The provincial government is remaining tight-lipped on the schedule and timing of activities surrounding the official opening of the $144 million William R. Bennett Bridge.

The province will release exact details of Sunday's official opening during a conference call Friday.

It has been announced the official opening ceremonies will begin about 1 p.m. on the main stage at Hot Sands Beach.

The official cake cutting ceremony, to be presided over by Westside Mayor Rosalind Neis, former Premier Bill Bennett and cake creator Peter Klein, will take place at 3:30.

In between, it is expected there will be speeches by dignitaries from the province, Westbank First Nation, the cities of Kelowna and Westside and the Regional District and the ribbon will be cut.

The first people to officially cross the bridge will also take place at that time.

"The official ceremonies are a combination of activities in the park with announcements and speeches and things on the bridge deck," says City of Kelowna organizer, Reid Oddleifson.

"They will all flow from one to the other as time goes on."

Oddleifson expects a large crowd to gather in City Park Sunday, and reminds people there will be no public parking in the park that day.

"It is a Sunday, so there's all the street parking and parkades in the downtown area. We've also increased transit, so there will be a number of extra transit busses."

On its website, Kelowna Transit says it will offer twice the service on major routes from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with evening busses following the Saturday schedule from 7 p.m. until 10:45 p.m.

Festivities will begin at 9 a.m., culminating with a fireworks display at about 10 p.m., including:

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Information & Safety Services Kiosk – Stop and visit when you arrive onsite and obtain the most up to date program information.

11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Heritage Open House – Visit and walk through history showcasing water transportation in our community from early historical times right up to the present. Interesting photos and facts are intended to reach out to people of all generations creating visuals before and after the two bridges.

11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Bridging Communities Main Stage – For your enjoyment, a series of performances will take to the main stage. Be sure to visit the Information and Safety Services Kiosk on-site for a schedule of entertainment.

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Ogopogo Interactive Community Zone (presented by the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club) – This fun filled area will embody the buoyant spirit and endless curiosity of children and youth from various communities. Plan to participate in creative, artistic, musical and sporting activities – geared towards toddlers, children and youth up to 18 years of age.

11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
First Nations Village (presented by Westbank First Nation) Share a journey with unique Aboriginal cultural displays and performances designed to celebrate the rich culture of the Okanagan People, both past and present, in an authentic village setting.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Official Opening Ceremonies

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Bridge Walk – Join staff from Ministry of Transportation, SNC Lavalin and its various sub contractor partners mid-afternoon on the Bridge to learn about the many design and build features of the William R. Bennett Bridge.

3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cake Cutting Ceremony – Join the District of Westside near the Bridging Communities Main Stage for the William R. Bennett Bridge cake-cutting ceremony.

8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Parade of Boats – Plan to view or participate in this sail past involving all types of boats including sail, motorized, dragon boat, traditional first nation canoes, antique boats and others. For information regarding participation, please go online to http://www.kelownayachtclub.com/BridgingCommunities.htm.

9:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Parade of Light – Scout out an ideal vantage point on or near Hot Sands Beach for viewing this spectacular parade occurring after sunset. Participation in the activity is limited to pre-selected volunteer participants through an established program offered to School District No. 23, Private Schools and Westbank First Nation Schools.

10:00 p.m.
Fireworks – The Bridging Communities Celebration Fireworks will begin following the Parade of Light and will light up the sky for the enjoyment of all. Plan to watch from or near Hot Sands Beach for viewing this family friendly dramatic display.