145th birthday today. The festivities are sure to be widespread, and the South Okanagan is no exception to the jubilation, with enough events going on to cater to nearly everyone’s interests.
At Penticton’s Gyro Park, the festivities kick off early, with the Quota and South Okanagan Women in Need Society’s pancake breakfast, barbecue lunch fundraiser beginning at 8 a.m. There will be over 50 vendors, 20 food concessions and over 10 acts featured, such as the Black Widow Rope Spinners and DJ Abrupt and Kid Kong. The acts begin with the opening ceremonies at noon and go until the fireworks display.
The Penticton Lakeside Resort will be featuring band Joe’s Garage, and a boardwalk barbecue between 12 p.m. and 11 p.m., as well as fireworks at 10 p.m.
The SS Sicamous will be featuring a number of local acts such as Dr. Eclectic, artisan vendors, the opportunity to have family portraits taken and guided tours of the Sicamous at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., and the SS Naramata at 1:30 p.m.
Not to be outdone, the Casabella Princess will be having an aquatic party cruise to mark the occasion from 8:30 to 11 p.m. The cruise will feature a bar entertainment, and what Barbara Seisert, co-owner of the Princess, said is the best view to watch the fireworks.
The Penticton Community Centre will be open from noon until 4 p.m., and offer special, low holiday rates for entry.
If you live outside of Penticton, there are plenty of events closer to home.
In Summerland, the Legion Branch 22 will be having a Canada Day picnic at Memorial Park between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be live entertainment, face-painting and other kids games, a free barbecue and cake. The event will kick off with a flag-raising ceremony.
In Oliver, there will again be a Canada Day breakfast at the Community Park between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There will also be free swimming at the Oliver pool between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Okanagan Falls will also be holding a celebration, combining the official opening of their new Kenyon Park expansion with their Canada Day festivities. Starting at 8 a.m. in Kenyon Park, there will be a Lions Club pancake breakfast, and at 11 a.m. the opening of the park and opening ceremonies for Canada Day will begin. At noon, a new spray park will be opened at Kenyon, and between 1 and 4 p.m., there will be arts and crafts, face-painting, games and cupcakes.
The Keremeos Grist Mill will be holding an event as well. The oldest wooden mill in Canada will be featuring balladeers, local music, skits from the Grist Mill Gang Players and a barbecue from 1 p.m. until nightfall. Guests are advised to bring their own chairs and blankets. As well, the Grist Mill Gang Players will be holding skits at the event.
Canada Day Festivities
Gyro Park — 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. — More than 50 vendors and food concessions, 10 featured acts and the Quota/SOWINS pancake breakfast/ lunch barbecue fundraiser.
Lakeside Resort — noon to 11 p.m. — Entertainment by Joe’s Garage, boardwalk barbecue, fireworks.
SS Sicamous — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Entertainment by Dr. Eclectic and other groups, small artisan market, barbecue and tours of the SS Sicamous at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. and the SS Naramata at 1:30 p.m.
Oliver Community Park — 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. — Canada Day breakfast
Okanagan Falls Kenyon Park — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Pancake breakfast, official opening of Kenyon Park expansion and new spray park, arts and crafts, games and face-painting.
Summerland Memorial Park — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Entertainment, face-painting, kids games, free barbecue and cake.
Keremeos Grist Mill — 1 p.m. to nightfall — Skits, ballads, live music and a barbecue. Guests advised to bring their own chairs and blankets.